A question I hear often is ‘why is ADHD so common these days? And I also hear, ‘in my day, hardly anyone had ADHD, now it’s as if everyone has ADHD!!’ So let me fill you in on the reason to why that may be. This is the case because, in the past, ADHD was thought to be only something hyper boys who could not sit still had and it was also thought that ADHD was something you grew out of, therefore adults would not have ADHD. As a result of this inaccuracy, those who as children did not present as a hyper boy but DID have ADHD, are only being assessed for it now as an adult. Hence the NHS is having to play catch up and assess/diagnose adults who ought to have been diagnosed as a child.
I am now on a mission to raise awareness into the still massively misunderstood condition of ADHD. This follows on from my own ADHD diagnosis two years ago. My hope is that in the future ADHD is perceived less like a disorder and more like the genetic difference that it is and understood and accepted by the neurotypical world. There really is no shame to having ADHD. In fact, there are many advantages to the ADHD gene and yet there is still so much stigma. Until this is overcome, I am supporting those with ADHD so they can manage living in a neurotypical world better via groups for parents, adults and professionals and one to one ADHD coaching for children and adults.
There are lots of ways to treat ADHD, more than you may realise. The NHS nice guidelines recommend psychoeducation sessions. Medication. Behaviour management. ADHD Coaching. And self-care. ADHD self-care is different to the stereotypical pampering you may associate with self-care. As briefly follows:
Prior to learning that I had ADHD, I went to learn shamanic drum healing and found it to be beneficial to my brain as it calmed it down and opened me up. Of all the modalities and approaches I have practiced; this one was the one that did the most benefit for me hence why I now would like to share this with others particularly those with ADHD and autism, which I intend to do via the ADHD self-care groups soon. A bit of background on shamanic drum healing. It is a powerful way to shift your energy and transform your life. Scientists have found that 90-minute drumming a week showed better control of their emotions, fewer signs of hyperactivity, inattention, and repetitive behaviours in as little as 8 weeks, which is why it is ideal for those with ADHD and autism. The study, which was co-authored by Dr Ruth Lowry from the University of Essex, found through MRI scans that drumming reveals changes to the brain function linked to overall behaviour and neurological adaptions.
To find out more about ADHD self-care and coping skill strategies, come along to our upcoming ADHD groups to learn more about ADHD and what suits out brains better:
- ADHD Awareness, 26th September, Stanway, Colchester, 7-9pm ADHD Awareness Group Tickets, Tue 26 Sep 2023 at 19:00 | Eventbrite or contact us directly to get 10% off via amanda@findyourspark.koala-digital.co.uk
- ADHD Self-care, 18th October, Stanway, Colchester, 7-9 pm – limited spaces so email amanda@findyourspark.koala-digital.co.uk to enquire/book your space.
- Supporting your ND child, 22nd October, 9.45 am – 12.30 pm, Copford, Self Care Session for ADHD Adults Tickets, Tue 12 Sep 2023 at 19:00 | Eventbrite
These are the best ways to learn a foundational, base level about ADHD and neurodiversity and get to meet me. If you’d like to engage in ADHD Coaching first, that too is an option however I always recommend these groups as a taster so you can have some basic knowledge on ADHD before you engage in more intensive support.
