ADHD is often misunderstood as a behavioral problem, but it really is not. ADHD is a developmental difference. It is not a disciplinary issue. Children with ADHD are not misbehaving. They are struggling with neurological challenges and understanding how their brain works.

I’m Jennifer, I’m an occupational therapist with Joy & Laughter Developmental Therapy. Today, we’re going to talk about what ADHD is and what it is not.

Children with ADHD Want to Do Well

When working with children with ADHD, we want to move away from the idea that they “can’t do it” or “won’t do it” and move toward the understanding that children often can do things when they are given the right supports.

Children with ADHD want to do tasks well, and they want to make the people around them happy.

They are often very upset with themselves when they are unable to complete tasks or when they forget something. We do not need to add shame or blame when they are already placing that pressure on themselves.

How ADHD Affects Executive Functioning Skills

Executive functioning skills are the mental skills that help children focus, stay organized, manage emotions, control impulses, and complete tasks successfully. ADHD affects executive functioning skills such as:

  • Attention – the ability to stay focused on a person, activity, or task without becoming distracted by other things happening around you
  • Response inhibition – the ability to stop yourself from interrupting or immediately acting on an impulse
  • Time management – the ability to plan, organize, and complete tasks within an appropriate amount of time
  • Working memory – the ability to hold information in your mind long enough to use it or follow through with a task
  • Impulse control – the ability to pause and think before speaking, acting, or reacting

 

Children with ADHD often understand rules and expectations, but they struggle with the ability to consistently perform those expectations because of challenges with executive functioning skills.

How Environment Can Affect Children With ADHD

The behaviors often seen with ADHD are responses associated with executive functioning skill deficits that the child may have. And the challenges associated with ADHD can often look very different depending on the task, the environment, or other contributing factors around the child.

When a child is in a noisy, loud, chaotic environment, they often have less ability to perform tasks than they do in a quiet, comfortable environment.

When children are around people who create emotional stress or strong emotional responses, they may also have a more difficult time completing tasks that they are otherwise able to do in a different environment with different people.

Why Reward Systems Alone Are Not Enough

While behavior charts and reward systems can sometimes be beneficial, they do not address the core underlying challenges associated with ADHD. When children are constantly relying on reward systems, they may begin believing they are not worthy of the reward because they cannot consistently succeed.

In reality, when children are given the right supports and we identify where the challenges are, they are able to gain confidence and competence in their skills. This helps them successfully complete the tasks they want to do and the tasks others expect from them.

Understanding ADHD as a Neurological Difference

Sometimes understanding the neurological differences between a person with ADHD and a person without ADHD can feel challenging. When we begin to understand that children with ADHD often have brains that are wired differently, it opens up opportunities for support.

If this is something you are struggling with, we would love to talk with you about how to better understand your child’s neurological differences, recognize how they can be supported, and help them gain independence and success.

Give us a call or send us a message. We would be happy to help.