ADHD Resources

What is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? 

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition that causes differences in the brain related to attention, behaviour, and activity levels, including impulsivity and hyperactivity. 

The condition has links to abnormal cognitive, behavioural, and motivational functioning. ADHD can affect the regulation of moods, emotions, and brain cell connections. It can also affect communication between different areas of the brain. 

Brain networks are groups of nerve cells, called neurons, which send information throughout the brain. The brain networks of people with ADHD may take more time to develop and be less effective at relaying certain messages, behaviours, or information. These brain networks may function differently in areas such as focus, movement, and reward. 

ADHD can affect executive functioning skills related to the following: 

  • Attention – appearing to not be listening, disengaged or ‘bored’. 

  • Focus – being unable to focus on a task that is not motivational for them. 

  • Concentration – needing tasks broken down into bite-size pieces with frequent breaks so they can re-focus. 

  • Memory – may frequently forget what has been asked of them. 

  • Impulsivity – can lead to challenges due to the inability to understand the consequences of actions. 

  • Hyperactivity – often appearing ‘fidgety’. 

  • Organisation – often forgetting to do something trivial or unable to complete a task. 

  • Social skills – may struggle with social surroundings. 

  • Decision making – having choices may seem overwhelming. 

  • Planning – becoming flustered and jumping from task to task. 

  • Motivation – quickly boring an activity that previously seemed enjoyable. 

  • Task-switching - struggling to end an activity and begin a new one. 

  • Learning from past mistakes – may frequently present with unwanted behaviour. 

  1. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/ 
  2. https://chadd.org/understanding-adhd/ 
  3. https://chadd.org/for-parents/overview/ 

ADHD and Autism 

ADHD and autism frequently co-occur. Many people with one of the two diagnoses show elevated traits of both ADHD and autism.  Common experiences for ADHD and autism include sensory differences, intense focus on specific interests, rejection sensitivity, executive dysfunction, sleep issues and emotional dysregulation. 

ADHD and autism have distinct features but can also overlap in certain ways.  The combination can present a unique set of challenges and characteristics for an individual. 

Autism is an umbrella term that covers a wide range of neurodevelopmental differences in social communication and behaviour. 

ADHD involves symptoms related to inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. 

When someone has both autism and ADHD, they may experience a blend of these symptoms. This can affect various aspects of their daily life, including social interactions, focus and executive functioning. 

  1. https://parents.actionforchildren.org.uk/development-additional-needs/neurodiversity/