1
2
3
yes, you have been warned. This book is for those who have Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder or for others who need to understand what their loved one experience because of adhd and its challenges. I, the author, do have the “disorder�, and will share my personal experience. Through non-conventional and modern compositions I will be illustrating what is adhd and its influence on a person mentally and physically. For that reason, this book will drive a very normal controlled mind crazy. You have a choice, either read it later when you are ready for a crazy journey, or you can read now and buckle up for pages of crazy facts. If you decided to continue reading, please follow any instruction given.
5
did_I_put_my_clothes_in_the_washer?
CHAPTER TWO TRACES
STICKERS
052 008 030 050 076 this_is_the_ table_of_wait_what? what was I saying
CHAPTER ONE DISCOVERY
7
CHAPTER THREE PERCEPTION
REFERENCES
7
A dH D
8
Di sco very
A dH D
9
The final chapter of the book takes on people’s perception of AdhD, the way they choose to deal with those who have the “disorder” and how it is being abused these days.
9
The teenage years tend to be an emotional roller-coasterfor all kids, but those with adhd are prone to poor emotion-regulation, which may result in greater highs and lows. Their emotional impulsivity can make it especially difficult for them to cope with frustration. It can be tough on them, and those around them. Here is no typical teenager with adhd-symptoms and impairments vary by gender, by what type of adhd they have, by the environment they’re in, and by their individual strengths and any co-occurring disorder they might have.
both academically and socially, are greatly increased, and that can be tough on teenagers with adhd. Developmentally, teenagers are expected to be able to handle more autonomy: less structure in their school and home lives and less teacher and parental oversight.
planet teen
In addition, adolescents are more susceptible to peer group influence, which becomes more powerful in the teenage years, as kids gradually separate from their parents and other authority figures.
Overall, teens with adhd tend to display fewer of the hyperactivity symptoms we associate with adhd in children. That’s the good news.But once kids get to high school, the expectations for them.
add/adhd are capable of appropriate classroom behavior, but they need structure and clear expectations in order to keep their symptoms in check. As a parent, you can help by developing a behavior plan for your child and sticking to it. Whatever type of behavior plan you put in place, create it in close collaboration with your child’s teacher and your child.
10
11
12
13
(symptom description) : Emotional difficulties
^
While teenage years are full of self-doubts for most girls, the special challenges of ad/hd greatly intensify those feelings. may respond anxiously, even obsessively,
typographic expression of being hyperfocused in highschool
typical hyper-reactivity of AD/HD tends
I tell my parents I study a lot. I tell them I’m all caught up with my work. Neither is true. I may spend a lot of time in front of my books, but I’m attracted to everything else around me. I’m emailing, sending text messages to my girlfriend, and cruising the internet. I’m pulled in by just about anything interesting, fast, flashy, and loud and all I have to do is hit the enter key to find more of it.
I finds it nearly to be intensified impossible to escape the sticky web of sights sounds, and content of the electronic universe that surrounds him. They have a gravitational pull on him, like magnets carrying him away from activities that are, in contrast, boring and dull. I am competent, and he cares about what his parents and others think of him. He sees no way out of the dilemma that is his distractibility.
Pressures to grow up and become responsible
Having to read a chapter in my history book or write an essay about my take on a poem written by some ancient guy who’s impossible to understand can’t compete with all the other stuff that gives me instant satisfaction.
I deal with it by lying; lying hides the problem, puts the shame at bay, and helps him maintain his image of the “good kid.” The result? He’s using up his psychological energy to save fac energy that could be better spent doing the tasks that challenge him.
I don’t feel good about lying to my folks. I’m really a good kid, but I know they have high hopes for me, and I don’t want to look stupid My advice: First of all, let’s address Devon’s in their eyes. Lying is my camouflage. It’s my guilty feelings. Getting a better handle on way of trying to make my ad/hd go away. But time management can help this thoughtful it always catches up with me in the end.My young man be more upfront with his folks. take on this: Devon is a kid whose intelligence and talents are buried in the fog of his adhd. increase during adolescence.
Ad HD Met er normal (careless)
0569
FILE NO. PATIENT * underachieved and emotional teen RESULT * struggling in school and self-concious
14
If I need to use assistive technology, like a text reader, use “restricted” technology software that’s loaded on a device (like a Kindle or e-reader) and has no internet connection.
Some adults with adhd have difficulty maintaining emotionally health relationships with significant others. Working jointly on a task with Devon’s girlfriend may be a good This is similar to the advice I’d give someone rehearsal for future relationships (with this who finds it hard to resist drugs or alcohol girl or another lucky lady later in life) that are don’t hang out with users or dealers, and just made more solid by a better understanding say no to keg parties! He might not be about his adhd, how it gets in the way, and addicted to technology, but he’s awfully close. how both members of a couple can work as a Devon might have to start with 15-minute team in a way that pulls them closer togethblocks and then increase the time off-screen. erand not farther apart by the adhd. He can also use a timer to mark the passage of time. Remember, however, to use a kitchen timer and not, for instance, a cell-phone timer that would make it too tempting to “just do a quick check” of email or slip away into Google Land and zone out. Once the drama is over, she may be ready to forgive and forget.
energy expended on peer analysis: watching, imitating, relating, comparing and conforming.
ditch school
15
kiss a stranger
high (unstable)
Their hurt feelings can escalate more rapidly into impulsive remarks
hormonal fluctuations complicate and escalate reactivity.
