Unlocking ADHD Power

By Kevin J. Roberts, M.A.www.kevinjroberts.netcyberjunkie512@gmail.comAuthor of: Cyber Junkie: Escape the Gaming and Internet Trap (Hazelden 2010)Movers, Dreamers, and Risk Takers: Unlocking the Power of ADHD (Hazelden 2012)

Please STAY ON TASK with me, and sing along when I give you the cue to repeat. I think you’ll all get it.

Imagine….• My energy pent up in a desk, forced to be stationary and

NOT TALK!• My brain teeming with energy, ideas, and passion, but

not what you want me to be passionate and energetic about.

• This presents great difficulty for me, AND YOU, but if you show me understanding and compassion, you might actually end up empowering my creativity. I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU! Sr. Frances Cabrini, George Duffourc, Fr. Ned Donoher, Bill Petrovich, Fr. Jack Menner.

Teachers who changed my life.

You have gifts.Your energy is a good thing. You can do it. You’re vibrant. You’re funny. There’s something special about you. God has something very special in mind for you.You’re creative. You’re unique

Outline:I. Unlocking the truth of ADHD

A. The BrainB. Behavior and the brain

II. Unlocking Your MindsetA. What works.B. What does not.

III. The Tool Chest. By Kevin J. Roberts, M.A.www.kevinjroberts.netcyberjunkie512@gmail.comAuthor of: Cyber Junkie: Escape the Gaming and Internet Trap (Hazelden 2010)Movers, Dreamers, and Risk Takers: Unlocking the Power of ADHD (Hazelden 2012)

The World is Falling ApartProfiles in frustrationThe Tasmanian Devil: MeAre your methods working?Do you take ADHD personally?Is there a way out?People who spend large amounts of time with ADHD-ers often develop a pessimistic mindset.

The Nature of ADHDDerives from the structure, function, size, and shape of the brain….neurobiology: Decreased size and volume of the brain, and brain wave activation patterns.Strong genetic links. ADHD traits run in families.When you understand the true nature of ADHD, you can begin to change your responses.How would you treat your child with diabetes?

It’s in the Genes

Caudate nucleus: associated with impulsivity.Children with trauma to this area become impulsive.Irregularities in size and shape of this area in ADHD boys, with which there are several gene variant correlations.DRD4, DAT1.

Our genes determine the structure and functioning of our brains.

NegativityDo you think we “Do it on purpose?”Does our seeming inability to change confuse you?Do you react most strongly when we repeat behaviors we have promised to change?Understanding the brain answers all these questions.

Brain Driven, not a Matter of WillWe Thrive on Negativity!We have a need to create stimulation. We “play” games of negativity to increase overall brain activity. This tendency is brain driven, not will driven.How do you or your ADHD loved one do this?

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Your MethodsI have to practice what I preach.What are your methods?What do you do that is productive?What do you that is unproductive?How do you keep the negativity going?

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The Opposite

When dealing with an ADHDer, the Opposite of your impulse is often most effective.We are natural rebels, masters of opposition.If you can short-circuit this, you just may succeed in helping and guiding us.The first opposite is to view ADHD as a set of strengths and abilities.

The Enlivening Power of Humor

Most of us ADHD-ers are funny, and at the very least, we’re all somewhat quirky.This is a great place to start. Here we have a strength. Find ways to enjoy our gifts.When we can laugh about something that could be seen as negative, it empowers us, gives us sustenance.

Shakespeare’s views on ADHD: The Court Jester

For Shakespeare, to have a fool attending you is generally a mark of distinction. To do their jobs, “Fools,” or Court Jesters, had to possess the rapidly scanning mind that often characterizes ADHD. Touchstone, Feste, and King Lear’s fool all offer an out-of-box view of reality, which proves quite valuable.

Movers, Dreamers and Risk-TakersWe are often brilliant hands-on learners, best when on the hunt, on the trail, or having an adventure.We are playful, creative and spontaneous. Those are skills the world sorely needs. School sees these as flaws! Comedians, musicians, performers.Imagining new ways of doing things sustains and enlivens us.We are often great in a crisis: emergency room doctors and nurses, entrepreneurs, deep-sea divers, pilots, firefighters.

Focus on Strengths

Most often, ADHDers and their loved ones focus on flaws. This mindset is a very limiting one.Right now, I want you to write down your strengths and/or the strengths of your ADHD loved one.The first opposite is to view ADHD as a set of strengths and abilities.

Keys to Unlock ADHD Power

Get Support.Practice New Behaviors.Stick to the Opposite.Positive Talk (To self and to others).Coaching, Mentoring, Support Groups.Discover Strengths. Do What You Love.Find a Routine, but Find Ways to Change it.Movement, Multi-Sensory Learning, Find the Fun.

Questions?

By Kevin J. Roberts, M.A.www.kevinjroberts.netcyberjunkie512@gmail.comAuthor of: Cyber Junkie: Escape the Gaming and Internet Trap (Hazelden 2010)Movers, Dreamers, and Risk Takers: Unlocking the Power of ADHD (Hazelden 2012)