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ADHD

Difficulties We Work With

What is ADHD?

ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood and adolescents, with approximately 1 in 20 Australians diagnosed with ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD are present before 12 years of age; however adults can still be diagnosed with ADHD.

ADHD includes difficulties with attention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity which are inconsistent with a person’s age and interfere with activities and participation. ADHD impacts parts of the brain which help individuals plan, focus on, and execute tasks. Symptoms of ADHD include:

  • Inattention – including difficulty sustaining attention on tasks which do not provide significant stimulation or frequent rewards, distractibility or disorganisation

  • Hyperactivity – including excessive motor activity and difficulties being still, particularly in structured situations that require self-control

  • Impulsivity – including a tendency to act in response to immediate stimuli, without consideration of the risks and consequences

ADHD can present in different ways for each person and can with different combinations of symptoms, falling into these three subtypes:

  1. Inattentive 

  2. Hyperactive-Impulsive 

  3. Combined – Both inattentive and Hyperactive-Impulsive 

Common inattention symptoms in adolescents and adults:

  • Overlooks or misses details, work is inaccurate
  • Starts tasks but quickly loses focus
  • Finds it difficult to sustain attention in a task or play activities
  • Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
  • Has difficulty organising tasks and activities
  • Avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort
  • Loses things necessary for tasks or activities
  • Is forgetful in daily activities
  • Is easily distracted by extraneous stimuli

Common hyperactivity symptoms in adolescents and adults:

  • Fidgets with or taps hands or feet or squirms in seat
  • Leaves seat in situations when remaining seated is expected
  • Runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate
  • Unable to play or engage in leisure activities quietly
  • Unable to be or uncomfortable being still for extended time, as in restaurants, meetings
  • Has difficulty waiting in line or for their turn
  • May intrude into or take over what others are doing

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