Those with ADHD struggle with working memory. A working memory impairment hinders the ability to follow a sequence of steps because they’re not able to hold the steps in their mind. It takes a lot of effort because they have to override their automatic instincts and use an already taxed working memory to work through a problem.
Continue reading “ADHD: A Thought versus a Plan” →

Those who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often have difficulty with what we call transitions, that is, starting and stopping projects when they are in the middle of something and get interrupted or they have to look elsewhere for further information. Those are transitions, like having to reboot the computer (or the brain) to get back to the thought process where they were. It’s tough enough for non-ADHD people, but with ADHD, it’s much more effortful. It takes a lot more time to get back in the game and it can be exhausting. Continue reading “ADHD and Transitions: The Concept of Rebooting” →

I’ve always been curious what stops someone from getting rid of things. Having coached many, many borderline hoarders, I’ve seen the overwhelm this clutter bestows on them. So, let’s talk about purging. I have several suggestions to illustrate this, but as an example, I’ll use the tassel on my cap when I graduated from the University of Tampa. Continue reading “ADHD: Is Clutter Trash or Museum Bound?” →

Are you aware that meditation is often more difficult for those with ADHD? Experts certainly are. They say the practice of mindfulness or meditation is very helpful for those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. As an ADHD and attention coach, I have found that those who have difficulty with mindfulness, which is self-regulation, may benefit from the practice of yoga. The reasoning is that it becomes easier to practice mindfulness by using yoga poses that require balance. What I mean by that is this. Continue reading “ADHD, Mindfulness, and Yoga” →

Can help sometimes actually foster learned helplessness? There are times when one partner helping the other can diminish the partner being helped. Partners in an ADHD relationship especially need to be aware that helping may hurt the relationship. Continue reading “ADHD and Relationships: When Helping Hurts” →

“What did you fail at today?” Seems like a stupid question, but really, it has significant value in helping to humanize failure, to understand trials and errors, and to move forward toward success. So, here’s a unique idea! When your family is seated around the dinner table, ask each one that question. With their answers, you’re actually teaching your kids and yourself how to humanize each other, to be real and to let everyone see that no one is perfect. It also teaches a bit of humility to hear that others have failures, as well. Continue reading “ADHD Tip: Failing Forward at the Dinner Table” →

Can we say that those with ADHD are “voice-activated”? It’s funny that we would apply that phrase to a human when it’s a term usually reserved for electronic devices, but in the case of ADHD, it may be true. For those with ADHD, talking a lot seems to be natural for them. Although they may not be aware of it, talking out loud is actually a good tactic because it eases the load on the working memory system. It’s almost like they need to walk their way through the whole thing so they can get to where they are going. Continue reading “ADHD: Is It Voice Activated?” →

What’s more tempting to you… reading a book online or reading a book you can hold in your hands? Often, people with ADHD gravitate to those shiny and new gadgets in technology, thinking those devices can help, but sometimes it’s old-fashioned paper that is a lot more productive. Why do I say that? Because it can benefit self-regulation. Continue reading “ADHD High Tech: The Advantages of Paper” →

What’s the value in having someone who knows how to use a hammer and hits the right spot? Do-it-yourself sounds good, but there is a cost. I call it tuition at the school of hard knocks, in other words, EXPERIENCE. That’s what I want to share with you here. ADHD is very much a challenge. If you’ve got ADHD and have been struggling to manage it, I encourage you to find a professional who’s got the insight to accelerate your learning. After all, if you get the diagnosis and you get some help, you can really live a fulfilling life. Continue reading “ADHD, DIY, and Help: Knowledge vs Knowledge with Insight” →

If you’ve been surfing ADHD videos on and on and on for hours, you have to realize that you’re struggling with something, and that’s the issue of self-regulation. I’ve often spoken about dopamine being the reward neurotransmitter, and that’s what’s driving this behavior. It’s your brain’s perpetual search for dopamine. The issue is whether you can pay attention to things where you don’t get dopamine. Continue reading “ADHD and YouTube” →