Parents should take part in his plan, too, so they can share in his accomplishment. In order for me to make better use of his time, his parents could encourage him to create a no-screen zone, or a space where he totally shuts down his electronic universe for one or two hours a night preferably a computer-free room just so I would be able to focus.
scan pinpoint brain areas that
The active regions in this MRI
the children with adhd failed
to deactivate during low-incen-
control children, whose brain
tive tests, as compared with the
scans showed no difference
between low- or high-incentive
conditions. Brain scans showed
that typically developing chil-
dren switched off their DMN
network whenever they saw an
item requiring their attention.
16
17
Research shows that teenagers with adhd tend to start using cigarettes, alcohol and illicit drugs earlier than typical kids. Later, they tend to have higher rates of smoking and substance use, and higher rates of alcohol-related problems.
and hitting. Temper tanrums, normal in children after age 2, are usually exaggerated and not necessarily linked to a specific negative event in the life of a child with adhd. One of the most painful events a parent may experience is an abrupt and aggressive attack that may occur after cuddling a young child with adhd. Often this reaction seems to be caused not by anger, but by the child’s apparent inability to endure overstimulation or displays of physical affection.
They also tend to become sexually active earlier, be more likely to have unsafe sex, and have higher rates of sexually transmitted disease. Impulsivity and Temper Explosions. Even before the “terrible twos,� impulsive behavior is often apparent.The toddler may gleefully make erratic and aggressive gestures, such as hair pulling, pinching
18
19
Hyperactivity. The term hyperactive is often confusing since, for some, it suggests a child racing around non-stop. A boy with adhd playing a game, for instance, may have the same level of activity as another child without the syndrome. But when a high demand is placed on the child’s attention, his brain motor activity intensifies beyond the levels of the other children. In a busy environment, such as a classroom or a crowded store, children with adhd often become distracted and react by pulling items off the shelves, hitting people, or spinning out of control into erratic, silly, or strange behavior.
20
21
22
advantages of being an adhd child : talented and smart In addition to the challenges, there are also positive traits associated with people who have attention deficit disorder: creativity in children who have add/adhd can be marvelously creative and imaginative. The child who daydreams and has ten differ ent thoughts at once can become a master problem-solver, a fountain of ideas, or an inventive artist. Children with add/adhd may be easily distracted, but sometimes they notice what others don’t see. flexibility because children with add/adhd
consider a lot of options at once, they don’t become set on one alternative early on and are more open to different ideas.
enthusiasm and spontaneity children with add/adhd are rarely boring! They’re interested in a lot of different things and have lively personalities. In short, if they’re not exasperating you (and sometimes even when they are), they’re a lot of fun to be with. energy and drive when kids with add/adhd are motivated, they work or play hard and strive to succeed. It actually may be difficult to distract them from a task that interests them, especially if the activity is interactive or hands-on.
23
24
25
redefined life
Denial is often the first reaction to the discovery of adhd. This can be true for one or both of the parents in the months or years prior to ever seeking professional help. “Oh, he’s just being a boy” or “ If you would just be more firm and consistent with her everything would be okay” are a couple of examples of expressions of denial prior to a formal diagnosis. “There’s nothing wrong with my child,” or “It can’t be true. The doctor is wrong,” and “She just needs more time to mature and more understanding teachers,” are examples of denial following a formal diagnosis. Anger often follows the denial phase. This anger may be directed inward, against yourself, often in the form of guilt, or it may be directed outward, blaming the other parent or some outside source. “We never had anything like this on my side of the family.” “That pediatrician should have paid closer attention to those ear infections.” “The kindergarten teacher should have seen the problem and told us to get help three years ago.” and many more reasons to blame others. All of these expressions are signs of anger displaced toward others. Similar to the guilt reaction, blaming an outside source places responsibility somewhere, and protects you, the parent, from feeling helpless. One major problem coming from this reaction is the effect on the child.
26
If the adhd child hears the parent making The “logic” used is that if this happened for a constant disparaging and critical remarks reason––on account of something I did and if about the major sources of help in his or her I do not practice that transgression again, world, the child’s faith and respect are under- then nothing like it will happen again. mined for the very people the family must Dealing with a diagnosis of adhd may take turn to for hope. that same kind of patient, but persistent Guilt is another common reaction.“Why me?” effort. Remember, this process does not end “It’s all my fault.” “God is punishing me at the end of some arbitrary interval, such as because...” or “If only I hadn’t let him bump two years. Managing life with an adhd child his head, had played with her more, had been (often with the frustrations of also being an more strict, or had followed the doctor’s adhd parent) is a continual challenge. Yet, advice.” These are all manifestations of a experience and faith allows us to be confident judgment of guilt by the parent, followed by in the outcome. feelings of sorrow and remorse. Dr. Larry Silver describes identification of guilt as an attempt to establish control over a situation that a parent perceives as hopeless and out of control. If a parent can lay the blame or attribute the cause to himself or herself, that person then “conquers” the situation by explaining it, however erroneously.
