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Mental Health

Adult ADHD Action Plan

Mr. Hershel Wertheimer
Executive Director of Hamaspik Kings County

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Question:

I’m in my mid-twenties and have just been diagnosed with adult ADHD. The diagnosis helps me understand my lackluster performance at work, particularly my difficulties managing tasks and staying on top of deadlines.

I’m committed to overcoming these hurdles so I can succeed in my career and improve my daily life as I live with ADHD. What actionable steps and resources can you suggest to help me achieve a greater sense of control and to accomplish more?

Answer:

Let’s explore practical steps and advice for living with ADHD in adulthood that will hopefully make your life a bit easier and smoother. 

  1. You seem eager for guidance, and that’s wonderful. In order to lead a productive, joy-filled life as you live with ADHD, it's crucial to educate yourself about the nature of ADHD. Understand the diagnosis, how it manifests, and how the symptoms affect daily life. Get to know how ADHD impacts you personally (because it affects different people in very different ways) to gain more control. By learning your weaknesses and recognizing your triggers, you’ll be better equipped to manage them. This is a great starting point.
  2. The best way to manage ADHD is to create a structured, predictable routine. This includes going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. People with ADHD often struggle with following calendars, remembering plans, and staying focused. A consistent daily routine makes it easier to maintain a rhythm and stay on track.
  3. Make to-do lists, breaking each task into the smallest possible steps. This ensures that nothing is overlooked and makes it easier to follow through on all you need to do. Additionally, prioritize tasks before starting your to-do list. People with ADHD often choose the most entertaining tasks first, neglecting more important ones. A clearly prioritized list will help you focus on what needs to be done first.
  4. There are many online tools designed specifically for people with ADHD, including custom-made calendars and other helpful strategies. These resources can help you stay focused and accomplish your tasks.
  5. Once you understand your specific challenges, implement strategies to avoid them. For example, if you get distracted when you pass by other workers’ computers, try to avoid doing so. If you tend to join conversations when you overhear them, use headphones to block out distractions. Many techniques can help you stay focused. One popular method is the Pomodoro Technique: work for twenty-five minutes, then take a five-minute break. Rewarding yourself with short breaks can improve productivity.
  6. Untreated ADHD in adults can lead to endless frustration. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques can help people with ADHD overcome some of their challenges. By understanding where you struggle, a CBT therapist can assist you in mitigating those issues.
  7. Medication is another important element when it comes to managing ADHD. Unlike many mental health conditions where medication is debated, there are effective, nonaddictive medications for ADHD that you can start and stop as needed. For example, you can take medication on days when you need to focus and skip it on your days off. Consulting a doctor to find a flexible medication regimen that works for you can be a valuable strategy. Taking medication has made a huge difference in the lives of millions of people living with ADHD in adulthood.Last but not least, seek support. The sages tell us that if one is burdened by concerns, he should speak it over with someone else. ADHD is a serious concern and managing it can be challenging. Find an expert to guide you; with the right help, life can become much easier.

Remember that many extraordinarily successful people live with ADHD. They often become leading software developers and excel in complex professions. Don’t perceive ADHD as an illness. Instead, think of it as “ADH” without the "D" because, with the right management, life can be well-structured and fulfilling.

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Auditory Sensitivity

My child is sensitive to loud noises
(e.g., sirens, vacuum cleaner).

My child seeks out specific sounds or types of music and appears calmer when listening to them.

Tactile Sensitivity

My child is irritated by certain fabrics or tags in clothing.

My child seems indifferent to sensations that are usually painful or to extreme temperatures.

Visual Sensitivity

My child is sensitive to bright or flashing lights.

My child tends to avoid eye contact.

Taste/Smell Sensitivity

My child constantly prefers bland foods and rejects foods with strong flavors or spices.

My child seeks out strong or unusual smells, such as sniffing food or objects.

Proprioceptive Sensitivity

My child prefers tight hugs or being wrapped in a blanket.

My child is unaware of body position in space (e.g., often bumps into things).

Social Sensitivity

My child becomes anxious or distressed in crowded spaces.

My child is hesitant or resistant to climbing or balancing activities (e.g., jungle gyms, see-saws).

Movement Sensitivity

My child dislikes fast or spinning movements

Vestibular Sensitivity

My child becomes anxious or distressed in crowded spaces.

My child is hesitant or resistant to climbing or balancing activities (e.g., jungle gyms, see-saws).

Please answer all questions before submitting.

Your Child’s Score is

  • 0-15

    Low Sensory Sensitivity

  • 16-30

    Moderate Sensory Sensitivity

  • 31-45

    High Sensory Sensitivity

  • 46-60

    Very High Sensory Sensitivity

0-15: Low Sensory Sensitivity

  • Interpretation: Your child exhibits low levels of sensory sensitivity, usually falling within the typical developmental range.
  • Recommendation: Generally not  a cause for concern. If you have specific worries or notice a sudden change in behavior, consult a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation.
  • 0-15

    Low Sensory Sensitivity

  • 16-30

    Moderate Sensory Sensitivity

  • 31-45

    High Sensory Sensitivity

  • 46-60

    Very High Sensory Sensitivity

16-30: Moderate Sensory Sensitivity

  • Interpretation: Your child displays moderate sensory sensitivity, which may warrant intervention.
  • Recommendation: Consider sensory-friendly activities, sensory sensitive toys, or sensory sensitive clothing like noise-canceling headphones and weighted blankets to improve comfort. If symptoms persist, consult health care professionals.
  • 0-15

    Low Sensory Sensitivity

  • 16-30

    Moderate Sensory Sensitivity

  • 31-45

    High Sensory Sensitivity

  • 46-60

    Very High Sensory Sensitivity

31-45: High Sensory Sensitivity

  • Interpretation: Your child has higher than average sensory sensitivity that may interfere with daily functioning.
  • Recommendation: Seek a detailed evaluation by health care professionals for sensory integration therapy options and potential environmental modifications.
  • 0-15

    Low Sensory Sensitivity

  • 16-30

    Moderate Sensory Sensitivity

  • 31-45

    High Sensory Sensitivity

  • 46-60

    Very High Sensory Sensitivity

46-60: Very High Sensory Sensitivity

  • Interpretation: Your child demonstrates high levels of sensory sensitivity that could significantly interfere with daily life.
  • Recommendation: If your child displays this level of sensory sensitivity, it’s highly recommended that you consult with a health care professional for a multi-disciplinary assessment. You will probably be directed towards early intervention programs and specialized support.

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