WHAT IS AD/HD?

It is a developmental, neurological condition affecting between 3-5% of the population. It is understood that every school class of 30 children will have one or two children with AD/HD or ADD (without hyperactivity) and at least 50% of children continue to have problems into adulthood.

AD/HD affects the Executive Functioning of the brain and the main symptoms show as difficulties in the following areas:

• Hyperactivity • Impulsivity • Difficulty with concentration and paying attention
• Procrastination and difficulty prioritising • Reduced organisational skills
• Over-focusing • Poor time management of projects • Difficulty with personal relationships • Low self-esteem • Sense of under-achievement • Mood swings
• Low threshold to boredom • Over-commitment • Feeling of constant overwhelm

Many of these symptoms can be viewed as 'character traits'. The individual with AD/HD, their family, friends and colleagues, may not be able to separate the symptoms from a personality style. They may not fully realise how Executive Functioning problems are impacting on daily life. We can all experience mood swings, feel bored or lack concentration at times, but when these 'traits' or symptoms are persistent and pervasive, and impair on the quality of life, they may indicate AD/HD.

"What you know about you can control, what you don't know about controls you."
Author Unknown