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What You Need To Know About the Causes, Symptoms & Diagnoses of ADHD

ByMarla Cummins ADHD Symptoms & Diagnosis, Blog

  Trying to figure out more about ADHD causes, symptoms and diagnosis? Confused from all the information on the internet? It can be frustrating trying to find information you need and can trust. There is a lot of hype out there, making it almost impossible at times to separate the wheat from the chaff. I’m sure you know what I’m talking about. After endless amounts of time googling I bet you are often left confused, wondering: Arghhh… If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you know I’m not a fan of hype or hyperbole. And neither are you. You want the facts. Here they are. What is The Cause of ADHD? You may have heard in the media that poor diet, food dyes,…

Three Keys That Will Make Managing Your ADHD Easier
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Three Keys That Will Make Managing Your ADHD Easier

ByMarla Cummins ADHD Tools & Strategies, Blog

Whether you are newly diagnosed or just deciding to tackle your ADHD in a more strategic way, congratulations! Congratulations?! Yes, I think you deserve kudos because the journey you are about to embark on is uncertain and will certainly be challenging. In spite of this, you decided to go down this path now because you want to make your life easier in the long run. There are no guarantees, of course. But with time, effort, support and compassion (for yourself) I think you can figure out which goals to pursue and how to reach them. And to make the journey of managing your ADHD easier, it will be helpful to keep these three points in mind.

ADHD and Strengthening Your Willpower – You Can Do It!
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ADHD and Strengthening Your Willpower – You Can Do It!

ByMarla Cummins ADHD Tools & Strategies, Blog

Learning how to manage your willpower will help you work with your ADHD. Really. You may be thinking, “I don’t want to hear this. I’m tired of hearing that I just need more willpower. I have ADHD!” Hang with me for a bit. I’m not talking about the version of willpower where you  are told to “just try harder” or “just do it.” That won’t work for you. Because the challenges you experience exerting self control  when you want, willpower, have to do with your brain wiring. But there are strategies you can learn in order strengthen, conserve and use your willpower when you want. And these same strategies will help you manage your ADHD. What is Willpower? Psychologist Roy Baumeister, author of Willpower, and…

Is This Normal or Do I Have Undiagnosed ADHD?
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Is This Normal or Do I Have Undiagnosed ADHD?

ByMarla Cummins ADHD Symptoms & Diagnosis, Blog

  Below is an excerpt from a letter that I recently received (and was given permission to post) along with my response. I decided to include it here, as it is such a common question and might be of interest to you, too.   Hi Marla, I’ve really been identifying with everything you and your testimonials have been saying on your website, but I’ve never been diagnosed myself. For years as a university student I have constantly struggled with mastering my procrastination on assignments and study, and I’ve realised recently it seems to stem from this impulsivity, this tendency to immediately act on every thought I have. All the issues you are talking about that adults with ADHD have to deal with, I feel that…

ADHD and Sleep: Are You Getting A Good Night’s Sleep?
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ADHD and Sleep: Are You Getting A Good Night’s Sleep?

ByMarla Cummins ADHD Treatment Options, Blog

  When it comes to sleep and ADHD, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence to suggest a greater occurrence of sleep problems in adults with ADHD than the general population. We also know that lack of sleep can make your ADHD symptoms (challenges with focus and attention) worse. So, if you have sleep issues, it is important that you address them as part of a holistic treatment plan for your ADHD. Whatever your challenges with sleep they likely fall into one of four areas. Falling Asleep Like many with ADHD, you may be an avowed night owl; you get a second wind late at night. The official medical term is Delayed Sleep-Phase Syndrome. You may find yourself unable to shut of your mind, even though…

Understanding Your ADHD Brain
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Understanding Your ADHD Brain

ByMarla Cummins ADHD Symptoms & Diagnosis, Blog

  Usually, I write about how ADHD symptoms are expressed and how to manage them. In fact, I bet most of the time this is the information you are looking for as you attempt to answer the question, “How do I deal with my ADHD?!” And I know from talking to a lot of people that having an understanding of the genetics and neurobiology of ADHD is probably not at the top of your list when looking for ways to address the challenges of your ADHD. But I think it should at least be on the list. I hope this brief intro whets your curiosity and prompts you to find out more about the relationship between the brain and ADHD. Causes of ADHD While we…

ADHD and Change: Having The Right Mindset
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ADHD and Change: Having The Right Mindset

ByMarla Cummins ADHD Tools & Strategies, Blog

  When people learn how to fly they do not start by climbing into the cockpit of a plane and taking off with an instructor by their side. Can you imagine learning how to fly this way? No, of course not, because not only is it dangerous, but it is not an effective way to learn. Instead, they start with a ground training course. When you are an adult with ADHD and are ready to move forward how do you learn to make changes in your life? You may want to learn how to: You likely do not have the opportunity to start with a ground training course, though. Making Changes Mid-Air Instead, you need to continue to fulfill your responsibilities while learning new habits,…

ADHD, Mindfulness and Making Decisions
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ADHD, Mindfulness and Making Decisions

ByMarla Cummins ADHD Planning & Prioritizing, Blog

“How do I respond to this situation?” “How can I feel less overwhelmed?” “Where do I want to focus my mental energy/thoughts?” These are some of the questions that Adults with ADHD ask themselves on a regular basis. Having strategies that will allow you to slow down and center yourself are helpful in answering these and similar questions. ADHD and The Wandering Mind As an adult with ADHD you know that your challenge is not inattention.  If anything you have a surplus of attention. The challenge when you have ADHD is being able to regulate your attention, as well as your  actions, thoughts and emotions. That is, being able to make a decision about what to do in any given moment. Without a system for…

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ADHD and Electronics: Should You Pull the Plug?

ByMarla Cummins ADHD Time Management, ADHD Treatment Options, Blog

For a long time I did not watch TV at all. Then I discovered Hulu and Netflix… Sometimes, I admit,  I watch too much TV, especially during the winter months. I’ll even multitask – checking email and watching a show. Mostly, I watch TV as a way to relax and turn off my brain. Is this ok? Exploring an Opinion What is the impact of electronic use by children and adults with ADHD? Last week Pierre de Villiers emailed me the comments below and asked me to respond. Since I thought my response would be of interest to many of you, with his permission, I decided to answer it in a public forum. While Pierre’s comments are about children, the issues he raises are also…

You Have ADD: Do You Know Your Strengths?
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You Have ADD: Do You Know Your Strengths?

ByMarla Cummins ADHD Treatment Options, Blog

  In my previous post, It Could Be Easier, I suggested reasons for operating in your areas of strengths. The first step toward using our strengths is being aware ofwhat they are currently. If you are interested in exploring your character strengths, The VIA Survey of Characteris a great place to start. When I took the survey I already knew I was strong in the areas that were in my top five. These strengths help me to excel at being an ADD Coach. Your Top Character Strength: Creativity, ingenuity, and originality Thinking of new ways to do things is a crucial part of who you are. You are never content with doing something the conventional way if a better way is possible. Your Second Character…