More Attention, Less Deficit

Welcome to the site, the podcast, and the books!

atuckman — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 22:53:48 +0000

1,000,000 downloads and still going strong!

Welcome to adultADHDbook.com, where you will find all sorts of good stuff related to ADHD, particularly in adults. You can find every podcast episode I’ve done, going all the way back to March 2009. We’ve covered a lot of ground, from totally practical nuts-and-bolts strategies to more thought-provoking topics that will give you a deeper understanding of ADHD. I love all of it, so hopefully you’ll find just what you need.

I also have information here about my three books and a seminar recording, as well as information about upcoming presentations I’m doing, links to past presentations, and some other cool events that you may be interested in.

Doing this podcast, presenting, and writing books all reinforce each other and keep the good ideas flowing. (So do all the great clients who I meet with all week.) So click around the site and see what you think.

A Million Things to Make Your Life Better

[From the introduction to More Attention, Less Deficit: Success Strategies for Adults with ADHD]

Whenever I meet a new client with ADHD, I always feel compelled to tell her a million things that can help her understand her ADHD and enjoy life more. This book and this podcast is those million things. It’s everything I want to tell new clients and audiences at presentations. It’s incredibly interesting and extremely important. This is the kind of information that can change your life. Yes, I will be that bold to say that it can change your life. It won’t change everything, but it can change a lot. You will do some things differently, and you will feel different about some of the things that stay the same. Knowledge has that kind of power.

As I was writing this book, I kept coming back to the idea that life is different after being diagnosed with ADHD. ADHD can make your life really difficult-before you know what’s tripping you up. Once you know it’s ADHD, life gets much easier. Then you know what you’re wrestling with and can start to get a hold of it. Then it becomes a fair fight.

The goal here is merely to tilt the odds of success, to make you more likely to do the right thing at the right time. Not all the time, but most of the time. Not perfect, but better. ADHD takes away your ability to be consistent, so the information and strategies in this book and in this podcast are here to give you back some of that consistency.

In this introductory podcast, we talk about this podcast, the book More Attention, Less Deficit, and why learning about ADHD is so important.

–Ari Tuckman, PsyD, MBA

Neurology Matters, But Psychology Matters More

atuckman — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 19:42:32 +0000

Having ADHD tends to lead to certain kinds of experiences which makes certain mindsets more likely. We’ll talk about how to rise above that early learning and live a better life.

The Real Lessons Learned from the CHADD Conference

atuckman — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 00:27:57 +0000

This is the biggest ADHD event of the year, but I find that the connections with other attendees are more important than the new information that I learn.

Complex Problems Require Sophisticated Thinking

atuckman — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 22:37:06 +0000

It’s tempting to think that we can solve all of life’s problems with quick and easy solutions, but success usually requires more sophisticated thinking.

A Guy Walks into a CHADD Conference. . . And So Should You!

atuckman — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 17:47:48 +0000

CHADD conferences can be both enlightening and entertaining. Here are a bunch of funny reasons why you should go this year. Seriously.

Good Ideas Are Just Good Ideas

atuckman — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 20:55:01 +0000

The strategies that work for people with ADHD are just good strategies that work for most people. Rather than feel self-conscious about the strategies that help you be successful, do what works and enjoy your success.

Episode #100: Gratitude

atuckman — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 02:13:49 +0000

Gratitude is a great motivator. What are you grateful for? Who is grateful to you?

Earn More Free Passes

atuckman — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:49:00 +0000

Folks with ADHD may use up their free passes too quickly sometimes, but there are ways to earn them back and keep yourself in others’ good graces.

You’d Have to Be Crazy to Not Feel Crazy

atuckman — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 21:59:58 +0000

ADHD can make you feel crazy sometimes—at least if you’re paying attention. Although it should make you feel crazy sometimes, it doesn’t have to make you feel miserable.

Improve Your Mental Stamina: The Chocolate Chip Cookie Experiment

atuckman — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 02:46:27 +0000

It takes mental energy to resist distractions and leaves us with less willpower for other tasks. By cutting out these distractions and temptations, you’ll have more energy to persist with what you need to get done.

Change More Pieces to Turn the Momentum

atuckman — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 00:10:55 +0000

Sometimes getting on top of your ADHD means working on several things at once, such as medication, getting enough sleep, getting organized, etc. The more of these pieces you address, the more likely you are to build some good momentum.

