Defining Success for the ADHD Client

Transcription

1 Defining Success for the ADHD Client Ellen Hankes, CPO-CD,M.Ed. Calahan Solutions, Inc. (712)

2 I know what to do but I don t do it. Carol, age 55

3 Connecting Often the person with ADD feels (s)he s twice as smart, works twice as hard and makes half as much money. In relationships (s)he doesn t feel quite connected. Something always seems to be missing. It only seems to be half there and (s)he never seems to have enough time to get it all done. From Dr. Steven Copps

4 ADHD: Hurdle or Springboard for Organizing? Recognize the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Understand challenges and opportunities presented by ADHD. Be aware of how ADHD impacts the professional organizer s client relationship. Learn strategies that can be helpful for the client with ADHD.

5 What is ADHD? Neurological condition Who is affected? Prevalence Heredity

6 ADHD Symptoms Poor attention Distractibility Restlessness or hyperactivity Impulsivity Saying or doing things without thinking Excessive and chronic procrastination

7 ADHD Symptoms, cont. Difficulty getting started on tasks Difficulty completing tasks Frequently losing things Poor organization, planning, and time management skills Excessive forgetfulness

8 The Flip Side of ADHD Compassionate

9 And the List Goes On & On Dreamer Energetic Entrepreneurial Fun Hard-worker Hyperfocus Intelligent Intuitive Passionate Playful Spontaneous

10 Lost Days ADHD adults are 3 times more likely to suffer from stress, depression or emotional problems. (Joseph Biederman, M.D.) Result: Lost days Work loss Physical and emotional absenteeism

11 Impact of ADHD Family Home Workplace Community

12 Diagnosis or Not? Selfdiagnosis Professional Organizer Health Professional

13 Client-Organizer Dynamics 1 Client ADHD PO ADHD 2 Client ADHD PO = ADHD 3 Client = ADHD PO ADHD 4 Client = ADHD PO = ADHD

14 12 Success Practices 1. Find the right place/time. 2. Create and record success. 3. Measure and see the passage of time. 4. Add team members.

15 12 Success Practices 5. Park the distractions. 6. Make the space ADHD friendly. 7. Write it down. 8. Involve multiple modalities.

16 12 Success Practices 9. Create structure for everyday tasks. 10.Change early and often. 11.Know and acknowledge how ADHD affects the self. 12.Shine.

17 Learning More--Books Susan Pinsky, Organizing Solutions for People with Attention Deficit Disorder: Tips and Tools to Help You Take Charge of Your Life and Get Organized Judith Kolberg and Kathleen Nadeau, PhD, ADD- Friendly Ways to Organize Your Life Sari Solden Journeys through ADDulthood Women with Attention Deficit Disorder: Embrace Your Differences and Transform Your Life

18 Learning More--Websites ADDitude: Living Well with Attention Disorder, ADHD Coaches Organization (ACO), Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADD),

19 Learning More--Websites Children and Adults with Attention- Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD), Institute of Challenging Disorganization (ICD), Upcoming teleclasses: Curious Accountability-Getting Your ADHD Clients Excited About Failure Strategies for Overcoming ADHD Organizational Challenges Fidget to Focus for Chronically ADHD

20 Wishing you success with your ADHD clients, Ellen