February 2012 Newsletter
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD)
Neurodiversity is about how our brains process information and how we think, as we can be wired differently. This includes concentration, language, sound, images, light, texture, colour, touch, smell, taste, perception, sequencing and movement. One major neuro-diverse type is listed below
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a genetic and neurobiological disorder found in adults as well as children and is defined and based upon observations about how people behave in the following areas:
Attention Span – Keeping attention, getting easily distracted, becomes bored, daydreams, often loses things and struggles to follow instructions.
Hyperactivity - Too much energy, keeping busy, fidgeting, sublimation very impatient, act without regard for consequences and difficulty waiting their turn.
Impulsiveness – Not stopping and thinking before they do things, acts on a whim, acts on urges too readily, poor organization and planning ability.
About 1.7 % of the UK population is affected. The majority of these are children.
Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD) can be a great asset to a company as they are hard working when properly motivated. This will lead to them remaining with one company for a long time as they tend to be dedicated to their job. They often need high levels of stimulation and can work well in a fast moving environment.
No matter how intelligent men and women are they can still feel misunderstood and vulnerable.
Facts:
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD) is not mental illnesses. It is a development disorder and associated with learning difficulties.
- Individuals may have more than one neuro-diversity, as they overlap each other.
- Every Job Centre Plus office has a Disability Employment Adviser who specifically deals with people with health conditions. They don’t just help people find work, they also help people keep their jobs.
- In 1995, the UK passed the Disability Discrimination Act, making it illegal to deny people employment based on disability. Employers in the UK are required to anticipate and make "reasonable adjustments" for people with disabilities.
The above is about raising awareness in Lincolnshire and not intended as a medical document or advice. If you need any advice with regards to a medical or psychological problem, please contact your GP.
Please note that if you ever use Twitter or Facebook, please DO NOT give out any personal details or information about yourself, as CANadda will not be held responsible for anything that happens. Remember to use social networking sites wisely.
Contacts:
ADDISS
Premier House 112 Station Road
Edgware
Middlesex
HA8 7BJ
Telephone: 020 8952 2800
Fax: 020 8952 2909
Email: info@addiss.co.uk
Web Site: www.addiss.co.uk
Lincoln ADHD Support Group
72a Newark Road
Lincoln
LN5 8PY
Telephone: 01522 539939
Email: lincoln.adhd@btconnect.com
Web Site: www.lincolnadhd.org.uk
Online ADD Test
If you are undiagnosed with ADD, you can get an initial test on line. This test is not a diagnosis but it is FREE of charge, http://www.addtestonline.com/cgi-bin/addtest.cgi
Online Quick Adult ADHD Screening Test
If you are undiagnosed with ADHD, you can get an initial test on line. This test is not a diagnosis but it is FREE of charge, http://psychcentral.com/quizzes/adultaddquiz.htm
Useful Links:
- Talks on ADD/ADHD by professionals.
- Information on children and young people with ADHD for general practitioners, GPWsi's, community paediatricians and CAMHS staff
- www.mkadhd.org.uk MK-adhd is a charitable organisation based in Milton Keynes. They offer support and advice for families and individuals who have ADHD touching their lives. Whilst they operate from Milton Keynes and their main objective is to serve the local community, they welcome members from all over the world to share stories, advice, information and become involved with them.
- www.adders.org Adders objective is to promote awareness to Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and to provide information and as much free practical help as they can to sufferers, both adults and children, and their families in the UK and around the World via this website.
- Living with ADHD This website has been developed to support those who come into contact with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - parents/carers and teachers - and also provides resources for children and teenagers themselves, to help them understand and manage the condition. The site offers key information, downloadable tools, hints and tips, and useful contact points.
- www.addandadhd.co.uk Many children and adults in the UK are affected by ADD or ADHD. Whether you suffer from one of the conditions or know someone who struggles with it each day, finding a single resource that can answer your questions isn't easy. A team of experts has created this website to help you make sense of ADD and ADHD.
- ADHD LIFE Based in N E Lincolnshire, ADHD LIFE is a service offered for people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity disorder and associated impairments.
Click to download a poster on ADHD.