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ADHD is the catchall term that we have all become accustomed to hearing. YOu have a generation of boomers still insisting that  ADHD didn’t exist when they were young , Gen X staring into space mutherfuckerly when they are shocked to learn that the behaviors the considered “normal” because they did them were in fact symptoms of ADHD, millennials approach it with understanding and empathy and see it as a disorder rather than a character flaw and Gen Z viewing the disorder as common as air in their openess to share their own experiences and hopes to normalize the expience.

ADHD is often confused with or lumped in with Autism, and this is mainly due to the fact that they are both neurodevelopmental disorders. They also can overlap with symptoms such as challenges with focus, sensory sensitivities and emotional regulation. It is not uncommon for someone to have a co-morbidity and be diagnosed with both disorders.

The most significant differences are found in the domains of social interactions, repetitive behaviors  and attention issues. Autism is primarily characterized by difficulties in social communication and interactions as well as demonstrations of repetitive behaviors and restricted interests. ADHD is characterized by challenges with attention, hyperactivity  and impulsivity.

  With social interactions autism primarily affects social communication and interactions, making it difficult to understand social cues and engage in recipocal conversations. With ADHD  the impact to social interactions are connected to inattention and impulsivity. Repetive behaviors are seen with autisnm  and not seen with ADHD to the same degree. And while both disorders involve attention issues  those connected to ADHD include hyperactivity  and impulsivity where Autism is accompanied by social interactions and sensory issues.

Other symptoms of ADHD include Behavioral symptoms such as ; aggression, excitability, fidgiting, hyperactivity, impulsivity, irritability , lack of restraint, persistent or repetive words or actions. Cognitive symptoms such as absent mindedness , difficulty focusing, forgetfulness, problems paying attention, and short attention span. Mood symptoms include anger, anxiety, boredom , excitement or mood swings. Other common factors include learning diabilities and depression .

The criteria to recieve a diagnosis include at least 1 symptom from each domain being present for a minimum of 6 months. The number and severity of the presenting symptoms define the diagnosis , symptoms cause problems at home, school/work, relationships, symptoms are not caused by another disorder, symptoms are not caused by defiance or lack of understaning.

Treatment can look very different based ion the person the type (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity, Inattentive or combined) , and the severity of symptoms. Medications, therapy, physical activities and holistic approaches can all be affective in managing symptoms for the individual