ADHD
Scattered brain condition
ADHD stands for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by difficulty sustaining attention, impulsive behavior, and in some cases hyperactivity.
The diagnosis has become increasingly common since the late 20th century: She was finally diagnosed with ADHD in her thirties.
ADHD is sometimes used loosely to describe distractibility or scattered focus: Sorry, my ADHD is acting up today.
Having atypical brain function
- neurotypicalStandard cognitive wiring
- spectrumContinuous range of values
- autismNeurodevelopmental processing difference
- dyslexiaDifficulty processing written language
dyspraxia · twice-exceptional · giftedness · creativity · divergent thinking · strengths-based · inclusion · identity
Lack of focus
- hyperactivityExcessive physical or mental energy
- impulsivityActing without considering consequences
- distractibilityProneness to shifting focus
- restlessnessState of unease
fidgeting · forgetfulness · disorganization · procrastination · hyperfocus · time-blindness · racing thoughts · overwhelm
Reward-linked neural messenger
- norepinephrineAlertness and stress hormone
- neurotransmittersChemical neural messengers
- prefrontal cortexBrain's planning and impulse center
- executive functionCognitive self-management abilities
working memory · neuroimaging · brain chemistry · reward system · neural pathways · cognitive deficit · inhibitory control · self-regulation
Therapeutic substance for illness
- stimulantsAgents that heighten arousal
- AdderallAmphetamine-based concentration aid
- RitalinADHD stimulant medication
- therapyCurative mental treatment
CBT · coaching · psychiatrist · psychologist · diagnosis · assessment · titration · dosage
Personalized learning accommodation document
- accommodationsPlaces providing temporary residence
- special educationAdapted instruction for disabilities
- workplace adjustmentsEmployer-provided accessibility modifications
- disability servicesSupport for those with impairments
advocacy · support groups · coaching · reminders · timers · planners · body doubling · accountability
Chronic occupational depletion
- shamePainful awareness of failure
- frustrationDispleasure from blocked efforts
- resilienceCapacity to recover quickly
- self-esteemOne's sense of worth
stigma · misunderstanding · validation · community · lived experience · coping · adaptation · thriving
neurodivergent
Having atypical brain function
- neurotypicalStandard cognitive wiring
- spectrumContinuous range of values
- autismNeurodevelopmental processing difference
dyslexia · dyspraxia · twice-exceptional · giftedness · creativity · divergent thinking · strengths-based · inclusion · identity · self-advocacy
inattention
Lack of focus
- hyperactivityExcessive physical or mental energy
- impulsivityActing without considering consequences
- distractibilityProneness to shifting focus
restlessness · fidgeting · forgetfulness · disorganization · procrastination · hyperfocus · time-blindness · racing thoughts · overwhelm · sensory overload
dopamine
Reward-linked neural messenger
- norepinephrineAlertness and stress hormone
- neurotransmittersChemical neural messengers
- prefrontal cortexBrain's planning and impulse center
executive function · working memory · neuroimaging · brain chemistry · reward system · neural pathways · cognitive deficit · inhibitory control · self-regulation · neuroplasticity
medication
Therapeutic substance for illness
- stimulantsAgents that heighten arousal
- AdderallAmphetamine-based concentration aid
- RitalinADHD stimulant medication
therapy · CBT · coaching · psychiatrist · psychologist · diagnosis · assessment · titration · dosage · side effects
IEP
Personalized learning accommodation document
- accommodationsPlaces providing temporary residence
- special educationAdapted instruction for disabilities
- workplace adjustmentsEmployer-provided accessibility modifications
disability services · advocacy · support groups · coaching · reminders · timers · planners · body doubling · accountability · assistive technology
burnout
Chronic occupational depletion
- shamePainful awareness of failure
- frustrationDispleasure from blocked efforts
- resilienceCapacity to recover quickly
self-esteem · stigma · misunderstanding · validation · community · lived experience · coping · adaptation · thriving · challenges
- Child Healthcheckups, immunizations, vaccinations, well-child visits, growth charts
- ADHDhyperactivity, inattention, impulsivity, fidgeting, distractibility
- Neuropsychologycognition, memory test, cognitive test, executive function, working memory
- Childhood Conditionsasthma, diabetes, epilepsy, cystic fibrosis, cerebral palsy
- disordersdisorder, anxiety, dysfunction, autism, bipolar disorder
- Learning Barrierslearning disability, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, attention deficit
Continuous focus over time
undivided attention · hyperfocus · concentration · focus · single-mindedness
ADHDself-control
Ability to restrain impulses
inhibition · restraint · composure · impulse control · deliberation
- ADHD diagnosisClinical recognition of attention disorder
- ADHD treatmentCare for focus disorders
- ADHD testAssessment for focus disorder
- ADHD managementTreating attention deficit disorder
- ADHD screeningEvaluation for focus disorder
- ADHD testingEvaluation for focus disorder