The Vice Episode

atuckman — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 18:25:20 +0000

Why do we do all those things that are bad for us, that get us into trouble, or that we just shouldn’t do?

Interview with Jennifer Koretsky (Virtual ADHD Conference)

atuckman — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 01:15:16 +0000

Jen and I discuss executive functions as a preview of my presentation for the Virtual ADHD Conference.

Be Willing to Let It Be a Process

atuckman — Sun, 15 May 2011 13:00:17 +0000

Change takes time, but it does happen if you work at it. Be willing to let it take some time.

What Are Your Favorite Lies?

atuckman — Tue, 03 May 2011 18:32:44 +0000

We all tell ourselves little lies because they make us feel better in the moment. Let’s talk about feeling better in the long run.

Small Slips, Big Problems; Small Changes, Big Benefits

atuckman — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 13:23:29 +0000

ADHD makes it harder to stay on top of the million little details of daily life. Fortunately, treatment and good strategies can improve your batting average which will improve your performance and outlook on life.

Does Treatment Give You Greater Free Will?

atuckman — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 22:56:03 +0000

Because ADHD interferes with your ability to follow through on intentions, it limits your free will. Treating your ADHD gives you more options and better enables you to do what you intend to do.

ADHD IS Depressing (But It Doesn’t Have to Be)

atuckman — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 22:00:52 +0000

ADHD makes your life harder and gives you more things to be down about. But don’t despair, it does get better.

The Psychology of Medication

atuckman — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 19:09:56 +0000

What does it mean to take medication? What if it helps? What if it doesn’t? The simple act of taking a pill involves a lot of complex thoughts for some people. Let’s talk about what’s involved.

Is It Your ADHD or You?

atuckman — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 19:00:08 +0000

It depends. Often it’s both, but in the end, it kind of doesn’t matter.

Living Well is the Best Revenge

atuckman — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 19:28:28 +0000

You can make your present much better than your past and leave those old setbacks behind. By actively learning about yourself and striving to do better, you can create a better life for yourself.

The Curse of Potential

atuckman — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 18:35:59 +0000

The occasional great success can be more damning than the failures if it raises everyone’s expectations. People with ADHD struggle with inconsistency and are more likely to face this challenge. We talk about what to do about it.

ADHD Needs Some New Names

atuckman — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 00:10:21 +0000

How about ARDHD, CDD, IDD, ODD, or DDD? It’s definitely not IDD (the other IDD). You’ll have to listen to find out what this all means. It’ll be worth it.

It’s Not All Your Fault

atuckman — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 19:52:26 +0000

ADHD may make you an easy target in your relationship, but both partners have some ability to make things better. It may begin with you working on your stuff, but it won’t end with you.

Less vs More: Find the Best Balance

atuckman — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 22:16:09 +0000

We live in an age of plenty where we have access to more websites, movies, books, etc. than we will ever be able to get to. Feeling less overwhelmed involves making smart choices and accepting that we won’t get to it all.

A Happy Relationship in Twelve Jokes or Less

atuckman — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 13:41:27 +0000

This is a recording of my 75 minute presentation for Baltimore CHADD. Lots of fun, lots of laughs, and lots of good lessons. Enjoy.

Acting With Integrity is an Inside Job

atuckman — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 00:47:51 +0000

Acting with integrity requires us to deal with our own issues, but gives us much more control over what we do and what happens in our lives.

A Century of ADHD: We’re Finally Getting It Right

atuckman — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 18:48:36 +0000

Our understanding of the condition that we now call ADHD has evolved over the last hundred years. The slow evolution of ADHD as a diagnosis may explain why it took so long for you to be diagnosed.

Is ADHD the Same in Men and Women? (Pretty Much)

atuckman — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 16:14:47 +0000

ADHD is still more likely to be diagnosed in males than in females, even though the condition creates the same information-processing weaknesses in both genders. However, society places different expectations on men than on women, so because their demands are different, their struggles can be, too.

A Happy Relationship in Five Jokes or Less

atuckman — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 23:14:00 +0000

I’m doing something a little different here. I will be talking about improving your relationship, but using some jokes to illustrate some important points, so hopefully that makes it more fun (and helps the lessons stick better, too).

Should You Take Your Meds Every Day?

atuckman — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 19:17:49 +0000

Some people take days off of their ADHD meds. We discuss the reasons why you should or shouldn’t do this.

ADHD Awareness Week: Be a Part of It!

atuckman — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 00:51:20 +0000

ADHD Awareness Week is September 13-17. Let’s talk about why it matters and perhaps how you can help spread the word.