27
A d H D M e t er normal (jittery)
0569
FILE NO. PATIENT * unfocused child RESULT * takes more time to get things down
28
concequences of ignorance: school challenges increase The classroom environment can be a challenging place for a child with add/adhd. The very tasks these students find the most difficult sitting still, listening quietly,concentrating are the ones they are required to do all day long. Perhaps most frustrating of all is that most these children want to be able to learn and behave like their unaffected peers. Neurological deficits, not unwillingness, keep kids with attention deficit disorder from learning in traditional ways. add/adhd, obviously, gets in the way of learning.You can’t absorb information or get your work done if you’re running around the classroom or zoning out on what you’re supposed to be reading or listening to.
Students with add/adhd may be so easily distracted by noises, passersby, or their own thoughts that they often miss vital classroom information.These children have trouble staying focused on tasks that require sustained mental effort.They may seem to be listening to you, but something gets in the way of their ability to retain the information. add/adhd impacts each child’s brain differently, so each case can look quite different in the classroom.Children with add/adhd exhibit a range of symptoms: some seem to bounce off the walls, some daydream constantly, and others just can’t seem to follow the rules. As a parent, you can help your child with add/adhd reduce any or all of these types of behaviors.
Think of what the school setting requires children to do: Sit still. Listen quietly. These are It is important to understand how attention the very things kids with add/adhd have a deficit disorder affects different children’s hard time doing not because they aren’t willbehavior so that you can choose the apping, but because their brains won’t let them. ropriate strategies for tackling the problem. But that doesn’t mean kids with Add/adhd There are a variety of fairly straightforward can’t succeed at school. approaches you and your child’s teacher can There are many things both parents and take to best manage the symptoms of add/ teachers can do to help children with add/ adhd and put your child on the road to adhd thrive in the classroom. It starts with school success. evaluating each child’s individual weaknesses and strengths, then coming up with creative strategies for helping the child focus, stay on task, and learn to his or her full capability.
29
misses details
mild (hyper)
bad listener
It all made sense to have had adhd, it was confirmed that ever since childhood and throughout teenage the symptoms were occuring. This chapter will illustrate some of those symptoms experienced.
30
31
32
33
brainwashed by ad agencies : planted fear in parents The reason behind the increase of adhd users has been drug company marketing that has stretched the image of classic a.d.h.d. to include relatively normal behavior like carelessness and impatience, and has often overstated the pills’ benefits. Advertising on television and in popular magazines like People and Good Housekeeping has cast common childhood forgetfulness and poor grades as grounds for medication that, among other benefits, can result in “schoolwork that matches his intelligence” and ease family tension. For example, “I’m just stupid” adhd or add (without hyperactivity) is a neuropsychiatric disorder having strong genetic influence. Intelligence is a separate issue. Often, add people are creative and highly intelligent. adhd occurs in a broad range of intellectual levels. “Everybody has some of these symptoms” Yes, everyone has a few of these symptoms and the symptoms come and go during their life or day. People with add have most of the symptoms and they have had them chronically since childhood. “My pediatrician told me I’d grow out of it.” Although add was once thought to be limited to childhood and early teens, we now know that add persists into adulthood. Up to 50% of add children will be affected as adolescents and adults. “I think I have add but maybe it’s something else?” This question is very important and needs to be answered by an experienced clinician who will provide a comprehensive initial evaluation. The evaluation focuses on a broad range of psychiatric disorders in addition to the presence of add. “If not add, then what’s wrong?” Often, add in adults occurs simultaneously with other disorders. For example, depression and bipolar disorders may occur in up to 30%, alcohol and substance abuse in 50%, panic disorder in 25%, and personality difficulties are common. Sources of information that would seem neutral also delivered messages from the pharmaceutical industry. Doctors paid by drug companies have published research and delivered presentations that encourage physicians to make diagnoses more often that discredit growing concerns about over diagnosis.
34
35
36
37
38
Specialists in Washington. He noted that recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that the diagnosis had been made in 15 percent of high schoolage children, and that the number of children on medication for the disorder had soared to 3.5 million from 600,000 in 1990.
39
blinded risks
Results showed that 48 percent of the 325 patients surveyed reported at least one side effect, most often loss of appetite, sleep problems, and mood swings. Differences between the drugs in terms of side effects were thought to be minor. About a fifth (21 percent) of the side effects were considered “very bothersome” or “extremely bothersome,” but only 20 percent of patients mentioned the side effects to their physicians. The rate of side effects appeared similar for drugs that stimulate the central nervous system and nonstimulant drugs. However, mood disturbances were more common on stimulants, whereas nausea and gastrointestinal problems were more common on nonstimulants.
