Have you ever wondered if you or someone you know might have ADD/ADHD? Dr. Jeffrey Bettencourt, a seasoned therapist and educational psychologist, sheds light on this topic. In our most recent webinar, he explores ADD/ADHD assessments, symptomology, and even the upsides of this neurodevelopmental diagnosis. Could ADD/ADHD traits be a superpower in disguise for some? Let’s find out.
If you’d like to watch rather than read, here’s the full webinar on our Youtube channel:
A day in the life of an “ADD-er”: Recognizing common struggles
What does daily life look like for someone with ADD/ADHD? You’d be surprised at the challenges that many experience.
First, imagine a cluttered desktop. For many with ADD/ADHD, this isn’t about laziness, it’s their visual organization system. Those stacks of papers, receipts and lists replace files. Why? Because “out of sight, out of mind” is a real struggle for someone with ADD/ADHD, once they can’t see it they may completely forget about it. Leaving a paper out in the open, in the mind of an ADD-er, means they are keeping it in a place where they will (possibly!) see it again and remember what to do with it.
The daily struggles don’t end there:
- Staying on top of bills and appointments: The Attitude Magazine article on the “tax of ADHD” gives a detailed explanation of how late fees and penalties can pile up due to disorganization.
- Feeling overwhelmed: Even familiar tasks can feel frustrating. This can cause someone with ADD/ADHD to avoid or put off those tasks and fall further behind, leading to more overwhelm/frustration.
- Experiencing heightened emotional reactions: Minor things may trigger strong emotions. This relates to emotional reactivity, also known as disregulation. Think of the concept of “the straw that broke the camel’s back.” Unprocessed emotions will continue to build up until one small event causes a big reaction.
Decoding ADD/ADHD: The four cornerstones of diagnosis
Before diagnosing ADD/ADHD, clinicians look for four key things.
- Symptoms before age 12: Were there inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms before age 12? This is a critical marker.
- Pervasive symptoms: Do these symptoms impact multiple areas of life? Home, work, relationships and/or recreational activities are all taken into account. ADD/ADHD isn’t an occasional issue; it’s a pervasive one.
- Quality of life impact: Do the symptoms interfere with social, academic or work life?
- Ruling out other conditions: Could another mental or emotional condition better explain symptoms? It’s important to first rule out other possibilities.
Core symptoms: Inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity and combined presentation
Let’s break down the core symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
The ‘A’ in ADD/ADHD: Inattentive Type
- Difficulty paying attention to details: The “devil in the details” can be a real problem.
- Difficulty sustaining attention: Tasks and even fun activities can become boring quickly.
- Appearing not to listen: It can seem like the person isn’t paying attention.
- Difficulty following instructions: Even when they try, it can be hard to follow directions.
- Difficulty organizing tasks: Getting started and staying organized is tough.
- Avoiding tasks that require sustained attention: Procrastination becomes a way of life.
- Losing things: Items seem to disappear constantly.
- Being easily distracted: Extraneous stimuli will pull their focus. However, distractions can paradoxically “feed the beast” by providing neurological stimulation.
The ‘H’ (and ‘I’) in ADD/ADHD: Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
- Fidgeting or tapping feet: The “sewing machine leg” is a common sign.
- Running or climbing in inappropriate situations: This is more common in boys than girls.
- Talking excessively: Talking a lot or blurting things out is comming. This isn’t about being rude, it’s about a surge of insights and a fear of forgetting thoughts.
- Difficulty relaxing or engaging in leisure activities: Most find it hard to unwind.
- Blurting out answers before a question is completed: This connects to impulsiveness and a desire to be “first” with the right answer.
- Difficulty waiting one’s turn: Patience wears thin.
- Interrupting or intruding on others: There may be a lack of awareness of social cues.
The combined presentation of ADHD
To qualify for the combined presentation of ADHD, someone needs at least five symptoms of inattention and five symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity within the last six months.
Severity levels and differential diagnosis: Navigating the nuances
ADD/ADHD isn’t one-size-fits-all. Severity ranges from mild to moderate to severe, based on the level of impairment.
What about other conditions? ADD/ADHD can overlap with other diagnoses and it’s essential to consider these possibilities. Remember, the key is whether the symptoms of ADD/ADHD began before age 12.
Common co-occurring conditions include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Sleeplessness
These diagnoses can be byproducts of undiagnosed ADD/ADHD. Racing thoughts at night and replaying past mistakes are hallmarks of an ADD/ADHD brain that can contribute to additional psychological issues.
ADD/ADHD as a superpower: Harnessing the potential
When properly managed, ADD/ADHD can unlock unique strengths such as:
- Creativity and innovation
- Laser focus (when engaged)
- Problem-solving skills
- Entrepreneurial spirit (some research suggests that 30% of entrepreneurs have ADD/ADHD)
- Relentlessness and tenacity
- Spontaneity and adventurousness
- Boundless energy and enthusiasm
- Optimism
- Strong sense of fairness
People with ADD/ADHD can become valuable collaborators, too. Their ability to connect seemingly unrelated ideas can spark innovation.
What to look for in an ADD/ADHD assessment: A consumer’s guide
Finding a qualified professional is key for getting accurate ADD/ADHD assessments. So what should you look for?
- How they gather information?
- How they differentiate the diagnosis?
- How they identify the symptomology?
- How they look at the functional impact?
- What standardized tests do they use?
- How do they blend the assessment into an accommodation and support plan?
Tools of the trade: Diving into specific assessment methods
Professionals use various tools for ADD/ADHD assessments:
- The DIVA (Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults): This structured method was developed in England. It has versions for children and adults. The DIVA covers all nine ADD/ADHD characteristics in both childhood and adulthood and identifies areas of impact.
- Australian Assessment: This assessment allows professionals to send a link to a client to have the client fill it out.
- Symptom identification tools:
- Swan
- Weiss Functional Impairment Rating Scale
- Vanderbilt (often used by pediatricians)
- Wander (from the University of Utah)
Standardized testing: Quantifying behavior and executive function
Standardized tests that quantify behavior and assess executive function:
- Connors
- Browns
- BRIEF
- CEFI (Comprehensive Executive Function Inventory)
- MOXO (a real-time measurement based on a video game format)
Translating assessments into action: Supporting learners with ADD/ADHD
When seeking an evaluation, it’s crucial to find a professional who is both qualified and collaborative. Look for someone who:
- Welcomes questions from parents and caregivers
- Requests school records to gain a full picture of the student’s behavior and academic history
- Holds the credentials necessary to diagnose ADD/ADHD accurately, such as a licensed psychologist, psychiatrist or neurologist.
Accommodations and implementation
A well-written accommodations plan is only effective if it’s understood and applied consistently. Assessors and educators should:
- Stay informed on evolving research and strategies
- Customize recommendations based on the learner’s strengths and needs
- Bridge the gap between assessment and action through educator training and parent collaboration.
The progression of ADD/ADHD over time
ADD/ADHD doesn’t go away with age. If left unaddressed, it often becomes more complex due to:
- Increased life demand
- Established habits and coping mechanisms that may mask symptoms
- Environmental factors like stress, multitasking and job responsibilities
It’s so important to get an accurate, professional diagnosis and find the right supports to assist a learner with ADD/ADHD. The road can be long but with the right help, those ADD superpowers can outshine all of the difficulties along the way!
Connect with Learnfully
If you have a learner with ADD/ADHD or suspect they have it Learnfully can help before you even receive a formal diagnosis! Contact Learnfully today! We offer assessments, tutoring, executive function coaching and college readiness support.