Making the Most of Educational Opportunities

atuckman — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 12:00:45 +0000

There are lots of good places to learn about ADHD so we’re going to talk about what your options are and how to make the most of them. (With guest Marie Paxson, Immediate Past President of CHADD)

Why I Hate Twitter and Other Constant Intruders

atuckman — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 20:04:05 +0000

Technology brings lots of intrusions into our attention. I talk about how to make some good choices about what you let into your life.

Is the Economy Making Your ADHD Worse?

atuckman — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 19:00:24 +0000

Technically speaking, it isn’t; but cutbacks and increased stress can certainly make it feel that way, whether you have a job or are looking for one.

Change What You Can, Accept the Rest

atuckman — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 14:26:16 +0000

Happiness comes from both doing better in some ways, as well as accepting that other things won’t change. Being clear about our values makes it easier to find this balance.

Take Your ADHD Seriously

atuckman — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 23:46:56 +0000

Living a good life with ADHD takes serious work, but you deserve it, so push yourself to be the best you can be.

Professional Organizers: Move that Mountain

atuckman — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 12:00:50 +0000

A professional organizer can help you not only tackle your current mountain of stuff but also create better organizational systems so that you don’t wind up with another mountain later.

Is the Problem ADHD or Motivation?

atuckman — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:00:17 +0000

Many ADHD struggles can look like problems of motivation. After enough failures, what starts out as purely neurological can quickly become psychological as motivation begins to slide.

The Magic Threshold: A Little Can Mean A Lot

atuckman — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 13:41:23 +0000

Sometimes even small improvements can make a big difference, so don’t feel like you need to achieve perfection.

The Importance of Getting It

atuckman — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 12:00:41 +0000

It can feel like nobody understands you or your ADHD. Some people do, so get out there and find them.

ADHD Is Real–But How Real?

atuckman — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 19:27:19 +0000

Everyone has their distracted moments, but folks with ADHD have many more of them. But because this is just more of a normal human tendency, does that make the condition less real?

The Moment that Matters: Remember the Right Thing at the Right Time

atuckman — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 12:00:12 +0000

A universal challenge in this distracting world we live in is remembering to do the right thing at the right time. We’ll discuss why it’s so hard and how you can do better.

Roll Back Anxiety and Depression

atuckman — Mon, 31 May 2010 18:06:32 +0000

Adults with undiagnosed ADHD are more likely to be anxious or depressed. Fortunately, treating your ADHD may also help you feel better in unexpected ways.

Is It You or Your ADHD?

atuckman — Mon, 24 May 2010 17:38:17 +0000

People often wonder whether someone’s actions are due to their ADHD or a more conscious choice. The answer is that it depends, but regardless, we can still find strategies to deal with demands more effectively.

Manage Excessive Substance Use and Other Addictive Behavior

atuckman — Mon, 17 May 2010 12:00:35 +0000

People with untreated ADHD are more likely to have addictive behaviors, for several reasons. Getting on top of this will benefit you in other ways, too.

True Intimacy Means Hearing the Bad News, Too

atuckman — Wed, 12 May 2010 02:09:20 +0000

Intimate relationships require us to deal with both the good as well as the bad. This makes them more difficult, but ideally also makes us better people for it.

Restore Balance in the Relationship (Pt. II)

atuckman — Mon, 03 May 2010 12:00:33 +0000

Every relationship entails struggling to maintain balance. You can use these techniques to bring a little more balance (and peace and satisfaction) to your relationships.

Restore Balance in the Relationship (Pt. I)

atuckman — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 12:00:34 +0000

Every relationship entails struggling to maintain balance. You can use these techniques to bring a little more balance (and peace and satisfaction) to your relationships.

We See Others Through Our Own Lens

atuckman — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 12:00:26 +0000

We understand others’ actions based on what we ourselves do. This makes it easy to misinterpret ADHD behaviors, because they look intentional to someone who doesn’t have ADHD.

Fundamental Strategies to Overcome Impulsivity and Hyperactivity

atuckman — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 12:00:58 +0000

I’ve found that all the strategies that are helpful for hyperactivity and impulsivity, are really just variations on four basic themes. It’s really helpful to understand them.

Fundamental Strategies to Overcome Inattention

atuckman — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 12:00:07 +0000

I’ve found that all the strategies that are helpful for distractibility, are really just variations on two basic themes. It’s really helpful to understand them.