40
41
disorder in fame : famous adults effected A.D.H.D. patient advocates often say that many parents resist having their child evaluated because of the stigma of mental illness and the perceived risks of medication To combat this, groups have published lists of “Famous People With a.d.h.d.” to reassure parents of the good company their children could join with a diagnosis. One, in circulation since the mid-1990s and now posted on the psychcentral.com information portal beside two ads for Strattera, includes Thomas Edison, Abraham Lincoln, Galileo and Socrates. The idea of unleashing children’s potential is attractive to teachers and school administrators, who can be lured by a.d.h.d. drugs’ ability to subdue some of their most rambunctious and underachieving students. Some have provided parents with pamphlets to explain the disorder and the promise of stimulants.
42
43
44
45
46
A diagnosis of adhd may be missed because its symptoms can mimic symptoms of such conditions as anxiety disorder, depression, conduct disorder, and learning disabilities. It is important to understand that although these disorders are separate conditions from adhd, they often accompany adhd. The symptoms of adhd can also mimic such conditions as petit mal seizures, diabetes, and conditions that can affect hearing or vision. The term adhd is often interchanged in common usage with the term “hyperactivity� and is frequently misused in describing unruly children without a proper diagnosis.
bad cocktail
This is partially because the symptoms of adhd are common and are seen in most children at one time or another in their lives.
A child or adolescent who appears to be depressed and exhibits adhd-like symptoms that are very severe, with excessive temper outbursts and mood changes, should be evaluated by a psychiatrist or psychologist with experience in bipolar disorder, particularly if there is a family history of the illness. This evaluation is especially important since medications, often prescribed for adhd, may worsen manic symptoms. There is also limited evidence suggesting that some of the symptoms of adhd may be a forerunner of full-blown mania.
47
bye squirrels
If you have add/adhd, everything from paying the bills on time to keeping up with work, family, and social demands can seem overwhelming. But it’s possible to get focused and turn chaos into calm. By taking advantage of self-help techniques, you can become more productive, organized, and in control of your life and improve your sense of self-worth.
The most common medicines for adhd are stimulants. It may seem ironic that people who are restless or hyperactive get help from stimulants. But there is good evidence that these drugs sharpen concentration by correcting an imbalance of brain chemicals. If stimulants aren’t sufficient, your doctor may prescribe an antidepressant to stabilize mood or a  selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, such as atomoxetine, which can help control impulsive behaviors. Life Coaching for adhd, Coaching is generally a supplement to more formal psychological counseling.
48
adult add / adhd self - help myths Adult add / adhd self-help myths: You may be holding onto misconceptions about how much you can help yourself with adult add/adhd. MYTH: Medication is the only way to solve my add/adhd. FACT: While medication can help some people manage the symptoms add/adhd, it is not a cure, nor the only solution. If used at all, it should be taken alongside other treatments or self-help strategies. MYTH: Having add/adhd means I’m lazy or unintelligent, so I won’t be able to help myself. FACT: The effects of add/adhd may have led to you and others labeling you this way, but the truth is that you are not unmotivated or unintelligent you have a disorder that gets in the way of certain normal functions. In fact, adults with add/ adhd often have to find very smart ways to compensate for their disorder. MYTH: A health professional can solve all my add/adhd problems. FACT: Health professionals can help you manage symptoms of add/adhd, but they can only do so much. You’re the one living with the problems, so you’re the one who can make the most difference in overcoming them. MYTH: add/adhd is a life sentence, I’ll always suffer from its symptoms. FACT: While it is true that there is no cure for add/adhd, there is a lot you can do to reduce the problems it causes. Once you become accustomed to using strategies to help yourself, you may find that managing your symptoms becomes second nature.
49
being proud
adhd is an advantage , ebrace it .
50
51
“An adhd mind is similiar to a collage book; to grab unrelative pieces of information all at once, and somehow creates a perception that is reality to them” This stage of the book discusses the time I discovered I had AdhD, and how it truly became a part of who I am. Marriage, that’s the answer to my insanity. Well, at least part of it.
52
53
54
An a.d.h.d. marriage? It may sound like a punch line, but the idea that attention problems can take a toll on adult relationships is getting more attention from mental health experts. In a marriage,the common symptoms of the disorder are distraction, disorganization, and forgetfulness can easily be misinterpreted as laziness, selfishness, and a lack of love and concern. Basically, A.D.H.D. can make matters much worse, ofcourse, complaints that a husband or wife is inconsiderate.
holly vows
Research suggests that these adults are twice as likely to be divorced; another study found high levels of distress in 60 percent. Adults with attention disorders often learn coping skills help them stay organized and focused at work, but experts say many of them struggle at home, where their tendency to become distracted is a constant source of conflict. Some research suggests that these adults are twice as likely to be divorced; another study found high levels of distress in 60 percent of marriages where one spouse had the disorder.
