Adult ADD: Why Implementing ADD-Friendly Systems Are Important
“It takes a lot for me to follow through with anything… I have trouble focusing.”
The above quote is an excerpt from an article written by a wife of someone living with Adult ADHD. The writer explains that her husband has difficulty completing tasks, following directions, and sticking with personal commitments. Although it may seem that the situation is out of their control, it is possible to implement actionable systems to help alleviate some of the challenges caused by Adult ADD (ADHD).
After reading this post you will learn what ADD-friendly systems are and how they can be implemented in your home or workplace to create more accessible environments for those who live with ADHD.
What is Adult ADD?
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Adult ADHD is characterized by inattention, distractibility, and impulsivity (Cooper, 2013). This means that they might find it difficult to complete tasks, follow through on goals, or stick with any long-term commitments. As a result of this behavior they become irritated and feel like they can’t complete their work. In other words, their concentration on completing tasks is very poor and this lack of focus can cause problems in their lives including job performance as well as social interactions. This inability to keep track of information can also lead people with ADD to make careless mistakes frequently (Cooper, 2013).
According to the Adult ADD Organization (ADDA), a number of other symptoms can also occur to help identify Adults with ADHD. These symptoms include:
They find it hard to organize information and tasks.
They procrastinate, especially if they have responsibilities or deadlines that need to be met.
They don’t finish projects on time.
They have trouble understanding speech, such as responding when someone says something or when questions are asked (Cooper, 2013).
It takes a lot for them to focus, especially if they’re doing something they enjoy. They will often evade conversations or decisions that require more mental effort (Cooper, 2013).
They also get bored easily with tasks that don’t need to be done and they often procrastinate.
They find it hard to follow through on things they start (Cooper, 2013).
They have trouble remembering things or following through on projects, even if they are enjoyable (Cooper, 2013).
Adults with ADD may also experience mood swings or mood lability. They may feel great one moment but have a difficult time adjusting to new situations or stressors that are worrying them the next (Cooper, 2013). They may feel very anxious in social situations and become irritable when people don’t respond as they would like.
An adult, who has ADD, might be able to get the job done but they can’t do it in a timely fashion or in a way that suits their unique personality. A person with ADD will often procrastinate and avoid tasks that bother them (Cooper, 2013). If a person is prone to procrastination or has difficulties with organization then it may be affecting their daily life and work life. This is why implementing systems for Adult ADD is important.
ADDA and Adult ADD Treatment Options
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) states that approximately 5 million Americans between the ages of 18 and 54 suffer from Adult ADHD. When you consider that there are an estimated 15 million people in the United States with ADHD these numbers are startling.
The key to effective treatment for Adults with ADHD is to set appropriate boundaries and create systems for the client or patient. The goal is to enable the adult with ADHD to be successful, happy and in control of their own life.
The Adult ADD Organization (ADDA) has set out some do’s and don’ts when implementing ADD-friendly systems:
Do - Designing and/or creating a system that helps the individual meet their goals by taking into account what they like, what they dislike, and how they want to accomplish tasks (Cooper, 2013).
Do - Make the task as simple as possible.
Don’t – Forget to reward your client or patient.
Don’t – Forget to reward yourself. You can also give yourself gold stars along the way if you accomplish things you want to do!
Also, it is important to remember that people with ADD can be stubborn and inflexible, which is why planning for success is important for everyone living with ADHD. They may misinterpret requests, such as when you ask them to do something, so it is also important to be clear about what you want from them (Cooper, 2013).
When implementing systems for Adults with ADHD it is important to set clear expectations and boundaries. If a person with ADD does not meet their goals for the day or week then they need to be told what happened. For example: “I noted that you didn’t accomplish your task from this morning in time for tomorrow.” Or “You didn’t complete the project on time because it was too difficult.” This type of feedback helps them identify specific behaviors and understand why they are not doing well (Cooper, 2013).
Sometimes, adults with ADD will try to over-compensate for their challenges. This often occurs during academic settings or work environments. In these cases, people with ADD may have an increase in errors and omissions (Cooper, 2013). The person may make more mistakes or take longer to finish projects.
As you can see, this can be very frustrating for both the client and the person working with them on the task but if you create a system that addresses the challenges they are facing it is possible to help someone who has ADD succeed at whatever they’re doing.
A person might be able to get their tasks done but it never feels like they are moving forward in a meaningful way. It is important for them to identify their goals and understand how to meet these goals. Whether you’re a client or a friend of someone who has ADD, it is important to remember that they may need help with planning and managing tasks in order to be successful.
Self-Care and Self-Management Strategies for Adults with ADHD
While many strategies are available online when it comes to self-management and self-care, here are some of the best strategies:
Create an Organizational System - There are numerous ways to manage information and create an organizational system that works for the individual. You can use a planner, an electronic organizer, various apps, or even an old fashioned paper day planner to help you manage your time and tasks. Some people with ADHD are visual learners so creating a system in a way that suits their learning style will be very helpful for them (ADDA , 2018).
Consider CBT-Strategies - CBT is considered the “gold standard” for helping people with ADD. Mattherson (2017) offers several suggestions to help individuals with ADHD live happy and successful lives. This includes:
Reduce or Eliminate a Stimulant Medication - “Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been proven to be effective in treating ADD/ADHD.
Conclusion
ADD is a condition that can cause a lot of stress for the person living with it and those around them. If you know someone who has ADD it is important to learn as much about Adult ADHD as possible. You can learn more about ADD and its management here at ADD Treatment Centers. Or, if you are an adult with ADHD and are in need of help feel free to call us or contact us online.
References: ADDA , (2018) “Adult ADHD: Introduction.” Retrieved September 25, 2018 from https://www.addadhd.org/adult-adhd/. Cooper , T., (2013). Adult ADHD: A guide for families and professionals .