Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (A.D.H.D) is a form of neurodiversity and a neurodevelopmental condition and it is present in most organisations today!  Characterised by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, A.D.H.D affects how employees perform. 

Feeling frustrated by distractions, overwhelmed by having to prioritise, and generally feeling isolated in social spaces, these individuals are often misunderstood by those around them. Does this sound like you or someone you know? 

A.D.H.D often leads to mental exhaustion and impacts both your personal and professional life. Lets look at the functional areas that are affected by A.D.H.D

Key Brain Areas affected by A.D.H.D

1. Default Mode Network (DMN): This is a group of interconnected brain regions that show increased activity when you are recalling memories, daydreaming, envisioning your future, or doing reflection. It is mostly active during mind-wandering and daydreaming. If you are diagnosed with A.D.H.D, it means that regulation between the DMN and task-positive networks is poor. The result? Intrusive thoughts during tasks that require your sustained focus.

2. Prefrontal Cortex (PFC): The role of the PFC is executive functioning; your planning, decision-making, and impulse control. In individuals diagnosed with A.D.H, the PFC is often underactive or shows delayed maturation, which means poor attention regulation, and impulsivity.

3. Cerebellum: The role of the cerebellum is coordination of movement and some cognitive functions. In individuals diagnosed with A.D.H.D this may explain clumsiness and problems with time management.

4. Basal Ganglia. The role of the basal ganglia is motor control and habit formation. You may have structural differences or reduced volume which results in hyperactivity and problems with motor regulation.

This raises the need to be equipped with tools to help you with daily life so that A.D.H.D does not control you.

What can you do about A.D.H.D?

Let’s look at some tools that you can implement in order to . 

1. Tasks: divide tasks into clear, manageable steps
2. Prioritise: prioritise daily goals with short to-do lists
3. The Pomodoro technique: Use timers or the Pomodoro technique to stay focused. The Pomodoro Technique is a simple time management method designed to boost focus and productivity by dividing work into manageable intervals, traditionally 25 minutes long, separated by 5-7 minute breaks.
4. Communicate: communicate your needs openly with your team
5. Move: take short movement breaks to reset your mind and body
6. Brain-based coaching
7. Neurofeedback 

At first, items 1-5 might be hard to implement. However, your brain functions on the premise of neuroplasticity, its ability to change, adapt, and form new neural connections in response to experiences, learning, or changes that you are able to introduce in your environment.  The tools mentioned above in 1-5 only address the symptoms of A.D.H.D. Items 6 and 7 are options that target your brain specifically so that you do not live with A.D.H.D or medication for the rest of your life.

Brain-based coaching, performed by a certified Neurocoach, is a neuroscience-informed approach to coaching that helps you to improve your thinking, behaviour, and performance by understanding how your brain works. Instead of just focusing on goals or motivation, it leverages how your brain processes change, learns, and create new habits.

Neurofeedback is a science-based holistic general training that takes advantage of your body’s natural ability to self-regulate and seek balance. During training, your brain is rewarded when it produces the appropriate balance of brain waves, it will receives positive feedback. When it is not producing the incorrect balance, it will receive negative feedback. Therefore neurofeedback trains your brain to self-regulate to a desired state, such as sustaining attention and focus for longer periods. This is especially useful to improving your performance and A.D.H.D. 

You do not have to struggle with A.D.H.D or let it be a prison sentence on your life. There are options available to you and what is important is that. You should, however, be willing to make a commitment and actively work at implementing these tools. 

At NIB, we care about individuals who have been diagnosed with A.D.H.D and those living with them. Try these simple tools first or contact us to help you with brain-based coaching or neurofeedback.  

Ref:

https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/ADHD_and_the_Brain-121.aspx

Neurofeedback