People often ask me for a simple definition of ADHD to which I say, “Unfortunately, it’s really not that simple!” When pressed, I usually give this extremely basic “elevator-pitch” type definition: “Because of differences in the way our brains work, those of us with ADHD often struggle to focus on the right thing at the right time. Some of us have trouble being able to stop and think before we take action, and others of us have trouble sitting still for very long. A number of us also have trouble remembering things, organizing things, managing our time, managing our tasks, and not procrastinating. Despite (and I believe because of) these challenges, most of us have several strengths including creativity, curiosity, and determination.”
I’m quick to add, “It’s truly not that simple!” and then I refer them to this page of my website.
ADHD is one of the most researched and misunderstood medical conditions. Much of the confusion occurs because the terms “attention deficit” and “hyperactivity” describe only the surface features of this challenge: these are just one piece of the ADHD puzzle: the symptoms are much broader and deeper than this.
In this series of articles, I discuss how ADHD is often misunderstood and how symptoms are often different in boys and girls and men and women. I address how this confusion is further exacerbated by the language, learning, and executive functioning weaknesses commonly seen in children, teens, and adults with attention challenges. I close out this series by describing the strengths often associated with ADHD.
To read an article, click on the blue header below.
The Top 10 Myths about ADHD
Despite over 20,000 scientific journal articles about ADHD, many people still believe it is caused by sugar, TV, poor parenting, lazy parents, our crazy-busy society, and big medication companies. Although published medical records describe symptoms as far back as 1775, some people have even suggested it doesn’t exist. What myths do you believe? Read more…
ADHD in Children and Teens
Previously considered a “behavior disorder” we now know that ADHD is a brain-based developmental disorder that can be successfully treated using a multifaceted approach. Read more…
If you need help applying any of these concepts, contact us to make an appointment.
Adults with ADHD
Although they often no longer display symptoms of hyperactivity, many adults continue to struggle with impulsivity, distractibility, and related executive functioning difficulties. The good news? Symptoms can improve with treatment. Read More…
Girls and Women with ADHD
Girls and women with ADHD often have different symptoms than boys and men. In this article, these differences are discussed and embraced. Read more…
ADHD and Executive Functioning
Executive functions – organization, time management, planning/prioritizing, task initiation, self-monitoring, cognitive flexibility, emotional control, and working memory – are the skills that help us start productive behaviors and stop unproductive behaviors to achieve our goals while staying connected to others. These functional aspects often seen in individuals with attention disorders help explain why ADHD is so misunderstood. Read more…
ADHD and Language
Although it’s not considered a language disorder, ADHD can often hamper a child, teen, or adult’s pragmatic (social) language. In this article, Dr. D outlines current research and recommendations. Read more…
If you need help applying any of these concepts, contact us to make an appointment.
ADHD and Learning
Although ADHD is not a specific learning disorder, it often hampers learning in very specific areas: math problem-solving, reading comprehension, and written expression. If your child or teen struggles in these areas, you are urged to consider the research and recommendations outlined in this article. Read more…
ADHD Treatment Decisions
There are so many treatment choices out there, that it’s often hard for adults and families to know what to do. This article outlines what the research says works best while recognizing that treatment must be tailored to meet the unique needs of each child, teen, adult, and family. Read more…
The Magic of ADHD
Sometimes, we have to get creative and recognize the hidden strengths related to our child’s apparent weaknesses. For example, the “flip-side” of your teen’s distractibility is creativity, the strength associated with your child’s impulsivity is curiosity, and your tween’s stubbornness can easily be reframed as determination. Read more…
Do You Need Help with ADHD?
Contact us to make an appointment. Life Solutions of Dallas-Fort Worth provides a full line of research-based services and solutions to help children, teens, college students, adults, and families struggling with ADHD and related executive functioning and learning difficulties improve their lives.
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Student Success is a structured cognitive-behavioral approach designed to help students of all ages ”learn how to learn” and ultimately learn how to solve everyday challenges involving inattention, time mismanagement, procrastination, disorganization, and other executive functioning difficulties.
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STOP & THINK for Impulsivity is a structured cognitive-behavioral approach designed to help children and teens improve their impulse control in multiple situations including at home, in the classroom, on the playground, and at parties.
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Executive Functioning Solutions for Adults include research-based strategies and tools designed to improve organization, time management, planning, prioritizing, task initiation, persistence, self-monitoring, and emotional control.
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Parenting Solutions provide families a research-proven set of skills that can lead to less stress and more harmony within the family.
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Counseling helps families, children, teens, and college students struggling with anxiety, depression, ineffective coping skills, poor stress management, social skill problems, and poor self-esteem.
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Testing and Assessments identify specific developmental, learning, emotional, and social needs. Dr. Davenport has over 20 years of experience providing families strong and reliable advice when their child, teen, or college student is struggling.
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Educational Consultation helps parents and educators collaborate to provide research-proven and empowering school services and solutions for students with disorders often associated with executive functioning challenges.
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Collaboration with Medical Professionals ensures a synergistic and empowering approach to the ongoing medical care of symptoms as suggested by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
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Don’t have a Medical Professional? We now have a general, child, and adolescent Psychiatrist in our office who can help with your family’s medical needs.
We take a strengths-based approach to everything we do. Using research-proven methods, we identify and help you utilize often overlooked strengths to address unique and individual needs.
Contact us to make an appointment.
(c) 2009-2019, Monte W. Davenport, Ph.D.
