Resources > Healthy Mind

ADHD

ADHD is a word that describes how people with ADHD (sometimes known as ADHDers) experience and interact with the world around them.

 

Every ADHDer is different and experiences different traits, challenges and strengths.

Traits of ADHD

If you have ADHD, you may have the following experiences: 

 

Please note: these show up differently for everyone and everyone experiences a different combination of these traits. 

 

  • The need to move / fidget all the time – some ADHDers can be really hyperactive and sitting still can be physically painful for them. This could look like someone bouncing their knees up and down when seated, playing with their pen, for example. 
  • Talking a lot - people may tell you that you speak too much or too fast (or both!). 
  • Has difficulty keeping their attention on one thing - you may find yourself easily distracted by your surroundings and 
  • Often are big picture thinkers and struggle with attention to detail 
  • Loses personal items a lot / difficulty with short term memory 
  • Struggles with the feeling of rejection - Rejection Sensitivity Disorder (RSD) is a common experience for ADHDers who feel rejection more intensely than their neurotypical peers. 
  • Can be impulsive - you may find yourself spending money on a whim or putting yourself in dangerous situations. 
  • Butts into conversations without waiting their turn - you may find yourself interrupting other people and struggling to take your turn in a conversation. 
  • Has constant thoughts in their brain that won’t be quiet - many ADHDers have racing thoughts that don’t stop, which can lead to trouble sleeping, amongst other challenges. 
  • Makes friends easily, but has difficulty keeping those friends long-term  
  • Ability to hyperfocus – ADHD brains are amazing at focusing really intensely on topics that interest them for long periods of time. This can cause burn out in the workplace, or you may see someone play video games for unusually long period of time, for example.

AuDHD (Autism & ADHD)

Until approximately 10 years ago, it was impossible to have both an autism and ADHD diagnosis. 

 

Now we know people can be autistic ADHDers and have both. This often shows up as a very specific, often conflicting set of traits.

 

You can find examples of AuDHD on the Embrace Autism website.

Local support for ADHDers and their loved ones

  • ADDUP support for children and families in Havering.

National support for ADHDers and their loved ones

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