Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is an overarching term for difficulties regulating attention, activity and/or impulsivity.
Our attention is changing moment to moment, a bit like driving a car.
People with ADHD often have difficulties in the area of ‘executive function’, which refers to the ability of the brain to coordinate where to focus our attention, working memory, organisation and planning. It can also impact upon self-regulation and self-monitoring, such as starting off tasks, sustaining attention, managing time and changing focus.
People with ADHD do not have a total absence of focus, it just requires effort. This can make people feel overwhelmed and it can make the school or work environment particularly tricky. People with ADHD need to be highly motivated and stimulated, which can make them creative, driven and engaging.
Some people with ADHD have difficulties with impulsivity and an intense need for movement, as if driven by a motor. However, not all people with ADHD have this need and it can result in children and adults with more subtle or internal presentations difficult to identify.
At Spectrum North West we pride ourselves in identifying these subtle presentations.