It doesn’t help enough around the house, are hardly limited to marriages in which one or both partners have attention problems. Some experts suggest that at least 4 percent of adults have the disorder, that as many as half of all children with a.d.h.d. do not fully outgrow it and continue to struggle with symptoms as adults, and that many adults with the disorder never received the diagnosis as children. Adults with attention disorders often learn coping skills to help them stay organized and focused at work, but experts say many of them struggle at home, where their tendency to become distracted is a constant source of conflict.
Typically people don’t realize the a.d.h.d. is impacting their marriage because there’s been no talk about this at all. I felt like he was consistently inconsistent,I could never count on him. It goes just chronic anger. I didn’t like the person I’d become either. Ofcourse, complaints that a husband or wife is inconsiderate and inattentive, and doesn’t help enough around the house, are hardly limited to marriages in which one or both partners have attention problems.But a.d.h.d. can make matters much worse.
55
0569 PATIENT * overachieving mother and wife RESULT * scared husband & runaway baby
normal (boring)
FILE NO.
^
typographic expression of being : (symptom description) : Emotional difficulties married to adhd woman It can leave one spouse with 100 percent of the family responsibility, because the other spouse forgets to pick children up from school or pay bills on time. Partners without attention problems may feel ignored or unloved when their husband or wife becomes distracted or, in another symptom of the disorder, hyperfocused on a work project or a computer game.
One of the biggest challenges is for both spouses to accept the very real toll an attention disorder can take.Often the partner without a.d.h.d. worries that the diagnosis will give the other partner an excuse for not helping; meanwhile, that partner typically has a hard time understanding how his or her behavior affects others. You start to think the person doesn’t care about anyone,and anger and resentment build up.” They may feel they have no choice but to conAlthough treatment often starts with medistantly nag to make sure things get done. cation, it typically doesn’t solve a couple’s Spouses with attention deficit, meanwhile, problems and have a normal relationship. are often unaware of their latest mistake, confused by their partner’s simmering anger. Talk therapy may be needed to unpack years A lengthy to-do list or a messy house feels of accumulated resentments. Behavioral overwhelming to the a.d.h.d. brain, causing therapy and coping strategies for both partthe person to retreat to a computer or a video ners are essential; for instance, Ms. Orlov game further infuriating their spouse. It’s not would banish long to-do lists in favor of recbecause they’re lazy or they don’t love their ipe cards that each contain a single task, spouse, but because they are distracted, but if sorted in order of priority. It’s a subtle switch, she says, but surprisingly effective. you don’t know that distraction is the issue. One of the biggest challenges is for both Although treatment often starts with medi- spouses to accept the very real toll an attencation, it typically doesn’t solve a couple’s tion disorder can take. problems. Talk therapy may be needed to unpack years of accumulated resentments. Often the partner without a.d.h.d. worries Behavioral therapy and coping strategies for that the diagnosis will give the other partner both partners are essential; for instance, Ms. an excuse for not helping; meanwhile, that Orlov would banish long to-do lists in favor of partner typically has a hard time underrecipe cards that each contain a single task, standing how his or her behavior affects sorted in order of priority. It’s a subtle switch, others and their lifestyle. she says, but surprisingly effective.
56
call the police
severe (unstable)
AdHD Meter
will kill a chicken
Initially I think I was a bit of a skeptic about a.d.d. in general, recently received a diagnosis, and it changed everything for me. Many adults with ADD/ADHD have a hard time managing their feelings, especially when it comes to emotions like
Described a life of “crushing responsibility,” of working full time, caring for his children and his wife, and maintaining the household and finances. Common emotional symptoms of adult ADD/ADHD include: After years of this, I felt I didn’t have two children, I had three children and no one to help, I was always the one who said, ‘No, we can’t sense of underachievement doesn’t deal well with frustration do that,’ or ‘Get this done.’ I had to be sort easily flustered and stressed out of a nag.” ANGER or FRUSTRATION irritability or mood swings My distractedness was particularly challengmotivated ing when the children were young. I could be in the room but paying no attention to what trouble staying was going on. hypersensitivity to criticism short, often explosive, temper low self-esteem His wife’s distractedness was particularly and sense of insecurity
challenging when the children were young. “She could be in the room but paying no attention to what was going on,” he said. Traditional counseling didn’t help. “It’s been a revelation,” the wife said. “I didn’t realize what a critical piece the a.d.h.d. has been in my marriage.” An action needed to be taken. He described a life of “crushing responsibility,” of working full time, caring for his children and his wife, and maintaining the household and finances.
PATIENT IS STABLE 57
58
59
i cant focus like this!
Th e b a b y k e p t t a l k i n g and shouting for 5 minutes!
mama!
60
often go to any length to find help for her child with adhd, and yet leave her own adhd needs unmet.“Supporting the mother’s needs becomes an integral part of helping a child with adhd,” says Quinn.