Is ADHD an Excuse or an Explanation?

atuckman — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 12:00:55 +0000

Using ADHD as an excuse for poor performance is disempowering because it gives the impression that the person can’t do any better. By contrast, using it as an explanation helps the person understand how and why things go badly and, more important, what she can do differently to increase the odds of success.

ADHD Is Bigger Than Good Intentions

atuckman — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 12:00:25 +0000

People with ADHD usually have good intentions but have trouble reliably turning those desires into action. There are important neurological reasons for this, so it’s important to use the right strategies when trying to close the gap.

This Is Important Stuff

atuckman — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:55:24 +0000

Understanding ADHD is really important-I mean really understanding, not just superficial stuff. (One year anniversary episode!)

Brain Scans: Not Enough Science, Too Much Fiction

atuckman — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 12:00:44 +0000

Although a small number of clinicians use brain scans to diagnose ADHD, there just isn’t enough research available on this technique for it to be considered reliable. So save your money.

Proposed Changes to the Diagnostic Criteria: Actually Very Important

atuckman — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 12:00:22 +0000

The proposed changes to the official diagnostic criteria have been made public. It’s interesting and really important, so we’ll discuss why as well as hit the highlights.

How Much Medication Should I Take? Finding the Right Dose

atuckman — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:00:21 +0000

Your prescriber will probably start you at a low dose and move you up until you find the amount that’s best for you, based on balancing desired effects with side effects. (Third episode in a three part series on medication.)

Potential Medication Benefits: Somewhere Between Placebo and Miracle

atuckman — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 12:00:01 +0000

Adults who take medication for their ADHD tend to find that it enables them to focus on one thing at a time, stick with uninteresting tasks, listen better, and think before acting impulsively. (Second episode in a three part series on medication.)

To Take Medication or Not to Take Medication: It Depends

atuckman — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:00:10 +0000

Some people eagerly choose to take medication, whereas others decide against it. It’s a personal decision based on many factors, including how well you can otherwise handle the demands in your life. (First episode in a three part series on medication.)

Two Tools to Stop the Flood

atuckman — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:20:04 +0000

The web can be a giant source of temptation. I talk about two programs to help you reduce the amount of time on unproductive sites.

Stop the Flood: Conquer Information Overload

atuckman — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 12:00:31 +0000

Information is everywhere, and we all need to find a way to stay on top of it all. These tips can help you keep your head above water.

The Right Tool for the Job: Using Technology for Good, Not Evil

atuckman — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 12:00:03 +0000

There are all sorts of tools out there to help us be more productive. Tools and technology can be part of the solution, but they can also be part of the problem. We’ll talk how to use them for good.

The Relief of Being Diagnosed: Wow, That Explains a Lot!

atuckman — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 12:00:48 +0000

After years of falling short, it can be a relief to have an explanation for those difficulties that isn’t a character indictment. This is equally true for the person with ADHD as it is for his family members.

Nontraditional Treatments: Separate the Wheat from the Chaff

atuckman — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 12:00:11 +0000

There are lots of nontraditional treatments available for ADHD, most of which have no benefit. It’s important to know what to look for when deciding whether a potential treatment has any chance of being effective.

Why Is It So Hard to Get (and Stay) Organized?

atuckman — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 03:04:40 +0000

I counted eight reasons why adults with ADHD tend to have more trouble with keeping their belongings organized. Fortunately, these eight reasons suggest eight solutions. (Updated mp3.)

Set Yourself Up for Success

atuckman — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 22:20:48 +0000

It’s easier to do the right thing in the heat of the moment if you set things up right beforehand.

ADHD Is Real, But Not Everyone Has It

atuckman — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 12:00:05 +0000

Although the science clearly shows that ADHD is a genuine condition, there are some people who believe or say they have it when they really don’t.

Stay in the Budget: We Have a Budget?

atuckman — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 21:01:47 +0000

Research has found that adults with ADHD have more money troubles than those without, so creating and staying in a budget is no easy task. Fortunately, these strategies can help you be more successful at it.

What’s the Difference Between Coaching and Therapy?

atuckman — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 12:00:00 +0000

It can be hard to know where the line is that separates coaching and therapy. There’s definitely some overlap between them, but there are also some important differences.

What Causes ADHD (and What Doesn’t)

atuckman — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:00:36 +0000

Research very clearly shows that ADHD is mostly caused by genetics, but outdated and disproven theories still persist about things that don’t actual cause ADHD.

