What is it like to have ADHD?

Transcript

 What does having ADHD feel like? So the way I like to describe it is this: your brain has all of these different functions like attention, sensory processing, memory, and so on. And if you're neurotypical, you're mostly the boss telling this team what to do. There are exceptions, like if you're getting tired or dealing with an irresistible distraction, but your brain team can usually be counted on to carry out your instructions pretty consistently.

Whereas if you're neurodivergent, especially ADHD describe it as more like a committee or a group project. So if you're a skillful leader, maybe you can satisfy everyone's demands and get them all moving in the same direction, but it is not easy. So for example, hyperactivity says, I need a minimum amount of stimulation, or I am throwing the panic switch and just shutting down the whole operation.

Also, I often describe ADHD as a disconnect between intention and actually getting your body to carry it out. So I'll be like, "Oh, I want to pick up that thing I dropped and put it where it belongs," and whatever part of my brain manages my hands is just like "eh."

Or like, I'll be opening up my phone to check some store hours and the browser is showing me thumbnails for an article about my special interests. And I'm literally going, "Lucas, Lucas, do not click on that. You are supposed to be doing something", but it is getting clicked unless I really want to put all of my energy into resisting the detour. I can if I really need to, but it's exhausting. Usually better to just build in time to wander a little.

So you can try teaching students with ADHD conventional time management skills and such, and maybe some will be a good fit for them. But the number one skill that they need is metacognition - being able to figure out the strategies that are effective for keeping their brains in balance and cooperating. Are they a "do the fun thing last so that you have something to work for" kid or a "do the fun thing first to help you build momentum" kid?

And if they need to do the fun thing first, which ones actually help them get moving and which ones are too hard to transition out of? You're not telling them what you think should work. You're guiding them in figuring out what actually works for them. If you want to learn more about supporting students with ADHD, Social Cipher's professional development covers topics like this and more, leaving you with actionable strategies that you can apply immediately.

‍

Follow us @socialcipher on TikTok and YouTube for more educator-focused videos about neurodivergence!

‍

‍