According to The Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA) ADHD is not, as the name indicates, a deficit or disorder, but rather a complex set of traits that has generated many misconceptions, contradictions and biases over the decades since becoming a valid diagnosis.

Most importantly, ADDA knows what people with ADHD struggle with, what they are good at, what makes them happy and what disappoints them.

For instance, people with ADHD do not like to be disorganized. They do not enjoy procrastinating, being late, not listening or being distracted.

Further, they do not want to have difficulty starting tasks, and then when they do, jump to something else before they finish it.

They do enjoy thinking creatively, being curious about and interested in many subjects, and crafting words and objects of great quality, and solving problems.

People with ADHD want to be productive, efficient, competent and most certainly want to be praised for a job well done.

ADDA is a founding member of the ADHDAwarenessMonth.org coalition, along with ADHD Coaches Organization (ACO) and Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder (CHADD). This is the same group that brings you the International Conference on ADHD every year in November. Go to this website to find out how you can get involved and/or learn more about October’s – https://www.adhdawarenessmonth.org/downloads/

ADHD affects the ‘executive functioning’ portion of the brain. This area of the brain helps you with organizing, planning, managing time, making decisions, being able to focus and pay attention, and remembering.

Do you have trouble:

• Keeping papers and other stuff organized
• Wasting time searching for lost items
• Losing track of what you need to do
• Getting to your destination on time
• Concentrating and paying attention
• Remembering information
• Following directions
• Completing projects
• Organizing tasks

If so, you may be affected by ADHD.

Here are some tips to help you take control of these issues:

• Plan ahead by scheduling dates and times in your paper or digital calendar for appointments, tasks, and projects you need to attend to. Refer to these often as a reminder not to forget. Use a kitchen or clock timer, or the ‘reminder’ APP on your smart phone, computer, or watch as a tool.

• Keep your daily essentials such as keys and eyeglasses on a hook , or in a small bowl or basket near your exit door. To get into the habit of doing this, add it to your list of things to remember to do. Also, put your keys in just one section in your pocket book or carry bag.

• Purposely allow an extra ten to fifteen minutes when getting ready so you won’t be late to an appointment or meeting. You can set an alarm clock or timer for this.

• Always have a To-do list, and check off each task as you complete it. Write these lists in a small notebook or the ‘notes’ APP and not on small pieces of paper or post-it notes that will get lost in a pile.

• When you begin a new project such as knitting, cleaning the car, writing a paper; put the knitting supplies, sponge and soap, or writing references close to where you will be using them. Do not pile anything on top; keep them in site. Remember: Out of site – Out of mind. NOTE: Try to finish the project you are working on before you begin another project.

• If you have trouble remembering these tips after you’ve read them, print them out and either put them on the bulletin board, or tape them to the wall or car dashboard.

If you find that you can’t accomplish these steps on your own, or you get started and need help to stay focused, check out the:

ADDA website https://www.adhdboston.com/ for more information on dealing with ADHD.

In addition, consider hiring a professional organizer to assist you with scheduling, follow through, and getting organized.

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