Thanksgiving + ADHD = Stressful

atuckman — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:00:19 +0000

Planning and pulling off a big family gathering is no simple feat and requires really good information processing. Fortunately, there are some ways to make it easier.

Procrastination Research

atuckman — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:00:22 +0000

There’s some really interesting research being done on procrastination, so I thought I would share it with you. You will probably find it helpful.

Manage the Mail and Get the Bills Out on Time

atuckman — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:00:46 +0000

Many people with ADHD have trouble getting their bills out on time, even if they have more than enough money to cover everything. This usually is a result of the broader problem of managing all the mail that comes in. These strategies may help you track all the paperwork more reliably.

Actually Get a Good Night’s Sleep

atuckman — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:00:05 +0000

A good night’s sleep is fundamental to a productive day, but that doesn’t mean that it’s easy to get. Try these strategies to do better with this important topic.

Create a Lifestyle You Can Live With

atuckman — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 02:47:14 +0000

Everyone functions best when they have a balanced lifestyle, but untreated ADHD makes that really hard to pull off. Fortunately, the more you get on top of your ADHD, the easier it becomes.

The Value of a Good Apology

atuckman — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:00:26 +0000

Since everyone blows it sometimes, we could all benefit from knowing how to give a really good apology. It may not change what happened, but it can change how the other person feels about it.

Expectation Management: Promise Only What You Can Deliver

atuckman — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 12:00:18 +0000

Given that ADHD behaviors are so often misunderstood, your relationships will be more satisfying and less stressful if you actively manage what others should and shouldn’t expect from you.

ADHD and the Evolving Personality

atuckman — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 12:00:40 +0000

As with many things, growing up with ADHD can influence how your personality develops because it tends to make some situations more likely and other situations less likely. This is also affected by when you were diagnosed and whether you were treated.

To Tell or Not to Tell?

atuckman — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 06:59:59 +0000

There are no absolute rules about whether you should tell someone about your ADHD, but there are some issues you should consider when making your decision.

Knowing Is Easy; Doing Is Hard

atuckman — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 12:00:18 +0000

Most people with ADHD tend to know what they’re supposed to do and how to do it, but have a tough time making it happen consistently. We’ll discuss why.

Adversity Makes You Stronger (Hopefully)

atuckman — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 12:00:30 +0000

Adversity takes many forms. If ADHD is one of your struggles, then perhaps you can learn some important life lessons from it.

Build Healthy Self-Esteem

atuckman — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 12:00:13 +0000

Strong self-esteem comes from what we do and what we make of those experiences. Solid self-esteem comes from doing better as well as learning to accept certain weaknesses and setbacks.

Is ADHD a Gift?

atuckman — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:27:48 +0000

Some people claim that ADHD also has positive qualities. I don’t doubt that people with ADHD have all sorts of positive qualities, but I wouldn’t say that those strengths come from their ADHD. Fortunately, you don’t have to attribute them to your ADHD in order to feel good about yourself.

Always Moving Forward

atuckman — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 16:18:12 +0000

Folks with ADHD tend to focus more on the next thing in front of them than on circling back around to tie up the loose ends of what they were just working on. This comes mostly out of weaknesses in their working memory and prospective memory, which can be helpful to understand.

How to Get Help When You Need It—For You or Someone Else

atuckman — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:00:36 +0000

Many adults with ADHD are conflicted about getting help from others. Sometimes they really want it; sometimes they really don’t. Life gets easier when you find a middle road.

Find a Job and Career That You Can Enjoy (and Maybe Work for Yourself)

atuckman — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 12:00:59 +0000

It’s much easier to be happy at work if you’re in the right job. Rather than continue to work for someone else, you may find that you’re happier starting your own business. This can be a great opportunity for the right people.

ADHD & Depression: Virtual ADHD Conference Interview

atuckman — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 12:00:52 +0000

Jennifer Koretsky interviewed me about the session on ADHD and depression that I will be presenting at October’s virtual ADHD conference. It was fun for me and hopefully interesting for you!

Can I Trust Myself?

atuckman — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 12:00:32 +0000

People with ADHD learn that they aren’t as reliable as they want to be. This makes sense when their ADHD is still untreated, but you can learn to legitimately have more confidence in yourself once you do get on top of your ADHD.

Get the Most Out of Therapy

atuckman — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:00:32 +0000

Unmedicated ADHD can affect many parts of your life, including getting treatment for it. I cover a number of the ways that this can happen as well as what you can do to minimize these effects.

Talk It Out: Therapy Can Offer Clarity and Peace

atuckman — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 13:00:56 +0000

Therapy can be especially helpful for adults with ADHD who spent most of their lives undiagnosed. It can be helpful to understand yourself in a more accurate and less pejorative way.

Here are the professional directories I mention in the podcast.

Rewrite History: Understand Your Past (and Yourself) in a Different Way

atuckman — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:00:06 +0000

Being diagnosed with ADHD not only enables you to create a better future, it also changes your understanding of your past. It explains all sorts of events in your life in a much less pejorative way.

Fully Accepting the Diagnosis

atuckman — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:00:20 +0000

Coming to a full understanding and acceptance of your ADHD isn’t easy, but it is empowering.

The Four Stages of Adjustment to a New Diagnosis

atuckman — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:00:16 +0000

Getting diagnosed can be a really big deal that can take a long time to adjust to. Although not written in stone, people tend to go through certain stages in that process.

Missed Diagnoses: Why Did It Take Me So Long to Be Correctly Diagnosed?

atuckman — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 15:00:29 +0000

Most adults with ADHD have been diagnosed only recently. There are many reasons for why these people were missed for so many years, even when it was painfully obvious that there was something going on.

What’s in a Name: Attention-Deficit or Deficit in Attention Regulation?

atuckman — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 15:00:55 +0000

“Attention-deficit” implies that people with ADHD don’t have enough attention, but the real problem is that they don’t control their attention effectively. Mostly, they get distracted and shift their attention when they should have stayed on the original task. Sometimes, though, they stay glued on something when they should really shift.

Hindsight and Forethought: Using the Past and Future to Guide the Present

atuckman — Tue, 26 May 2009 01:47:44 +0000

We use the lessons from past experiences to make better choices the next time around. People with ADHD have a hard time stopping long enough to remember those lessons and apply them forward, so they’re more likely to make the same mistakes.

Persistence of Effort: The Little Engine That Sometimes Could

atuckman — Mon, 18 May 2009 14:07:36 +0000

Once someone with ADHD gets going on something, there’s the second challenge of sticking with it all the way through. Unfortunately, most of our daily obligations don’t give partial credit for tasks that are mostly done.

Self-Activation: Getting That Heavy Ball Rolling

atuckman — Mon, 11 May 2009 16:44:14 +0000

Everybody has to use a certain amount of force of will to get going on boring tasks, but people with ADHD have a much steeper hill to climb. As a result, they tend to procrastinate until the pressure of a looming deadline pushes them into action.

Emotional Self-Control: Having Feelings Without Acting on Them

atuckman — Tue, 05 May 2009 15:45:32 +0000

People with ADHD tend to express their feelings more strongly than others do and are more influenced by their feelings than other people are. This also affects their ability to see beyond their emotions and to take others’ perspectives into account.

Remembering to Remember: It’s All About Timing

atuckman — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 14:59:45 +0000

In our busy lives, we all have dozens of little (and not so little) things to remember to do over the course of a day, such as phone calls and appointments. People with ADHD have great difficulty reminding themselves of these tasks at the right time, often forgetting completely or remembering only when it’s too late.

Sense of Time: It Can’t be 5:00 Already!

atuckman — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:50:05 +0000

People with ADHD have difficulty monitoring the passage of time and planning accordingly, a skill that’s really important in today’s busy world. As a result, they tend to spend too long on some activities and not plan enough time for others. This contributes to their well-known time management problems.

Working Memory: The Brain’s RAM

atuckman — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 15:04:06 +0000

We use our working memories constantly to hold information in mind as we remember what just happened, relate it to long-term memories, and think ahead into the future. People with ADHD tend to have blinky working memories which leads to a wide variety of problems in their daily lives.

Response Inhibition: It Starts with Stopping

atuckman — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 15:05:02 +0000

The key to successful decision-making is that tiny little pause where we think through our options and make a good choice. People with ADHD have difficulty creating this pause and as a result get distracted, forget things, and leap without looking.

Executive Functioning: Who’s Calling the Shots Around Here, Anyway?

atuckman — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 18:17:17 +0000

The executive functions are our highest-level brain processes. They enable us to make good decisions in a complex world. Research is increasingly explaining ADHD struggles as deriving from executive functioning weaknesses.