ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders affecting learning, behaviour and relationships in children and adults today. In fact, it now affects up to 7% of Australians – or around two million people, which is a little under the current population of Perth.
These statistics are staggering and underscore why it’s so critical those who are living with or caring for someone with ADHD understand the depth and breadth of support available.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a common familial and heritable neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by a wide range of symptoms.
These symptoms – such as inattention, impulsivity and sometimes hyperactivity – can be disrupting and disabling. This impact can lead to unhelpful beliefs, such as that the disorder is simply an issue to do with naughty or undisciplined children.
What causes ADHD?
Understanding ADHD at a deeper level is crucial to being able to powerfully support those with the disorder.
In a nutshell, for a brain to work effectively, it needs to have the right amount of stimulation, activity and neurotransmitters in specific areas of the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that relay information and enable the brain and body to function optimally.
For some reason, some people are born with brains that have too little or too much activity and not enough of the right kind of neurotransmitter. This leads to a chemical imbalance which contributes to the symptoms of ADHD (and other neurological disorders).
The neurotransmitters most involved in ADHD are dopamine, norepinephrine (also called noradrenaline), GABA, serotonin and acetylcholine.
Types of ADHD
There are 3 official types of ADHD.
1. Inattentive and distracted
2. Compulsive and hyperactive
3. Combined
However, Dr. Daniel Amen, a board certified psychiatrist and brain imaging specialist has broken ADHD down into 7 distinguishable types – Classic ADHD, Inattentive ADHD, Overfocused ADHD, Temporal Lobe ADHD, Limbic ADHD, Ring of Fire ADHD, and Anxious ADHD.
ADHD as a Superpower
While having ADHD has been associated with the development of other neurological disorders, such as mild cognitive impairment (memory and learning issues), dementia, relationship issues and financial challenges, it doesn’t have to have these impacts.
There are also many upsides. Some positives of ADHD include:
Hyperfocus
Resilience
Reativity
Inventiveness
Spontaneity
Enhanced conversational skills
Charisma
A unique way of thinking (that can be extremely beneficial)
People with ADHD also tend to be attuned with nature, intuitive, enthusiastic, kind and emotionally sensitive with a great capacity for generosity and empathy.
The following UK study also found a genetic link between a dopamine receptor gene variation associated with ADHD and entrepreneurship.
A polymorphism associated with entrepreneurship: evidence from dopamine receptor candidate genes | Small Business Economics (springer.com)
These positive attributes have led to many describing ADHD as a ‘superpower’, if people are correctly supported.
Unlocking ADHD powers
Tapping into the superpowers that can come with ADHD involve addressing the root cause of ADHD and optimising brain function.
This can be done in a variety of ways, including:
Specific ADHD coaching
Kinesiology
Medication (depending on the type of ADHD)
Supplements
Diet adjustments
Eliminating or reducing toxins, such as coffee
Drinking enough water
Intense aerobic exercise
Avoid prolonged exposure to video / computer games
Improving sleep
Parenting strategies; and more.
For example, green tea, ginseng, fish oil, rhodiola rosea and magnesium may be beneficial (amongst other things), but require the advice of a health professional who can look at each
individual’s case.
Another critical piece of the puzzle in unlocking the superpowers of ADHD involves helping people to effectively manage any negative thoughts and beliefs they have about themselves or their ADHD. Doing this can help them accept their gifts, more readily manage challenges, and decrease any anxiety and negativity they’re experiencing. Importantly, this helps pave the way for them to achieve their personal and professional goals and ambitions.
How can kinesiology help?
Kinesiology is an integrated, gentle and non-invasive therapy and can support the brain’s function, primarily by decreasing stress levels and balancing neurotransmitters. Kinesiology is also extremely helpful in helping people become aware of thoughts and beliefs that may be limiting them or blocking them from achieving their full potential.
The major tool used in kinesiology is muscle monitoring, the body’s own biofeedback tool. Muscle monitoring provides access to all the physical, emotional and mental systems of the body and allows trained kinesiologists to see where stress is causing dysfunction.
Kinesiology is based on both Western medicine and Eastern philosophies, incorporating traditional Chinese medicine, chakras, and Ayurvedic healing methods.
Nicolie O’Neill, founder of O’Neill Kinesiology College, states: “The power of kinesiology is that it helps people find the real ‘why’ behind a problem because it doesn’t just work on the physical body. Very often it’s someone’s thoughts or emotional or spiritual journey contributing to a physical issue and kinesiologists help uncover the ‘why’ and correct it.”
Find out more about how kinesiology works here.
Find out more about Kim Moore.