If you have a child with adhd, there’s a 60 percent chance that either you or your mate also qualifies for diagnosis. And it’s not always Dad. Doctors have found that in families that have two adhd children, there was an equal chance that either the mother or the father had adhd. Surprised? Just because adhd is often missed in women doesn’t mean that it isn’t there.On the contrary, overlooking adhd in women only creates more problems. To make things even more entertaining, many women who have adhd also have depression, anxiety or some other condition along with it. Treating depression might make them feel better, but it won’t take care of their adhd symptoms.
Unfortunately, few of these women get the support they need. There are few support groups that focus on the unique needs of women with adhd. Husbands may not understand what they could be doing to help their wives and may have unrealistic expectations of the relationship and responsibilities. In-laws and other family members may criticize the way the house looks or other obvious signs of adhd problems.
baby boom
Being a mom is a hard job, whether you’re a stay-at-home parent or a busy professional trying to balance a career, kids and everything else. It’s doubly hard when you’re a mom with adhd.
To have adhd doesn’t make you a bad mother! On the contrary, having adhd gives you the ability to empathize with your children, come up with creative solutions for problems, and create a loving, nurturing and exciting home for you and your family. Medications that make it through the day at Learn to appreciate the gifts and minimize the office may not hold long enough for the the weaknesses of adhd. “second shift” that most mothers face once they get home. We may like to think that we live in an enlightened, egalitarian society, but the reality is that women are still the primary caregivers. After an exhausting day at work, moms with adhd are expected to make meals, organize activities, motivate others, pay bills and do other household chores none of which is very ADD-friendly.
61
62
63
focus difficulties
pen & paper
Nearly 10% of American young people have been diagnosed with adhd at some point in their lives. And although some grow out of the diagnosis, most don’t, leaving more and more teens with labels and struggles unknown in their parents’ generation.Some flounder in college when mom, dad and homeroom teachers aren’t there to offer support,and haphazard course schedules don’t provide the structure of high school.
For example, you may be so engrossed in a book, a TV show, or your computer that you completely lose track of time
It’s important for parents and other adults to take adhd seriously, says Stephen Hinshaw, a psychology professor at the University of California, Berkeley, whose recent study found that girls with adhd are more likely to attempt suicide or injure themselves than girls without the condition.
It can be so strong that you become oblivious to everything going on around you.
But figuring out how to best help those teens can be tricky, say counselors, psychiatrists and adults with adhd, because everyone’s situation and form of adhd is different.There are certain common threads,though: adequate preparation, getting the right accommodations, and being on the appropriate treatment, they add. Hyperfocus is actually a coping mechanism for distraction—a way of tuning out the chaos.
(symptom description)
^
It took me that long to get my degree because I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do whe I grew up. She would impulsively switch majors and even schools to indulge her latest passion.That’s classic adhd behavior, college guidance counselors say.
64
to practice living independently before they come to college. Getting up and going to bed on their own. Scheduling their daily tasks and keeping their own appointments, It can be frustrating for parents, especially those who have had to advocate for their kids for so long, to be suddenly cut off when their child is at college.
They often got upset because her room was a mess a battle she says wasn’t worth fighting. And they encouraged her to take a reduced course load in her first semester of college, which turned out to be a mistake because it provided too little structure.
Sometimes those legitimately prescribed adhd medications will share it with other students,especially around finals time; some believe it will help them concentrate, but there’s no data showing it actually does. Haubenreiser says that 90% of non-medical use of adhd drugs is through friends.
Several experts say it’s important for students to figure out their own best routines and what works for them. And it’s a good idea, they say, to start training teens to do this years before they’re ready to leave home. but it can also lead to work and relationship problems if left unchecked.
neglect the things you’re supposed to be doing. Hyperfocus can be an asset when channeled into productive activities,
My own parents did lots of things right. “They did not let me use my adhd as an excuse for anything,” she says. They told her that having it “means you have to work harder, but it doesn’t mean you can’t achieve what you want to.” But they also could have helped more, she said, by being more sensitive to her needs.
65
That’s why students should keep their adhd diagnosis and medication status to themselves, “so that at finals time no one comes around looking for it,”
expressing one of adhd symptoms: procrastination when a task is given
66
67
responsibilities effects on adhd: weak memory I have trouble remembering things: simple things like what he is supposed to do next in an activity and what book he needs for the lesson. The teacher is often exasperated with him, but thinks that he is just a daydreamer. The truth is, Michael doesn’t really cause her much problem in the classroom. He isn’t boisterous or noisy. He doesn’t even disturb his classmates. Just the opposite. He is usually sitting quietly at his desk. Often, he is doodling or staring out the window. But he is not doing the assignment. He has forgotten what to do and is too embarrassed to ask for help. He may even think. ‘Why should I bother trying, I’m just going to get it wrong anyway’. The biggest daily challenge is paying attention – at work, in class, in the middle of conversations... Even the non-adders among us could benefit from some attention training from time to time. And now new evidence sugand those details could effect the gests that alternative adhd treatments. like end result of any task meditation and working-memory training can improve attention and focus across
missplaced objects or lack attention on details
the board. One study found that, after just five days of computer-based training, the brains of six-year-olds begin to act like those of adults on one crucial measure of attention. Another study suggested that boosting short-term memory seems to improve children’s ability to stay on task.
