Do you have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?

What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD)?

ADHD is a neurobiological disorder seen in children and adults who consistently display characteristic behaviors of impulsivity, inattention and in some cases hyperactivity, over a long period of time.Impulsivity is hallmarked by impaired impulse control and delay of gratification.

Distractibility is evidenced by poor sustained attention to tasks.

Hyperactivity can be observed by excessive activity and physical restlessness.

What are the numbers on AD/HD?

  • 5% to 8% of school aged children

  • 4% of adults

When it comes to day to day life, one of the biggest challenges for the person with AD/HD is managing their possessions. Distractibility can lead to a trail of clutter and create problems with steps left undone and possessions in piles. An organizing session will focus on facing the challenge of clutter in the AD/HD world and provide practical steps for decluttering and organizing possessions in an AD/HD friendly way.

It is a legitimate diagnosis by major medical, psychological, and educational organizations, including The American Psychiatric Society which notes ADHD in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).

It is likely caused by a lack of neuro transmitter chemicals needed to allow for efficient and effective passing of data from neuron to neuron in certain parts of the brain.

It is a condition that can be improved and managed with a supportive system that may include:

  • medication
  • changes in diet
  • changes in activity levels/types of physical activity
  • organizational structure and assists
  • reasonable habits and routines
  • coaching strategies

I've encountered so many Adult ADHD perfectionists as a professional organizer, and much of the time, their perfectionist tendencies are causing them more difficulty in their lives. Because when you hyper-focus on making things perfect, you lose track of time and end up agonizing over details that are not important, losing sight of the big picture. So you could end up with a document that’s perfectly formatted, but not as well thought out as it could be - and turned in late!

Cynthia Braun is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO)