As a parent, you’re always seeking to understand your child better, especially when they have unique thinking and learning differences. If your child has ADHD, you might wonder, “How do people with ADHD think?” In this blog post, we’ll explore the cognitive processes of neurodivergent kids with ADHD and provide you with actionable insights to support their growth and development. So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Understanding ADHD: The Basics
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that presents itself as inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. It affects around 5-10% of children worldwide, making it one of the most common childhood disorders.
Here are some key facts about ADHD:
- ADHD is a lifelong condition, but symptoms are manageable with proper support and treatment.
- There are three types of ADHD: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and combined.
- The cause of ADHD is by a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors.
Now that we’ve covered the basics let’s delve into the cognitive processes of kids with ADHD. While every kid is unique, there are some common thinking patterns and challenges associated with ADHD.
Customize visual schedules that teach kids independence. No more nagging, no more stress.
How do people with ADHD think? Unraveling the Cognitive Processes
1. Distractibility and Inattention
One of the hallmarks of ADHD is difficulty sustaining attention. Kids with ADHD may struggle to focus on tasks, often becoming easily distracted by external stimuli or their own thoughts. This can make it challenging for them to complete tasks, follow instructions, or stay organized.
Read more: 5 Essential Life Skills for Kids
Goally’s learning tablet for kids can be a helpful tool for children with ADHD, as it offers customizable schedules and reminders to help them stay on track and minimize distractions.
2. Impulsivity
Impulsivity is another common trait in kids with ADHD. They may act without thinking, make hasty decisions, or struggle with self-control. This can lead to difficulties in social situations, as they might interrupt others, have trouble waiting their turn, or act inappropriately.
By understanding how people with ADHD think, you can help your child develop strategies to manage impulsivity. For example, you might encourage them to pause and think before responding or making decisions.
3. Hyperactivity
While not present in all types of ADHD, hyperactivity is a common symptom. Kids with hyperactive-impulsive ADHD may have excessive energy, struggle to sit still, and frequently fidget or move around. This can make it challenging for them to engage in quiet activities or concentrate in school.
Regular physical activity can help kids with ADHD expend excess energy and improve focus. Encourage your child to participate in sports or other physical activities they enjoy.
4. Working Memory Challenges
Working memory is the ability to hold and change information in the mind for short periods. Kids with ADHD often have weaker working memory skills, which can impact their ability to follow multi-step instructions, solve problems, or remember important information.
| Working Memory Challenges | Strategies to Help |
|---|---|
| Difficulty following multi-step instructions | Break instructions into smaller steps and provide visual aids |
| Struggling to solve problems | Teach problem-solving strategies and encourage practice |
| Forgetting important information | Use memory aids, such as mnemonic devices or visual reminders |
5. Executive Functioning Difficulties
Executive functions are the cognitive processes that help us plan, organize, and regulate our behavior. Kids with ADHD may struggle with various aspects of executive functioning, such as time management, prioritizing tasks, and emotional regulation.
Goally’s apps for kids with thinking and learning differences can support the development of executive functioning skills. By providing structure and visual aids, these apps can help your child stay organized and manage their time effectively.
Read more: ADHD and Executive Function
Supporting Your Child’s Unique Thinking Style
Understanding how your child with ADHD thinks is the first step in providing the support they need. Here are some strategies to help your kid thrive:
- Establish routines: Consistent routines can help kids with ADHD manage their time and stay organized. Create daily schedules for tasks like homework, chores, and bedtime to provide structure and predictability.
- Break tasks into smaller steps: Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps can make them less overwhelming for kids with ADHD. Provide clear, step-by-step instructions and offer support as needed.
- Use visual aids: Visual aids, such as charts, calendars, and lists, can help kids with ADHD stay organized and remember important information.
- Teach self-regulation strategies: Help your child develop self-regulation skills, such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or self-talk, to manage impulsivity and emotional regulation.
- Encourage physical activity: Regular physical activity can help kids with ADHD expend excess energy and improve focus. Encourage your child to participate in sports or other physical activities they enjoy.
- Seek professional support: A team of professionals, including psychologists, therapists, and educators, can provide valuable guidance and resources to help your child succeed.
Try Goally For Your Child With ADHD
Goally helps kids with ADHD stay focused and build skills. Unlike a Kindle or an iPad that kids get easily distracted on, Goally has no YouTube, no social media, no web browser, and especially no ads.
Goally uses game play as a points-based motivator for your kiddo with ADHD and helps them learn emotional regulation skills. It’s simple to set up and has an expert-informed design.
Embracing Your Child’s Unique Mind
So, what do people with ADHD think? While they may face challenges in attention, impulsivity, and executive functioning, it’s important to remember that kids with ADHD also possess unique strengths and talents. By understanding their cognitive processes and providing tailored support, you can help your child thrive and reach their full potential. Embrace their neurodiversity and celebrate their successes as they navigate the world with their own unique thinking style.
This post was originally published on 05/08/2023. It was updated on 09/01/2023.
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