Progressive Therapy Associates, based out of West Fargo, ND specializes in ADHD and provides therapy services to adolescents and adults who suffer from ADHD. In our continued effort to increase awareness and education, we'll be covering the various ADHD types, ADHD signs and symptoms, as well as possible ADHD causes and treatment options.
If at any point along this blog post you have a question or would like additional information, please call us at 701-356-7766, contact us for additional information, or reach out to use through our social media channels. Please try to use the hash tag #ADHDFargo so that we know how you found us.
What is ADHD?
ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and is one of the most common childhood disorders that we see today. One aspect of ADHD that is frequently misunderstood is that even though ADHD is typically diagnosed in childhood, its symptoms continue through adolescence and adulthood.
Although we do not diagnosis ADHD at Progressive Therapy Associates, we help develop skills for adolescents and adults who may struggle with staying focused and balancing life's demands.
We find that while people may have heard of ADHD, few understand that there are subtypes of ADHD. Each subtype presents different challenges for the individual and their families. Let's take a look at these three main ADHD subtypes and how they are determined.
Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive
Individuals are diagnosed to have 6 or more of the main symptoms in the hyperactivity-impulsive categories.
Individuals display fewer than 6 of their symptoms in the inattention category although there may be some inattention that is noticeable.
Predominantly Inattentive
Individuals exhibit 6 or more (the majority) of their symptoms in the inattention category.
Some hyperactivity-impulsivity may be evident.
Young adults may simply keep to themselves while not paying attention to what they are actually doing. In these situations, they may come across as introverts, appear to get along with other kids and can be overlooked by parents and teachers.
Combined Hyperactive-Impulsive and Inattentive
Individuals display 6 or more symptoms of Hyperactive-Impulsive and Inattentive categories.
Most children are diagnosed in this category.
What Causes ADHD?
At this point scientists are not sure as to what causes ADHD. Some studies suggest that genetics and environmental factors directly contribute to ADHD.
Genes
Several international studies of twins show that ADHD often runs in families.
Environmental Factors
Studies have shown that cigarette smoking and alcohol use during pregnancy have been linked to ADHD.
Exposures with high levels of lead, which may be found in old plumbing fixtures and paint in old buildings, also increase the risk of ADHD.
Brain Injuries
People who have suffered a brain injury may show some symptoms of ADHD, it is important to seek therapy to accurately diagnose and treat the condition.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of ADHD?
While it is normal for people to be inattentive, hyperactive or impulsive some of the time, individuals with ADHD exhibit these behaviors more often and with more intensity.
Symptoms of Inattention (ADHD)
Easily distracted, missing details, forgetting things, and switching activities frequently
Difficulty focusing on one thing
Becomes bored with one task after a few minutes of activity
Difficulty completing a task or focusing attention
Trouble completing homework, assignments, and often losing things needed to complete tasks
Struggles to follow instructions
Difficulty processing information quickly and accurately
Daydreams, easily confused and moves slowly
Appears not to listen when spoken to
Symptoms of Hyperactivity (ADHD)
Nonstop talking
Touching and playing with everything in sight
Trouble sitting in one spot, sitting during dinner, school or other quiet times
Constantly in motion
Symptoms of Impulsivity (ADHD)
Highly impatient
Difficulty waiting for things they want
Often interrupts conversations
Show emotions without restraint
Acts without regard for consequences
Blurts out inappropriate comments
Who Is at Risk of Having ADHD?
While ADHD is a common childhood disorder, it often continues into adolescence and adulthood.
ADHD affects about 4.1% of American adults 18 years and older. ADHD also affects 9% of American children 13 to 18 years old and boys are four times more likely to have ADHD than girls in that same age group.
How Is ADHD Diagnosed in Adolescents and Adults?
Adolescents and adults who suspect they may have ADHD should be evaluated by a licensed health professional (neuropsychologist, psychologist, and psychiatrist). It is important to be evaluated because symptoms in adolescents and adults may be more varied and not as clear-cut as those seen in younger children.
Some adults find a diagnosis of ADHD as a relief giving them a better understanding of themselves. Receiving therapy for their condition allows them to understand the reason for their problems and help them deal with their issues more effectively.
How Is ADHD Treated?
The treatment of ADHD focuses on reducing the symptoms of ADHD with the goal of improving function. Treatments often include a combination of ADHD therapy, education, training and medication. Progressive Therapy Associates offers free consultations.
ADHD therapy can relieve many of the disorder's symptoms allowing people to be successful in school and at work as well as lead productive lives.
Do Medications Cure ADHD?
Currently medications do not cure ADHD. Medications can only aid in controlling ADHD symptoms of focus and impulsivity, but do not provide an individual with the executive function skills (initiation, planning, working memory, organization) they have not yet developed. Adding therapy, counseling, and practical support can help ADHD students, adults, and their families better cope with every day problems.
Progressive Therapy Associates therapists can help adolescents and adults with ADHD learn how to organize his or her life through proven techniques and tools to address executive dysfunction. We can help one with ADHD to start tasks and finish them, to develop a structure and routine that works, and reduce distractions to improve focus. With improved understanding of symptoms, life can be more manageable which provides a sense of accomplishment.
Cognitive therapy can also help change an adolescents or adults poor self-image by building successes. Therapists here at Progressive Therapy Associates encourage adolescents and adults with ADHD to develop strategies that are specific to their needs. While there are no quick fixes to the challenges that ADHD brings, there are options, which may help improve, empower and renew the lives of those who suffer from ADHD and their families.
We'd like to encourage you to contact us for a free consultation if you or a family member may suffer from ADHD. We'd love to help and be of service.
Our dedicated team of speech-language pathologists are specially trained in speech therapy as it relates to cognitive-communication issues (how you listen, process, focus, remember, and communicate). We are also nationally certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, are nationally recognized by the Brain Injury Association of America and are Certified Brain Injury Specialists (CBIS). We are licensed to practice in both North Dakota and Minnesota. We believe every patient deserves the best treatment and support we can offer in every single contact and interaction with us.
We recognize that no two people have the same needs and that everyone has different learning styles. That’s why we like to call our approach “the Progressive way,” which means we will happily customize treatment plans to meet the unique needs of the individual and their family. We also believe in “the right fit” between patient and therapist, so will make every effort to match you with a clinician who connects with you, understands you, and utilizes a therapy style that is comfortable for you.
Depending on the goals you wish to accomplish and the learning pace that is most comfortable for you, we will arm you with the evidence-based strategies, proven skills, and ample support you need to feel more organized, prepared, and effective. Therapy strategies may range from recommendations for specific tools (such as timers or planners), one-on-one brainstorming and problem-solving to address concerns, therapeutic activities as well as computer trials or worksheets to help strengthen cognitive and executive functions like attention, memory, and planning.
We know that working on cognitive-communication issues is hard work and that it can be easy to feel defeated or overwhelmed by the challenges of building a more efficient brain. However, you will not be in this alone. We are not just speech-language pathologists; we are fellow human beings who care about you, your journey, and your success. We don’t want an appointment to feel like you’ve been sent to the principal’s office. Instead, you’ll find a comfortable space where you’ll feel listened to and understood. And because humor makes everything more bearable, be prepared to laugh and joke a bit too!