In preparing for ADHD Awareness Month in 2014, I realized that ADHD coaching first appeared in print in the book Driven to Distraction by Dr. Ned Hallowell and Dr. John Ratey. This book has been the best-selling book on ADHD of all time. To bring awareness to the public, I reached out to Dr. Ned Hallowell. Together, we did a podcast on Attention Talk Radio, acknowledging the 20th anniversary of the birth of ADHD coaching as an intervention.
Continue reading “ADHD Coaching, the Evolution of the Intervention”
Author: Jan Owens
ADHD and Conflicts in Style
Working with those with ADHD, I find they have a certain processing style that varies by individual. While this is not ADHD specific, those with ADHD are more dependent on a more dominant style. It’s a common occurrence in those with ADHD, as they have a working memory issue in how they process things. Let me give you an example. Continue reading “ADHD and Conflicts in Style”
Are My ADHD Stimulant Medications Addictive?
As an ADHD coach, I am asked almost daily whether ADHD stimulant medications are addictive, but the answer is vague, and I’m not so sure we have all the information. Yet, we do need to understand the pros and cons about ADHD treatment with medications.
While I don’t consider stimulants to be addictive if they are used properly, they are potentially addictive if used improperly, and that’s why they need to be monitored and are available only with a prescription. When carefully managed by a physician, I believe the medications are safe and likely will not cause a physical dependence. Continue reading “Are My ADHD Stimulant Medications Addictive?”
The Challenges of ADHD in Our Self-Centered World
If you’ve got ADHD and truly observe your behavior, you might come to realize that thinking is effortful. It’s very challenging for people with ADHD to actually pause and engage their thinking mind to override their automatic responses. There is value in doing that if you actually make that happen. Continue reading “The Challenges of ADHD in Our Self-Centered World”
The Impact of Pain on ADHD and Energy
Pain! Energy! ADHD! They just don’t seem compatible with each other, but yet, they go hand in hand for those who struggle with chronic pain, no energy, and ADHD.
Those with ADHD often have endless amounts of energy, but when they don’t, they may be suffering with chronic low-level pain that seems to suck their life away. It keeps them from doing what they want to do, and they beat themselves up and blame their ADHD. Continue reading “The Impact of Pain on ADHD and Energy”
ADHD and Hoarding
What is hoarding? TV shows have brought hoarding into the public so that people now know about it, but what is the difference between clutter and hoarding? Is there a connection between hoarding and ADHD?
First, it’s important to note that there is no direct relationship between ADHD and hoarding, but the disorganization in ADHD can easily ramp up after a trauma that could then move into hoarding. Continue reading “ADHD and Hoarding”
We Are Now Prime Time!
We’re happy to announce that Attention Talk Radio podcasts are now available on Amazon Music. Amazon Music provides streaming and downloading of music and podcasts for thousands of selections. You can search by playlist, artist, album, song, genres, or title. You can even use your Alexa device to request a specific selection.
ADHD: The Cloud Is Here to Set You Free
In the context of ADHD, do your eyes glaze over when you start talking about digital means and methods? If so, I’m here to say that the cloud can set you free. So, let’s talk about what I mean by “the cloud.”
With the explosion of technology and our need to manage home, cell, and work phones, as well as emails, texts, instant messages, and direct posts on Twitter or Facebook and other social media, it’s difficult to understand just how dramatically technology is growing. All this digital activity can create problems for those with ADHD who are already challenged with organization. Continue reading “ADHD: The Cloud Is Here to Set You Free”
ADHD and Black Lives: Culture Matters
When it comes to race, gender, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, or any other human characteristic, ADHD does not discriminate. In fact, it can touch all of them.
Nevertheless, we ask the question: Are Black lives underserved and/or underrepresented in the ADHD community? Continue reading “ADHD and Black Lives: Culture Matters”
Embrace Miscellaneous Organization for Your Ideas
Organizing your miscellaneous thoughts and ideas? UGH! The topic of getting organized comes up frequently in coaching, and I can relate to that personally. For instance, there’s a miscellaneous drawer in my kitchen. It’s the depository for things that don’t have a home. The top drawer of my bedroom chest serves the same purpose. Ditto my workbench in the garage. Continue reading “Embrace Miscellaneous Organization for Your Ideas”