
ADHD Therapy
How ADHD Therapy Can Help
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Are you or your child struggling with paying attention, staying focused, or finishing tasks on time? Do you find it hard to feel motivated, even for activities you’re excited about? Maybe you’ve experienced overwhelming emotions that seem impossible to control and wonder why it feels so much harder for you than for others. Have you ever been labeled as lazy, hyperactive, or "too much"?
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​These challenges are common for individuals with ADHD—a neurodevelopmental condition that impacts millions of children and adults across North America.
What Is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how the brain functions, influencing attention, self-regulation, activity levels, and executive functioning. Executive functioning refers to your brain’s ability to manage priorities, organize thoughts, and control actions.
Challenges Associated with ADHD
If you have ADHD, you might also encounter:
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Low self-esteem
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Difficulty maintaining healthy coping strategies
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Relationship struggles
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Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
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Conduct Disorder
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Bipolar Disorder
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Sleep disturbances

Types of ADHD
1. Predominantly Inattentive
2. Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive
3. Combined
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​Difficulty organizing or completing tasks
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Trouble focusing on details, following instructions, or staying engaged in conversations
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Frequent distractions and forgetfulness
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Restlessness and difficulty staying still
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Impulsive behaviors, like interrupting, grabbing objects, or speaking out of turn
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A higher likelihood of accidents and engaging in risky activities
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Symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive types appear in equal measure

ADHD Adults
While ADHD is often associated with children, it can persist into adulthood. Many adults who weren’t diagnosed in childhood only discover their condition later in life.
Common Adult ADHD Symptoms:
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Poor memory
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Trouble staying organized
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Difficulty following directions
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Procrastination
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Emotional dysregulation
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Challenges maintaining relationships
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Low self-esteem
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Mood swings
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Impulsivity
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Unhelpful coping mechanisms
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Low motivation


ADHD Children
ADHD symptoms typically emerge between the ages of 3 and 12, as children begin to display patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, or a combination of both.
Common Signs in Children:
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Difficulty focusing on tasks
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Becoming easily distracted
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Short attention spans during play or schoolwork
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Fidgeting, squirming, or trouble sitting still
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A constant need for movement or excessive running around
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Loud or disruptive behavior
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Frequent interruptions or excessive talking
Understanding ADHD in Children
Many of these behaviors are typical during childhood. However, children with ADHD exhibit these patterns consistently across multiple settings, such as at home, school, and in friendships.
Treatment Approaches for Children
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Children often benefit from:
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Medication to help improve focus and regulate emotions
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Therapy, such as behavioral therapy, play therapy, or practical skills training
These interventions support children in managing ADHD symptoms and navigating their responsibilities more effectively.

The Positives of ADHD
While ADHD presents challenges, it also comes with strengths! Many individuals with ADHD are creative, energetic, spontaneous, and resilient. When they find a topic or task they love, their ability to focus and work hard is remarkable.
An ADHD diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that support is available—for children, parents, and adults alike.