Helping our ADHD Clients

Since October is ADHD Awareness Month I can’t think of a better time to share some practices that will help our ADHD clients.

As many of my clients have ADHD tendencies, I am always looking for new ways to help them achieve their goals.

At our Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD) conference Cameron Gott gave a very up to date informative presentation on tools to help ADHD clients achieve their organizing objectives.

A couple of ADHD traits that he discussed really hit home and I immediately thought of one of my clients that I have been working with for a long time.

1.     I can’t do it all by myself in a timely fashion but I can’t ask for help. I know that this client works lots of extra hours each week in order to complete what she feels is expected of her. While she will often take the time to help others with their problems and is even on call on some of her “off” days, she does not ask for help or extra time for herself.  When I work with her this week, I want to share with her that this is a common ADHD trait and see if knowing that she would consider asking for help occasionally.

2.     Only after I take care of others, then I can take care of myself. This client works late. She comes home tired. She may even do more work after coming home. She doesn’t eat well or have a regular sleep pattern. She rarely seems to have time for any fun. We have talked about this before but I am hoping that if she realizes that this is a recognized ADHD trait, she will rethink some of her priorities. Right now, one of her frustrations is that she feels she is only able to complete projects that matter to others.

Cam also talked about some ADHD super tools.

1.     Curiosity

Curiosity is often seen as a super tool because it drives the person to explore and learn new things. They seek out new information and experiences without restraint. They bring energy and enthusiasm to projects that can inspire others working with them.

2.     Creativity

People with ADHD often have heightened creativity. They use divergent thinking where they will come up with multiple ideas or solutions to problems. This can all lead to exceptional innovative output.

3.     Context

Context is considered a super tool because it allows people with ADHD to focus on the context of what they are passionate about and ignore distractions for a while. This can all lead to exceptional innovative output.

Cam also pointed out how all of these same tools can also make barriers.

1.     Curiosity

The same curiosity that drives exploration can end up in endless research. The person with ADHD will often travel down rabbit holes and get into time sucking research.

2.     Creativity

A person with ADHD can also be very creative when it comes to avoiding the tasks on hand. One of the above rabbit holes can be a lot more fun to explore than moving the needed work forward.

3.     Context

People with ADHD can be focused on what they are working on but still be reactive to other stimuli. They can end up doing context switching which makes reaching a completion to a task almost impossible. The context may be switching by outside influences or it can be a deliberate switching as a form of stimulation.

Cam also talked about hope as a practice that can significantly help our clients with ADHD. Hope is a cognitive process. The working definition of hope is, “The belief that the future will be better than today, and that we have the power to make it so.”  Hope can boost self-esteem and promote resilience.  Cam talked about reframing challenges into a larger positive context.

My thoughts are that if we can inform our clients with ADHD tendencies about the latest research, they will feel less unworthy and more hopeful that they can rework their thinking and become more productive and happier.

If you are ready to work on completing a project and want some tips, encouragement, or accountability join Diane Quintana and me in our Clear Space For You virtual clutter support group. You could complete a small project or set up an organizing plan during the call. The group will offer ideas, support, and gentle accountability for working on developing plans or projects.

Jonda S. Beattie, Professional Organizer owner of Time Space Organization, and co-owner of Release, Repurpose, Reorganize. She is based in the Metro-Atlanta area. As presenter, award-winning author, as well as a retired special education teacher she uses her listening skills, problem solving skills, knowledge of different learning techniques, ADHD specialty, and paper management skills to help clients.