ADHD is an acronym used for “Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder”. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder- which means it affects how your brain develops and symptoms develop before the age of 12 years. It is typically marked by persistent patterns of inattention, difficulty focusing, and hyperactivity/impulsivity.

Many individuals are diagnosed as children and adolescents because they are unable to sit still during class, have a hard time concentrating, completing tasks, managing time, or because they fail to pay attention to details. Those with ADHD experience symptoms at different levels of intensity and it impacts functioning differently. Since it is a disorder which occurs on a spectrum (i.e. symptoms can be mild/moderate/severe), some children who do not experience severe symptoms go undiagnosed till adulthood. Whether you are a parent that suspects your child may have ADHD or you are an adult that thinks they may have undiagnosed ADHD, it is important to understand some key terms that are commonly used when we talk about ADHD. Those diagnosed with ADHD often use these terms to describe their struggles or behaviour and it can be helpful if you are trying to find ways to support your friend/loved one with ADHD.

Terms that describe symptoms/the experience of living with ADHD

Task Paralysis/ADHD Paralysis

Describes the inability to stop doing whatever you are doing or feeling frozen while there are other tasks that need to be done. For example, someone with ADHD may find it very difficult to switch between tasks like reading a book for an hour and then doing homework. This may sound similar to procrastination- while procrastination is a conscious decision to put off tasks, task paralysis feel uncontrollable

Info Dumping

This is something that is experienced by those with ADHD and other neurodiverse people. Those with ADHD can develop interest in niche topics (think world history, sea creatures, etc) and tend to be very excited to share with others. It is the act of “word-vomiting” information without realizing the person listening may find it hard to digest all the information or may not be as interested in the topics.

Executive Functioning

These refer to mental processes and techniques that allow us to plan, organise, initiate tasks, prevent distractions, execute behaviours, and complete tasks. This includes other processes like impulse and emotional control, self-monitoring, and prioritising tasks. Many with ADHD struggle with these processes which makes it difficult to reach goals and adapt to change.

Hyperfixation

This happens when one is very passionate about something and it is all they can think about/do. While thinking/doing it, they may feel entirely absorbed and lose themselves in the experience (ex: drawing, reading about a specific topic, learning a new hobby). This may cause someone to lose track of time or forget to eat. This happens with people not diagnosed with ADHD as well (think bingeing a TV show!), but those with ADHD are more likely to hyperfixate by things that fascinate them.

Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD)

This can be a common experience for some folks with ADHD where they find the experience of rejection/failure very painful. Disappointing themselves/others or receiving criticism can bring more intense negative emotions than the usual.

Terms that Describe Coping Skills Used

Habit Stacking

This is a method to help with completing tasks where new/hard tasks are combined with old/easy tasks so they can become routine and help with remembering. For example, I may stack cleaning the kitchen, which is a new habit I want to develop, while I heat my meals everyday. Thus, heating up my food every day acts as a reminder/cue for me to clean the kitchen while I’m there!

Body Doubling

This helps direct focus when there is a particularly unappealing tasks. It involves using another person in the room to be a ‘model of productivity’ which helps keep one from getting distracted. This reminds me of when I used to study in the kitchen while my mother cooked so her being productive and cooking would help me study!

Stimming

Stimming means to ‘self-stimulate’ by seeking sensations through picking at our nails, running fingers through hair, tapping our feet, or rocking. Although we don’t know exactly why stimming helps, it is not limited to those with ADHD and it is believed to help regulate emotions when we feel stressed or overwhelmed by our environments. This can be conscious or subconscious.

While there are many more terms used to describe the daily experiences of those with ADHD and the coping skills particularly helpful, these are some basic words that you can use to interpret behaviours and skills accurately. As always, if there are terms you don’t fully understand or want to know about, refer to posts or ask those with real-world lived experiences with ADHD.

Clinicians at Safe Space Counseling Services have specially trained and certified to treat those with ADHD and help support you in your therapeutic journey!