Working Model of ADHD

Seeing the connections...

For some while I have felt uncomfortable with the standard definitions of ADHD that are available. I have always favoured Dr Thomas Brown's "Six Aspects of a Complex Syndrome" as the clearest and simplest diagrammatic representation to date, but for me it still falls short of capturing the breadth and nuances of my ADD and of my clients, and sadly it completely ignores the positives of our neurology. I wanted a model that would explain to me the complex brain differences and life experiences that result from being ADHD. Here is my  Working Model of ADHD, click on any of the boxes for a fuller explanation:

Why Create a New Model?

Because medicalisation misrepresents the reality of ADHD.

I am not criticising the great efforts made by many eminent researchers, doctors and scientists in getting ADHD recognised as a disorder. They wish to get help for their patients, as they see people in very real pain. However, as I discuss in The Gift of ADD, I do not see ADHD as a disorder but as a mental difference. I completely accept that the negative traits of this mental difference can cause significant suffering and problems for people who are ADHD - me included! But, and this is the big BUT, there is some initial scientific evidence, volumes of anecdotal evidence and quite self-evident logic that overwhelmingly indicates that ADHD brings positive, beneficial traits too.

Since I am ADHD I am unable to accept anyone's rules, views or values without checking to see if they fit within my highly connected world view and conceptual models. When they don't fit they tend to get rejected or put on "hold" until my subconscious brain ("under the covers") works out a modified model that does fit. The idea or understanding then intuitively emerges fully formed. I created this model in a couple of hours with minimal reflection or subsequent editing to confirm my theory, after years of subconscious development!

I have broken down the model into three sections, two of which map generally to the conventional wisdom and understanding of ADHD, one of which maps more to the widely held beliefs by those of us with ADHD. Please click on the links below to see the explanations:

• Under-Stimulated from Low Dopamine
• Less Dominant Executive Functions
• More Dominant "Right-brain" functions
• Are we delusional in seeing strengths?

Do send your thoughts and feedback to me, I would love to hear from you.