ADHD and Blooming Late

Hellloooooo! Another post with HealthyPlace, and a video to boot. Things have been fairly busy lately, but I still have been enjoying writing about ADHD for HealthyPlace. I hope this article about being a “late bloomer” (whatever that is) is somewhat encouraging.

Are People with ADHD Late Bloomers?

“How do you learn to trust yourself or know what your identity is when you do not have a sense of stability? People often talk about the turbulence of youth, but a lot of ADHDers experience a kind of turbulence far beyond their teenage years. This makes it difficult to settle down, find satisfaction, and reach those ‘milestones’ in life, such as getting married or buying a house.”

Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD

Hi folks. I just wanted to share my most recent article with HealthyPlace about the connection between ADHD and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). As I note in my post, so much research still needs to be done on the two conditions. Hopefully this sheds just a little light on the matter.

Adult ADHD and Autism Link: Symptoms and Treatment

“There is an overlap between ADHD and autism, although at first glance the conditions can appear to be opposites. According to stereotypes, people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) concentrate too much and avoid overstimulation, while those with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) lack focus and seek constant stimulation. However, there is a huge overlap between ASD and ADHD. As I’ve written about the connection between ADHD and trauma and ADHD and PMS, I’d like to discuss the link between ADHD and ASD.”

Are people with ADHD more likely to become homeless?

This is something I’ve been wondering about for a while. It’s a fairly short article, but I hope more research is done on the subject.

How Are ADHD and Homelessness Connected?

“While some people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are wildly successful, a recent study shows that there could be a connection between ADHD and homelessness. I am fortunate to have friends, family, and other resources to keep a roof over my head if necessary. Still, I have a faint fear about ending up in a state of destitution. A large part of it is the sense of panic that comes with having ADHD, a creeping fear that, one day, your life will collapse around you. Because of that, it does not surprise me that some people with ADHD become homeless.”

Perseveration vs. Hyperfocus (in ADHD)

I already posted a link to my short article and video about ADHD perseveration, so here’s the video alone:

What Is Perseveration? (And How Does ADHD Relate to it?)

“The definition of perseveration is when one continues doing something (such as repeating a word, thought, emotion or action) beyond a desired point. Research now suggests that perseveration affects people with ADHD in addition to those with OCD, autism, schizophrenia and other mental disorders. What is the difference between the ADHD symptom of hyperfocus and perseveration? Watch the video, then tell Noelle Matteson what you think the meaning of perseveration is in relation to adult ADHD. How you deal with perseveration?”

ADHD and Hyperfocus–Or Is It Perseveration?

Hello! Just wanted to share my most recent HealthyPlace post and video with you:

Is It ADHD Perseveration or Hyperfocus?

I first heard the term “perseveration” in a lecture by psychologist Russell Barkley about attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and hyperfocus.¹ People with ADHD struggle with boredom, but they can often focus on things they enjoy. In fact, they can focus too much, obsessing over one thing and ignoring other subjects and tasks. Barkley suggests that ADHDers do not hyperfocus, as people with autism do, but perseverate. He defines perseveration as the inability to stop doing an activity at an appropriate time.

ADHD, Rejection, and Sensitivity: AKA Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria

Have you heard of Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria? Supposedly, it comes with ADHD and involves being, well, sensitive to rejection. Though studies still need to be done, it is telling that an overwhelming majority of people with ADHD describe themselves as being very sensitive and emotional.

Dealing with Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) and ADHD

Psychiatrist William Dodson developed a term specifically applicable to people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD). Rejection sensitive dysphoria applies to people with ADHD because ADHDers tend to be particularly sensitive. While the existence of RSD is up for debate, the emotionality of ADHDers is not. Many with the disorder agree that they are extremely sensitive to rejection, criticism, and failure.

ADHD and Reading: The Video

This video with HealthyPlace was embedded in my article about the struggles of reading with ADHD. In case you missed it, here is the video on its own. Reading can be hard!

ADHD and Reading: The Struggle Is Real

Considering I majored in English literature and have worked at a publisher, it is a bit embarrassing to admit that I no longer burn through books. I feel as though my ADHD plays a major part in that, and I know I’m not alone. Check out my new post with HealthyPlace’s “Living with Adult ADHD”:

Tips for When ADHD Makes Reading Difficult

I love getting new books, but attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) makes reading difficult. Discovering what is between book covers is a wonderful experience. However, finishing those books is a different issue. As is often the case for people with ADHD, I have difficulties with follow-through on things, and that includes reading; other people with ADHD find reading difficult for other reasons.

Is there a better name for ADHD?

A lot of people dislike the term “ADHD,” but what are some alternatives? Here, I talk fairly briefly about the name and why it’s not the greatest fit:

Would Renaming ADHD Better Describe the Disorder?

Renaming ADHD is on my mind because in honor of ADHD Awareness Month, I binged on lectures by ADHD-expert Dr. Russell Barkley. He points out that “attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder” is a poor term for the condition, and he is not alone in thinking that renaming ADHD is a good idea. Fellow ADHD-specialist Dr. Edward Hallowell claims that “ADHD is a terrible term,” and many with this condition agree, myself included.¹ I started to wonder about the history of the term and if there were alternative names for the disorder, and if renaming ADHD could reduce ADHD stigma.

October = ADHD Awareness Month

Did you know that October is ADHD Awareness Month? Because I didn’t. Until this year.

Happy ADHD Awareness Month!

October is Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity (ADHD) Awareness Month. Many are familiar with the term “ADHD,” formerly known as “ADD.” The disorder is characterized by impulsiveness, hyperactivity, and difficulty regulating focus. However, many people are not familiar with why ADHD should be recognized and not dismissed as a made-up or exaggerated condition. This is why we have a month dedicated to bringing awareness to ADHD.