In the early 1950’s, the mental health community started to recognize that there were significant numbers of children who exhibited delays in developing language, had heightened sensory responses, defiant behavior, problems with regulating emotions and difficulty with planning and with inhibiting behavior.
Clinicians gave this spectrum of conditions the name, Hyperkinetic Impulse Control Disorder, which we now know today as Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD).
Speaker Series presenter Veronica Crawford, Founder/Owner of People Achieving Results Together (PART) provided this aspect of history, and shared that it wasn’t until 2000, that the condition became differentiated (and possibly more confusing) away from ADD, to ADHD with impulsivity, inattention or combined type.
As part of the clinician’s search for an accurate diagnosis for ADHD, Veronica shared that the symptoms associated with this condition have persisted for at least 6 months in duration, can co-occur with other disabling conditions, that significant struggles occur across multiple environments (home, work, school) and symptoms occur before the age of 12.
The presentation moved to the topic of developmental delays and brain function impairments, especially to Executive Functioning, often creating another series of impacts to an individual with the condition doubting themselves, feeling diminished because of not being able to do “simple things” that everyone else can do, and developing a restricted approach to taking on new challenges, due to their perception of not being capable.
Because ADHD has similarities to Autism Spectrum Disorders and Learning Disabilities, it is critical to make sure the diagnosis is valid. Whether it is the client or family providing the medical history, any problems listed that don’t match the diagnostic symptoms could possibly mean it is not ADHD. Full disclosure of all developmental factors help in establishing the accuracy of the diagnosis.
Veronica closed the workshop by discussing the vital importance of developing and building personal resilience, with the center piece of becoming more resilient revolving around strategies, and building networks of support with peers, professionals and colleagues. She then provided specific tips, found here , no how to improve resilience.