68
69
the truth
adhd should only be diagnosed by a This means your child can be scored afte medical professional with appropriate treatment has started, to measure how effectraining. Where possible this should be a tive the treatment is.For example, your child and adolescent psychiatrist, or a pedia- child’s teachers may be asked to record howtrician familiar with adhd. There isn’t a many times your child leaves his seat during simple test that determines whether some- a lesson. The specialist will continue to monone has adhd or not. A specialist can only itor your child to assess. diagnose adhd after assessing a child thoroughly. It’s important for the specialist to do If the symptoms of add/adhd are still geta detailed assessment of the child’s behavior. ting in the way of your life, despite self-help This will usually involve finding out about the efforts to manage them, it may be time to seek outside support. Adults with add/adhd child from his parent and school. can benefit from a number of treatments, When someone has been diagnosed as hav- including behavioral coaching, individual ing adhd, the specialist will develop a therapy, self-help groups, vocational counseltreatment plan. Treatment may include med- ing, educational assistance, and medication. ication, behavioral therapy, psychotherapy Treatment for adults with attention deficit and educational approaches. disorder, like treatment for kids, should The specialist will assess your child’s behavior involve a team of professionals, along with and work with you, your child and his teach- the person’s family members and spouse. ers before treatment is started. This may include giving a score for different aspects of the child’s behavior.
72
73
74
to discover more, continue to chapter two pg.08
75
INDE X A
G
A t e l l i e r Va n L i e s h o u t , 2 0 A n a l y s i s c h a i r, 2 8
G r a p h i c s B r e a t h i n g c h a i r, 47
B
I
Breat h i ng chai r descr ipt ion, 46
I n f l u e n c e d c h a i r s , 17 Interact ive f u nct ion, 44
C
K
C o n t e m p o r a r y c h a i r, 39 C o m p e t i t i o n P i n A r t , 59
K l i s m o s c h a i r, 12 K e n y c h a i r, 18
D
L
Dig it a l P i n A r t clock, 54
L a t h e V I I I c h a i r, 16
F
M
Fo s s i l c h a i r d e s c r i p t i o n , 2 0 F u t u r e t e x t u r e s , 27
M e l t i n g c h a i r d e s c r i p t i o n , 32
N
T
N i n a B r u u n , N e s t c h a i r, 42
Ty p i c a l f u n c t i o n s , 3 8
P
U
P a s t c h a i r t e x t u r e s , 12 P r e s e n t c h a i r t e x t u r e s , 18 P r i n t e d 3D c h a i r s , 27 P i n A r t d e v e l o p e d , 55
U n u s u a l f u n c t i o n s , 41
Q
V
Quot e by Jef fer y Zeld ma n, 8 Quot e by Pau l Ra nd, 34 Quot e byWi n st on Chu rch i l l, 50
V i s i o n a r y d e s i g n , 58
R
W
R o b e r t S t a d l e r, R o y r o i d c h a i r, 45
Wa s s i l y c h a i r, 12 Wi nd Cr ies, 40 Wo l v e r i n e S c e n e , 58
S
Y
Spag het t i bench, 40
Yo s h i o k a To k o j i n , 62
76
77
PHOTO CREDITS C OV E R F
C H A P T E R 01
A l l or ig i nal ar t work to
P 13 h t t p : //c o m m o n s .w i k i m e d i a .o r g / w i k i /
Amal Alnaniah
B
F i l e : P a i r _ o f _ S i d e _ C h a i r s , _’ K l i s m o s ’_ S t y l e _ L AC M A _ M . 2 0 0 6. 51. 2 8 a - b .j p g
A l l or ig i nal ar t work to Amal Alnaniah
P 14 h t t p : // v i c t o r i a n f u r n i t u r e c o.c o m / p r o d u c t s /s i d e - c h a i r s /
I N T RO DUC T IO NS
P 16 A l l f o u r p h o t o g r a p h s : h t t p : //c a r p e n t e r s w o r k s h o p g a l l e r y.
01 02
03
h t t p : // w w w.y a t z e r.c o m /G a u d i - s t o o l -
c o m /e n / Wo r k s /C h a i r - -A r m c h a i r - 6 0.
by-Bra m- Geenen
h t m l # i m g 25 6
h t t p : //c a r p e n t e r s w o r k s h o p g a l l e r y.
h t t p : // w w w. d a n i s h d e s i g n s t o r e .
