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Defining ADHD
Symptoms range from distractibility and forgetfulness to emotional intensity and hyperfocus, unique to each person. Tools like the ADHD symptoms table and wheel visualize how these traits affect executive function, motivation, and social interaction, providing a holistic, empowering view of neurodiverse minds.
Defining ADHD:
Clarifying the terms.
Everyday Language and Terms
Exploring the common terms, phrases, and descriptions of symptoms used in society. Beyond the clinical framework of the DSM-5 diagnoses, these represent observations and expressions shared by individuals with diagnoses, reflecting their lived experiences and perspectives.
Symptoms Wheel
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Defining ADHD:
"Symptoms Wheel"
The wheel depicted may portray ADHD in a light that emphasizes the "negative" impacts. It tends to overlook the uniqueness of ADHD, where many autistic individuals perceive their way of thinking as a significant asset in their lives due to their distinct cognitive processes. These individuals may not experience as many detrimental symptoms or have effectively managed them through learned coping strategies or medication management that helps reduce the intensity of individual symptoms.
Explaining Levels of Intensity:
"Symptoms Table"
The table categorizing the symptoms of ADHD is structured into three levels of intensity: low, moderate, and high. Under the low intensity column, symptoms include occasional distractibility, slight forgetfulness, or mild difficulty in organizing tasks. The moderate intensity section features more pronounced symptoms such as frequent procrastination, moderate impulsivity, and regular challenges with time management. In the high intensity category, symptoms become significantly more disruptive, encompassing consistent inattention, severe impulsive behaviors, and overwhelming challenges in maintaining focus on tasks, which can severely impact daily functioning and relationships. This structured approach helps in understanding the varying manifestations of ADHD symptoms across different individuals.
Symptoms Table
