Adhd 

The patient we see may encounter a quite large range of difficulties in daily life. Amongst others, it could be that:   

• They struggle at school/Work as they find it hard to concentrate, to focus, to maintain attention and to avoid being distracted.

• They often (but not always) show difficulty controlling their body, their behaviour and their emotions. They frequently find it hard sitting still, or not being verbally or physically impulsive.

• They frequently underachieve in education, should they or not show learning difficulties as well.

• They tend to have low self-esteem, underestimate themselves and can be discouraged, sad or exhausted.

• They are also anxious or do not seem to care about what they go through. They could avoid engaging into education/work and show delay aversion.

• They can also have sleeping issues (difficulties getting to sleep or waking up frequently).

• They could be intolerant of frustration, go from one mindset to the opposite one rapidly, be oppositional, or be tempestuous. They could be fidgety or shift from one extreme to the other.

• They could be flitting from thought to thought with great speed. In daily life conversation, they could jump from one topic to another, which could make them look like they are not listening or not paying attention to others.

• They are frequently sensitive, are angry with what would be unfair and can over-react in a way that doesn’t help them.

• They often fail at multitasking or performing sequential activities.

• Others could process very slowly or be quite rigid thinkers.

• They could easily lose items or look unorganised or clumsy.

• Some show difficulties with social interaction. 

• Others seem sociable and easy with making friends. 

• Some are spending lots of energy trying to fit in.

Once again, these are just examples amongst many others. ADHD and related neurodevelopmental conditions as well as intellectual giftedness may be expressed in very different ways. These depend on the person themself as well as on their history, environment, learning profile etc...

This is the reason why it is also essential to note that these people  frequently show some specificities. These are not necessarily issues, but they need to be addressed in order to precisely understand and help them and their family. These specificities could for example be:
 

• Being sensitive.

• Showing sensory particularities.

• Being very mature in some circumstances, seeming not to be in others.

• Paying strong attention to fairness.

• Alternating kindness and rage or behaving as if not connected to others from time to time.

• Or being over-connected to others, being considered idealistic, able to engage strongly, interested in many different subjects, being inquisitive and smart.

• Showing deep empathy. 

• Or, on the contrary, looking like they are not paying attention to others. 

 
Most importantly, having been working with them for many years now, we have come to consider that they consistently demonstrate some strengths or abilities which we like to enhance and nurture. Sometimes, these strengths and skills are quite obvious (at least to parents, partners, or people who know them well). However, it is possible that they are hidden, or they may seem to have vanished into thin air after being expressed at an early age. Not underestimating how hard these people are struggling, knowing about their talent as well is more than helpful. It is just fairness. We could, for instance, talk about:
 

• Empathy, which, as mentioned earlier, could be exacerbated.

• Showing interest in new activities, seeking novelty.

• Being very sensitive and/or showing a peculiar sensory profile.

• Being creative.

• Showing originality while solving problems or using objects or words.

• Thinking differently about people, situations and habits.

• Being brave, strongly intending to do their best and to please others.

• Being grateful when they are recognised for who they truly are. 

• Being enthusiastic and shiny, boys and girls.

 
It is our conviction that difficulties, specificities, as well as abilities need to be considered when, for instance, deciding on a care plan. This care plan should be adjusted for one person. The more a specific situation is understood, the more efficient and helpful the advice and tips are.