l # i m g 6 82
c o m /c o l l e c t i o n s /d e s i g n e r - c o l l e c -
h t t p : // w w w. f u r n i c r a f t . i n f o /c o n t e m -
t ion s-ha n s-weg ner
pora r y-l ig ht weig ht-web-cha i r-de sig n-by-ju n-ha sh i mot o/
04
P 17 Tw o p h o t o g r a p h s :
c o m /e n / Wo r k s / B e n c h - 83. h t m -
P 18 A l l t h r e e p h o t o g r a p h s : h t t p : //d e s i g n g u s h .c o m /c a t e g o r y/d e -
h t t p : // w w w. f 1o n l i n e .p r o /e n / i m -
s i g n - c a t e g o r i e s /c o l o r /
a g e - d e t a i l s /413771. h t m l
-Tw o P h o t o g r a p h s : h t t p : //c a r p e n t e r s w o r k s h o p g a l l e r y. c o m /e n / Wo r k s /C h a i r - -A r m c h a i r - 6 0. h t m l # i m g 19 9
P20 A l l t h ree phot og raph s: h t t p : //c a r p e n t e r s w o r k s h o p g a l l e r y. c o m /e n / Wo r k s /C h a i r - -A r m c h a i r - 6 0. h t m l # i m g 14 0 0
P 2 2 h t t p : // t a m .p h o t o s h e l t e r.c o m / i m a g e / I 0 0 0 0 4 P 07 l m d z R c U
78
P 2 4 h t t p : // f e e d g r i d s .c o m /s o u r c e / B e a u t i -
P4 4 h t t p : //c a r p e n t e r s w o r k s h o p g a l l e r y. c o m /e n / Wo r k s /C h a i r - -A r m c h a i r - 6 0.
f u l L i f e / p 22275
P26 A l l fou r phot og raph s: h t t p : // w w w. d e s i g n b o o m .c o m / t e c h -
h t m l # i m g 624
P4 6 h t t p : // w w w.e n g a d g e t .c o m
n o l o g y/ t h e - f u t u r e - o f - f u r n i t u r e -3 d -
/ 2 0 0 9/ 10 / 27/s h a p e - s h i f t i n g - b r e a t h -
pr i nt i ng-t he -per fec t-cha i r-w it h-
i ng-cha i r-look s-to-ma ke-t he-bea n-
d n a -10 -15 -2 013 /
bag-fash i /
CH A PTER 03
P 32 A l l t h r e e p h o t o g r a p h s : h t t p : //d e s i g n - m i l k .c o m / m e l t i ng-cha i r-by-ph i l l ipp-adu at z /
P 5 4 h t t p : //g a d g e t s . b o i n g b o i n g . n e t / 2 0 0 8 / 11 / 25/ 19 8 0 s s t y l e - p i n clock.ht m l
C H A P T E R 02 P 3 8 h t t p : // w w w. a p a r t m e n t t h e r -
P56 A l l t h ree phot og raph s: h t t p : // w w w. m a r v e l b u i l d i n g .c o m /
a p y.c o m / h a n s - w e g n e r - w i s h -
u n iq ue -k id s-shel f-i n spi red-pi n-a r t-
b o n e - c h a i r - i n -10 89 93
t oy-pi n-pres.ht m l
u r n i t u r e .t r e n d z o n a .c o m / l i v i n g - r o o m - d e s i g n /c h r i s t m a s - t h e m e s -
P6 0 Bot h phot og raph s:
i n - t h e - l i v i n g - r o o m - p a r t -2 . h t m l
h t t p : // w w w. a s h v e g a s .c o m /a s h v e -
h t t p : // w w w. a r c h i e x p o.c o m / p r o d /
ga s-mov ie -rev iew-t he -wolver i ne
la-f i bu le/t rad it iona l-uphol-
A l l f ive phot og raph s:
s t e r e d - c h a i r s - 62372-112 6 6 55. h t m -
h t t p : // w w w. m y m o d e r n m e t .c o m / p r o -
l # p r o d u c t - i t e m _18 43 49
f i les/ blogs/pi nup-memor y-a r t
P4 0 h t t p : //c a r p e n t e r s w o r k s h o p g a l l e r y. c o m /e n / Wo r k s / B e n c h - 83. h t m -
P62 A l l fou r photog raphs h t t p : // w w w. f a s t c o m p a n y.
l # i m g 691
c o m / 16 03 8 42 / t o k u j i n - y o s h i o k a - u n -
h t t p : //c a r p e n t e r s w o r k s h o p g a l l e r y.
vei l s-cha i r s-made-foi l-cha nde-
c o m /e n / Wo r k s /C h a i r - -A r m c h a i r - 6 0.
l ier-l iv i ng-c r yst a l-updat ed
ht m l# i mg3098
P4 2 A l l t h r e e p h o t o g r a p h s :
P 6 4 h t t p : // w w w. d i g s d i g s .c o m / t h e - m o s t -
h t t p : //d e s i g n - m i l k .c o m / n e s t - c h a i r -
f ut u r i st ic-hou se-desig n-i n-t he-
by-n i na-br uu n /
world /
79
@ 2014
Designed and written by Amal Alnaniah for GR 601 with Anthony Jagoda in Spring 2014 at Academy of Art University. Printed by The Key Bookbinding Typefaces: Prime by Max Pirsky Chaparral pro by Carol Twombly All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without express written permission from the author, except in the case of brief excerpts for purposes of critical ( or complimentary) reviews. For permission requests, please contact alnanaih011@gmail.com
80