Navigating ADHD Across the Lifespan: Understanding and Supporting Neurodivergent Minds
Insights, Strategies, and Resources for Families, Educators, and Individuals Living with ADHD
Introduction to ADHD
What is it?
The Center for Disease Control estimates that 6 in 10 kids have moderate to severe Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (Data and Statistics on ADHD, 2024). ADHD is a neurological processing disorder that is typically seen in children before the age of 7 through adulthood.
Symptoms- Gender and Age
Symptoms of ADHD differ greatly depending on age and gender. Many of us are familiar with the common stereotype of young boys who cannot sit still, focus, and who are constantly vying for attention at home or in school. For young girls, ADHD can often look different and since they are less attention seeking often go undiagnosed. They also struggle with short term memory and challenges with executive dysfunction (Stargell et al., 2017). Children and Adults with ADHD often have difficulties with motivation and organization, diminished ability to focus and maintain focus, challenges controlling emotions, forgetfulness, and find themselves easily frustrated (Wadsworth et al., 2013). I often use the word neurodivergent or neurodiversity when I am talking about ADHD because it is defined as diversity in brain functioning and processing.
Treatment
Treatment for ADHD can be in the form of behavioral management approaches, medication, a combination of both, and important support at home and at school/work. At MCW we work with ADHD clients of all ages and develop treatment plans that match their individual needs. MCW counselors do not prescribe medications; when appropriate, we have referral partners that we work with who prescribe medications. These professional relationships give our clients the benefits of a holistic care team.
Glossary Terms from the ADHD &
Neurodivergent World
Potato Day - A day where you are a couch potato because you are recovering from overstimulation and restoring your energy
Rumination - Repetitive focus on mistakes and negative moods
Body Doubling - Being able to complete tasks when someone else is doing them with you
Masking - Using all one’s energy to fit in and not appear neurodivergent
Stimming - A self-soothing behavior that typically presents with repetitive movements of body or an object
Squirrel - Mid-sentence or mid-activity distraction
Prickly - both understimulated and overstimulated
Lizard Brain - A random rush of energy that motivates action without thoughts
Personal Experience
As a mom of neurodivergent children, there are many things I have learned the hard way. I have learned to adjust my expectations or completely let them go, ultimately, my kids are doing their best. Their best is individual to them and looks very different from others. When I hold them to impossible standards it sets them up for anxiety and depression. Our society, the worlds they live in, already hold them to impossible standards where they will experience natural consequences and failures. My job is to love and support them through their wins and losses and to be a safe place for them to be themselves when it isn’t always safe for them to do that in day to day life. The most valuable gifts I can give them are validation and empathy.
I have also learned the importance of advocating for my children. Most schools are not designed to properly support neurodivergent learners and many family members may not understand. Working closely with school counselors and special education teachers has been beneficial in helping my children learn how to advocate for themselves as they have gotten older. My own education on ADHD and neurodiversity has given me the knowledge I need to feel confident sharing with others and has reinforced changes in my parenting.
“Here are some of my favorite Instagram accounts:
occuplaytional
neurodivergent_lou
elliemidds
elizafricker_missingthemark
drbeckygoodinside
studiesshowmusic
peoplewithadhd
Here is a book I recommend for parents and adults:
Scattered Minds by Gabor Mate”
References:
Data and statistics on ADHD. (2024, May 16). Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). https://www.cdc.gov/adhd/data/index.html
Stargell, N. A., Barker, L. A., Kress, V. E., Bullock, M. L., & The Center for Counseling Practice, Policy, and Research. (2017). Counseling Youth with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). In The Center for Counseling Practice, Policy, and Research. https://www.counseling.org/docs/default-source/practice-briefs/counseling-youth-with-adhd.pdf?sfvrsn=96cab37c_1
Wadsworth, J. S., Gallo, L., & The University of Iowa. (2013). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Treating adults. In The University of Iowa [Report]. https://www.counseling.org/docs/default-source/practice-briefs/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-(adhd)-treating-adults.pdf?sfvrsn=ee29ef11_1