Ever wondered why people with ADHD don't always have the same behaviours or symptoms? Or why your three diagnosed children are nothing alike?
This is because ADHD is divided into three subtypes, each exhibiting distinct behaviours. These subtypes are Predominantly Inattentive (ADHD-PI), Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive (ADHD-PHI), and a Combined Presentation.
The Hyperactive-Impulsive subtype (ADHD-PHI) tends to be the most commonly recognised form. Behaviours such as interrupting, difficultly keeping still (or quiet!), low impulse control (yes, that includes impulsive shopping or spending!), and impatience. Needless to say, this externalised presentation is the most frequently identified subtype due to its impact on those around them. Mums and dads - these are the ones you get exasperated at - numerous requests to "just wait!" alongside "Where the heck is Jnr? They were just here a minute ago!"
I have a theory regarding the second subtype, or Predominantly Inattentive (ADHD-PI): there is currently quite a lot of conversation and research around gender disparity in regards to ADHD diagnoses amid a mini-explosion of late, or adult, diagnoses for females. In my personal experience as said 'late' diagnosis and as a teacher, girls often fly under the radar and are dismissed as 'daydreamers'. Other common behaviours include difficulty following detailed instructions (thank goodness for GPS and YouTube - anyone from my generation will feel this deeply!), being disengaged (... and constantly asking their friend/partner about movie plots in the middle of viewing), or sustaining mental effort (I'll be honest - males may actually have a higher incidence of this than girls. Just sayin').
The Combined Presentation of ADHD is the most common - this subtype experiences symptoms of both previously mentioned subtypes. Again, I recognise this fluidity in myself and others I know with a ADHD-PI diagnosis. While externally I'm mostly a space-cadet and daydreamer, I recall a frequent urge to move the living room furniture around for no apparent reason; being recognised by employers as a diligent powerhouse who gets the job done in half the time (... because I just can't stand standing around, being unproductive!); and while not a pencil-tapper, I was a hair-chewer as a child. Never fingernails though ... weird!
To simplify all this info, I have created an infographic. Yes, ADHD-ers are the original 'visual learners' - using images, colours, arrows, and dot-points to organise information and thoughts into an easily digested snippet! If you have a little ADHD-er in your life, this is a great skill to teach them. Everyone can draw a stick figure or emoticon, using bright colours to help group associations.
Until next time, happy hyperfocusing, my ADHD tribe!
xx
Doc Harman
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