ADHD Crash Course

Sometimes we're just stuck. It might look like scrolling on our phones, hitting the "next episode" button on Netflix, or even just staring out the window. What makes us "stuck" is not the activity itself; it's the fact that we want or need to move on but it feels impossible to do so.What can we do to move out of that place of stuckness to one where we can choose what we do next? How can we get going when we feel like we're moving through quicksand?Today we'll talk about using "transition activities" to gently move out of a frozen state and into one of mobility and productivity.  This is not about "trying harder", it's about learning how to work with your nervous system exactly where it is!

Many people with ADHD  have the experience of being perceived as selfish in conversations (or even in their relationships). It can be frustrating for both the person with ADHD and their friends! ADHD traits can negatively impact our communication and relationships; impulsivity, memory challenges, and divergent thought preference can make it harder for us to connect/ be in sync with others.In todays episode we'll discuss common ways ADHD traits impact our communication/relationship and what we can do about it. We'll discuss how we can make changes that line up with our own values without masking or being inauthentic.

We are always on the hunt for the perfect planner/ time system/ organization system for ADHD!The search can be frustrating AND expensive! The most important part of any system that we choose is something that doesn't come with the planner we buy...our habits around using it!In today's episode, we'll talk about several questions you can ask yourself to find the right planner/ time system for YOU and steps you can take to ensure whatever you choose actually works to keep track of your time and cut down on chaos.Discount link for the Remarkable 2: https://remarkable.com/referral/QDMY-7NUN

Although grades serve as one measure of our progress, they should NOT be the only measure! Students with executive functioning deficits (and even those without) benefit when we shift our focus from the outcome to the effort they are making. Not only does this decrease anxiety, it helps develop key EF skills like planning, prioritizing, self-monitoring, and flexible thinking. Building these skills matter more than achieving a perfect score on any one test or class.  When we overemphasize  grades, it can actually make it more difficult for students to develop the executive functioning skills they need! Why? They stop focusing on what they can control in the moment and get overwhelmed with a future outcome.Learn how we can shift our emphasis with our students and why it matters in this episode of ADHD Crash Course!

Working memory can be thought of as our shortest term memory; it's the information we hold in our mind in order to get things done. These are some common ways working memory deficits show up in our day to day lives:Having to dig a box mix out of the trash several times to re-read steps when bakingWalking into a room but forgetting why you're thereForgetting a new acquaintance's name seconds after you've heard itIf any of these sounds familiar, you can join us today for a discussion on working memory; what it is and how to support your brain if you struggle in this area!

Exploring the misconception that ADHD is used as an excuse, discussing the concept of locus of control and how it relates to ADHD, and emphasizing that ADHD is an explanation and not an excuse for certain behaviors.

There's a word swap you can use to strengthen executive function skills AND approach yourself (and others) with less judgment. Try replacing "why" with "how" in some of your questions.Example: "Why did I wait until the last minute to start this project?""How do I decide when to start my project?""Why is it so hard for me to make decisions?""How  do I make decisions?"When we're frustrated, why questions can make us feel defensive. They ask us to justify our motives or reasoning.  “How” questions shift us to a place of curiosity- how exactly is this thing getting done (or not getting done)? Why asks for motivations, but how is a question that looks at our process.  "How" helps us see the steps that lead us to an outcome and make changes. Then we can decide if there are different steps we want to take to change those outcomes!

What is DBT ( (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy)? How is it different from CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and how is it used to support people with ADHD?Today we'll explore the DBT approach and its components, including mindfulness, emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness and distress tolerance skills. 

Why do divergent thinkers frequently deal with overwhelm? One possible reason is our tendency to see all of the things... all at once! Our brains like to make connections and that can serve us in some settings but lead to overwhelm in others.When it comes to overwhelm, this pattern of thinking can make prioritizing and decision making tough. It's harder for us to "back off" of the connections our brain has made and see/ do one thing at a time. (This focus on one thing at a time is an important part of keeping overwhelm at bay).In today's episode of ADHD Crash Course, I'll talk about practical ways that we can see less and how to use this approach to beat overwhelm!

Today we're talking about Mental Load, otherwise known as "invisible labor" and why understanding this concept is so important for those of us with ADHD.What is mental load? It's the cognitive labor that goes into taking care of life. It’s the “worry work”; anticipating what is needed, researching options, planning, organizing, remembering, monitoring—- all of the thought work that goes into managing homes, work, family, and social lives. If you are not in a partnership, you carry the weight of this work independently and if you have ADHD, this invisible labor can be even more challenging since in requires strong executive functioning skills. Being in a partnership may not necessarily lighten this load for women, though. Studies suggest that women are often the default person for carrying the mental workload in families and that this can lead to overwhelm and burnout. Today we'll talk about this dynamic and ways we can protect against the negative impact of not sharing this cognitive work.Additional Resources:Fair Play by Eve Rodsky