Individuals with ADHD often report being very sensitive to all sorts of stimuli in the environment, especially noise. They can experience large swings of over-stimulation followed by periods of emotional and physical depletion. Research is now beginning to uncover the source of this phenomenon and suggest how it can be controlled and harnessed for positive effect.
Returning veterans who are attending college face many challenges and stresses that most students do not. Evidence is beginning to mount that the level of transition support for student veterans can make a big difference in whether or not they graduate. But many colleges and universities are not prepared to help student veterans with learning challenges brought on by PTSD and other factors. Research indicates that executive function coaching may provide the solution.
More adults in their 40s, 50s and 60s are being diagnosed with ADHD. They have experienced the symptoms of ADHD for years without understanding the cause. The understanding that comes from such a diagnosis can have positive, life changing effects. However, getting an ADHD diagnosis as an adult can be difficult because the normal aging process mimics some of the symptoms of the condition.
Often, people with ADHD are also highly sensitive to environmental stimuli. They may have a disproportionate reaction to sounds, smells, tactile sensations or certain visual stimuli. There are many benefits to high sensitivity, but the extra sensory load that accompanies this trait can be overwhelming if it is not understood and managed.
We all need an Executive Function Coach, but not because we have a disorder. We need an Executive Function Coach because facing the challenges of life competently requires us to continue to develop our decision-making repertoire. Everyone is working on one or more executive functioning skills. But no tutor can teach them. Teaching is not the delivery system for these skills; coaching is.
Executive Function Coach and Trainer Erin Wilson recently related this story about one of her 17 year old students. He had called her on a Friday evening. It was late, she was tired, but took the call. He told her he was in despair, standing on Seattle’s Aurora Bridge, ready to jump.
Children with ADHD can be just as caring as other kids. Their lack of impulse control and inattentiveness around other people can make it appear as if they don’t care what others think, feel or say. There are a number of things you can do to help strengthen empathy in your ADHD child.
The divorce rate is nearly twice as high for people with ADHD, (which affects roughly 4 percent of adults), as it is for other couples. The symptoms of the ADHD partner can result in misunderstandings that, left unresolved, can lead to trouble in a marriage. There are some basic strategies you can take to strengthen your relationship when ADHD is making it difficult.
Kids (and adults) with ADHD often need something to help them feel settled so they can sustain their attention and focus. So-called fidget toys are a way to accomplish this. These are gadgets that activate different sensory areas without being too disruptive to others. Fidget toys come in many types.
Recent research studies have begun to show the usefulness of mindfulness meditation in treating the symptoms of ADHD, especially in adults. A daily practice of mindfulness meditation can help with attention, reduce stress, improve mood and enhance aspects of executive functioning, and may contribute to better emotion regulation.
