EVERYDAY LIFE WITH ADHD
NSFT Master Class: Adult ADHDDunstan Hall, Norwich
28th March, 2014
Introduction
Living with ADHD: What’s it like in there?
Engagement with Services
Experiences with Medication
Supporting ADHDers and Carers
ADDAPT ABILITY CIC Programmes for:
Adults with ADHD
Professionals in support andguidance roles
Present the ADHD experience“from the inside-out”
GENETIC INHERITANCE
“INVISIBLE ADHDER”
University Degree
Business Owner
No Criminal Record
No Addictions
Good Social Life
Credit: The American Judicature Society
NEUROBIOLOGICAL DIFFERENCE
Hyperactivity/ImpulsivityInattentionDistractibility
ACCIDENT & EMERGENCY
Need for Stimulation: Low tolerance for boredom Reward driven Motivated by interest Response to immediate
demand
NEUROBIOLOGICAL DIFFERENCE
Lack of “Filters”
Struggle to Achieve Potential: Now is the only moment Applying what you know Low self esteem and confidence Emotionally reactive
or repressedPhoto credit: Photobucket.com
ENGAGEMENT WITH SERVICES
Knowledge Gaps: Myths & Misconceptions Lack of Confidence “You can’t be ADHD” Misdiagnosis
Availability: Don’t know where to refer No specialist/clinic Transitional “No Man’s Land”
www.thesite.org
Libguids.city.ac.uk
EXPERIENCE WITH MEDICATION
Perceptions: “The Miracle Pill” “Slave to the Meds”
Challenges: Stigma Remember to take it!
Realities: Level of response variable Cycle of trial and error Doesn’t address behaviours or habits
© Childlite
SUPPORTING ADHDERS AND CARERS
The benefits of diagnosis – in their own words.... Empowerment:
'Through a concrete diagnosis of ADHD, I now havean explanation of my life story.'
Knowing your strengths:'A constantly distracted mind that jumps from oneidea to the next is also a mind that is rapidly givingbirth to new ideas and designing creative solutions tolife's problems.'
Access to medication:'Small changes around the house: bills paid, tablecleared, laundry done and put away.‘
SUPPORTING ADHDERS AND CARERS
Positive perspectiveof difference
Re-establish trust in selfand capabilities
Awareness of challengesof environment
Dobi
Trey Ratcliffe
POSITIVE ATTRIBUTES OF ADHD
− Creativity− Innovation− Problem solving− Imaginative design− Intuition− Highlight possibilities− Hyperfocused on interest− Enjoying the present− Exploration− Invention− Pattern identification− Unique perspective
Inattention:
− Quick response toemergency
− High energy− Entrepreneurship− Positive risk taking− Flexibility− Enthusiasm− Spontaneity− Courage− Independence− Leadership− Athleticism
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity:− Deeply caring− Dedicated− Compassionate− Resiliency− Empathy− Persistent− Strong sense of justice− Drive− Sense of humour− Optimism− Passion− Charisma
Emotional Sensitivity:© detektdesign
“SUCCESSFUL ADHDERS”
© Splash News
© Getty Images
© Splash News
© Splash News
Photo: EPA
© Getty Images
© Getty Images
BENEFITS OF ADHD COACHING ANDTHERAPY Realize Goals
Reduce procrastination Support decision-making and prioritizing Expand perception of options Create ADD-appreciative accountability
Develop New Skills Manage impulsivity and distractibility Improve time and self-management Personalize strategies and systems Learn to set boundaries Improve social and communication skills Manage conflict confidently
Manage Emotional State Remove blame and shame Improve self-confidence Reduce overwhelm Empower self-image Reduce stress Control worry
ADHD Education Learn about what ADHD is and is not Appreciate your strengths and unique gifts Discover personalized approaches Understand the criteria for a successful strategy
(Pete Quily – www.addcoach4u.com)
IS IT ADHD?Asking the right questions: Are there issues with motivation?
Are there great ideas and potential,but no evidence of action or forward progress?
Are important or urgent things left or forgottenwhile immediate demands receive attention?
Are new activities and projects started withenthusiasm, but never completed?
The “Story” throughout the lifespan
WHAT CAN YOU DO? Minimise issues Identify triggers
Maximise strengths Engage interest
Provide clear structure and routine Clarify deadlines and responsibilities Short term achievable goals
Encourage reflection Return to what works
THANK YOU
Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust
Lilly
CONTACT
Tel: 07855 298536
Email: [email protected]
www.rebeccachamp.co.uk
Tel: 0845 200 1390
Email: [email protected]
www.addaptability.org
@ADDaptAbility