ADHD

• Difficulty focusing or staying on task
• Impulsivity and difficulty with self-control
• Hyperactivity or restlessness
• Challenges with organization and time management
• Forgetfulness and distractibility

What does ADHD look like in children?

In children, ADHD can manifest as needing increased movement and stimulation seeking, often making it difficult to sustain focus on a task or to participate in a classroom setting. These children are often identified early, due to the disruptive nature of their behaviors making it difficult to engage in family and school life. However, children can also struggle with inattentiveness, in that they may hyperfocus on interests and have difficulty starting tasks unless they are interested. They often procrastinate and finish tasks last minute, but because they are still turning in assignments and testing well, can actually do well through most formal schooling. Interpersonally, these individuals may be known as having “no filter”- often speaking what they think without stopping to consider impact on others. Strengths include creative pursuits and a willingness to dive into new things.

If traits are unidentified, many adults with ADHD struggle with burnout due to chronic overfunctioning. They may have been able to be quite successful and have jobs and families, but the increased demands of life are difficult to manage and can manifest as anxiety, depression, and addiction. This is why identification is so important.

At UCEBT we want to support our clients in obtaining meaningful lives that are sustainable and consistent with their values.