Why is ADHD neurodivergent?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition; that is to say, its symptoms, and associated behaviours and traits are the result of a person's brain developing differently during the key stages of development before they were born or as a very young child.

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Why are people with ADHD considered neurodivergent?

Neurodiversity is an approach to education and ability that supports the fact that various neurological conditions are the effect of normal changes and variations in the human genome. ADHD, Autism, Dyspraxia, and Dyslexia all fall within the spectrum of “Neurodiversity” and are all neurodiverse conditions.

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Can ADHD be considered neurodivergent?

Some of the conditions that are most common among those who describe themselves as neurodivergent include: Autism spectrum disorder (this includes what was once known as Asperger's syndrome). Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Down syndrome.

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Do you have to have ADHD to be neurodivergent?

Besides ADHD, neurodiversity commonly refers to people with: Autism spectrum disorder. Dyslexia.

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Why does it seem like everyone has ADHD now?

The increased performance demands of modern societies have almost certainly contributed to the increased likelihood of acquiring a diagnosis of ADHD.

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What Exactly is Neurodiversity?

30 related questions found

Do ADHD brains work faster?

Shankman: Simply put, ADHD is the brain's inability to produce as much dopamine, serotonin, and adrenaline as “regular” people's brains produce. Because of that, our brains have become “faster.” When managed right, that becomes a superpower. Have you found that you tend to think faster than most people? Yes.

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How do you explain ADHD to neurotypicals?

I explain that ADHD is a neurological condition which includes symptoms of inattentiveness and hyperactivity. I then go onto listing the key traits that I struggle with such as: difficulties focusing, impulsiveness, procrastination and always feeling like I'm being 'driven by a motor'.

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Is ADHD on the spectrum?

Adult ADHD is considered to be a part of the externalizing spectrum with which it shares both homotypic comorbidity and heterotypic continuity across the lifespan.

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Does everyone with ADHD have a neurodivergent brain?

Not all individuals with a medical diagnosis like autism or ADHD self-identify as neurodivergent. There is also no standard for a 'neurotypical brain.

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How can I tell if I'm neurodivergent?

What are the signs of neurodivergence in adults?
  • Struggling with reading and writing.
  • Clumsiness.
  • Finding it hard to cope with crowds, bright lights, loud, sudden noises, or social situations.
  • Difficulty with focusing or keeping still.
  • No smiling or social responsiveness.

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Am I neurodivergent or just weird?

You absolutely are neurodivergent if you have been diagnosed with a developmental or learning disorder, such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or Tourette's syndrome. You may decide to consider yourself neurodivergent if you have no diagnosis but think, behave, or interact in ways that are outside the norm.

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What is an example of Stimming with ADHD?

Stimming can take many different forms: visual: staring off into space, drawing, spinning things like pens or coins. verbal/auditory: repeating sounds, excessive giggling, constantly clearing throat. tactile: rubbing fingers, chewing/biting nails, chewing the inside of cheeks.

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Is ADHD classified as a disability?

Yes, ADHD is considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504). There are several types of disabilities, including but not limited to: learning disability. cognitive disability.

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Is ADHD considered exceptional?

Gifted learners with a learning difference like ADHD are also referred to as twice exceptional or 2e. They have brains that are wired to notice all sorts of things going on around them simultaneously. Oftentimes they are affected by stimuli in a more profound way than their neurotypical peers.

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Are people with ADHD more creative?

Previous research has established that individuals with ADHD are exceptionally good at divergent thinking tasks, such as inventing creative new uses for everyday objects, and brainstorming new features for an innovative cell phone device.

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Are people with ADHD polymaths?

"The ADHD brain has the potential to be a polymath, because they have so many wide interests. They can be pretty resilient, they can be extremely creative, and they can be obsessively focused.

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What is Ring of Fire ADHD?

By Dr. David Velkoff. Ring of Fire ADD is a type of ADD characterized by abnormally increased activity in multiple areas of the brain, which in individuals on qEEG brain mapping scans can appear as over activity or overstimulation.

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Why is eye contact hard for ADHD?

Furthermore, they many times find simple social interactions painful or awkward. This all results in not always knowing how to interact with others or pick up on social cues. As a result, eye contact just doesn't happen often if at all.

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What are people with ADHD good at?

These may include hyperfocus, resilience, creativity, conversational skills, spontaneity, and abundant energy. Many people view these benefits as “superpowers” because those with ADHD can hone them to their advantage. People with ADHD have a unique perspective that others may find interesting and valuable.

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How do you explain what ADHD feels like?

People with ADHD will have at least two or three of the following challenges: difficulty staying on task, paying attention, daydreaming or tuning out, organizational issues, and hyper-focus, which causes us to lose track of time. ADHD-ers are often highly sensitive and empathic.

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What does untreated ADHD look like in adults?

Untreated ADHD in adults can lead to mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. This is because ADHD symptoms can lead to focus, concentration, and impulsivity problems. When these problems are not managed effectively, they can lead to feelings of frustration, irritability, and low self-esteem.

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Do people with ADHD have better IQ?

Does ADHD affect IQ? A popular misconception is that all children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are naturally smarter and have a higher IQ than children without ADHD. However, there is no correlation between this condition and intelligence.

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Can you see ADHD on a brain scan?

Though brain scans cannot yet reliably diagnose ADHD, some scientists are using them to identify environmental and prenatal factors that affect symptoms, and to better understand how stimulant medications trigger symptom control vs. side effects.

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What do people with ADHD excel at?

People with ADHD often do well in jobs that promote innovative or out-of-the-box thinking. Embracing innovation provides an outlet for creativity and problem-solving, while also creating a passionate environment. ADHD folks tend to excel at thinking big picture.

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