Creating Brighter Futures for Children
and Adults with Inattentive ADHD

 

This is our work

  • Screen -- ALL children for ADHD before they finish the second grade although initially we focus on getting all girls screened as they are massively underdiagnosed..

  • Avoid trying to diagnose ADHD in very young children, but ensure that children with ADHD are diagnosed and treated before their 8th birthday.

  • Screen all family members of any child diagnosed with ADHD.

ADHD Information


What is ADHD?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts at least 4% of the population.  Our understanding of this disorder and its impact continues to evolve.  Currently it is believed there are three presentations to ADHD, Inattentive, Hyperactive/Impulsive and Combination. 

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What is Inattentive ADHD?

The criteria to be diagnosed with Inattentive ADHD differ from the criteria for Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD. The manual used by physicians and psychologists to make an Inattentive ADHD diagnosis requires that a certain number of behaviors be of such a degree that they interfere with a person’s ability to function satisfactorily.   The undesirable behaviors must be ongoing, occur regardless of the setting, and have a significant negative impact on the person’s life.  

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Does my child have Inattentive ADHD?

Dr. Hallowell suggests the simplest way is to just question the child about their day in school.  Spending a day observing your child at school can also be helpful.   In response to this question, we provide questions parents can ask their child as well as a 5 minute video that clearly demonstrates the difference between a neuro-normal child and one with Inattentive ADHD

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Why a diagnosis is crucial.

Children and adults with undiagnosed Inattentive ADHD blame and shame themselves when they don’t know they have a neurodevelopment disorder.  Obtaining a diagnosis explains much that previously was unexplained and makes improvement possible.  

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How to help your child.

Understanding the challenges of Inattentive ADHD changes how parents and others will interact with your child.  Focusing on your child’s positive attributes enhances their self-esteem and confidence.  Parents can become advocates for their child and become skilled at obtaining available and needed services.

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Can adults have Inattentive ADHD?

Yes, but they had it since childhood although it was unrecognized at the time.  Even now, it is a challenge for adults to find a physician or therapist who correctly identifies their Inattentive ADHD as it is a presentation of ADHD that is not widely recognized or understood.   

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What is involved in a diagnosis?

Depending on who makes the diagnosis, it could be a simple (and problematic)  15 minute meeting with a family physician or a lengthy interview and the completion of questionnaires and rating scales with a psychologist.   It is commonly believed that children who are hyperactive are over-diagnosed with ADHD while those with Inattentive ADHD continue to be under-diagnosed. 

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How to improve after a diagnosis

Learning about Inattentive ADHD and how it impacts a person’s life is step one.  Step two is self-acceptance while working to minimize the challenges.  Step three is creating accommodations and work-arounds and obtaining support from others with the disorder as well as guidance and insight from therapists and coaches. 

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Special challenges for girls and women

Because they tend to be more socially aware, girls and women hide their Inattentive ADHD challenges as much as possible. They want to belong and be accepted but often feel awkward and are socially shy. The effort required to hide their challenges and fit in makes their lives more problematic.  

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Latest thinking

ADHD is the most studied of brain disorders. Unfortunately, most research focused on ADHD as a single entity, not on its separate presentations: hyperactive-impulsive; inattentive and combined. Brain studies show weaknesses or smaller size in certain brain parts of those with ADHD. Problems with Executive Function has become a helpful prism for understanding the challenges of ADHD.  

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Personal stories

Men and women, who don’t learn about their Inattentive ADHD until adulthood are angry, sad, regretful, relieved, grateful.  They write about a range of emotions after getting diagnosed.  Parents write about the challenges in obtaining a diagnosis, about finally understanding their child and helping him/her to thrive.  They are eager to share their hard won wisdom. 

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