Looking for ADHD Information, Coaching or Counselling in Ottawa?
We are a group of independent psychotherapists, counsellors and coaches in Ottawa, who also work(ed) at Carleton University, Algonquin College and at CHEO providing support to young adults with disabilities. If you have been diagnosed with ADHD and/or are experiencing inattention, impulsivity, hyperactivity, anxiety, depression, or difficulties with time and project management, chronic lack of success, and addictions; know that you can learn compensatory strategies and maximize your chance of a successful life. We encourage you to read the following general information about ADHD and to book an appointment.
What are Neurodevelopmental Disorders?
Neurodevelopmental disorders represent a group of life long conditions that are primary genetic in nature or may be caused by an acquired biological brain disorder. Symptoms typically begin to manifest during childhood years. Neurodevelopmental disorders are characterized by impairments in personal, social, academic, or occupational functioning and affect emotion and behaviour regulation, learning abilities, memory and social communication. Deficits may vary from specific limitations in learning or difficulties in executive functions to global impairments in social skills or cognitive abilities. Neurodevelopmental disorders can often co-occur, therefore it is not unusual that an individual with ADHD may also have a Learning Disability.
The degree of difficulties associated with neurodevelopmental disorders is wide ranging. For some, they cause minimal interference in their lives, while others may experience significant mental, emotional, and health-related difficulties.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder and the onset of symptoms occur in childhood. There are three types of attention disorders: inattentive, impulsivity/hyperactivity and combined. Adults with ADHD and ADD (without hyperactivity) exhibit symptoms which affect their ability to sustain focus and attention. They may also have co-existing disorders which can include anxiety, depression and substance abuse.
ADHD Comorbidity with Other Mental Health Disorders
Some adults with ADHD may meet the criteria for other mental health symptoms or diagnoses. These may include:
- Anxiety Disorders (Panic, GAD)
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Depression
- Substance Abuse
- Learning Disability
- Tourette’s Syndrome
ADHD Symptoms
Individuals can experience a number of symptoms that can affect their daily life. They can present with the following difficulties:
- Initiating and completing tasks
- Impulsive behaviours
- Sustaining focus and attention
- Task execution can be at a slower pace (e.g. reading, writing, organizing ideas on an assignment)
- Initiating and maintaining social interactions
- Executive functioning (planning, organizing, managing time)
- Working memory/short-term memory (forgetfulness)
- Sleep problems
- Elevated symptoms of anxiety
ADHD Diagnosis
ADHD is usually diagnosed in early childhood, but it is not uncommon to receive a diagnosis during adolescence or even in adult years. Diagnosis can happen multiple ways:
- It can be the result of a psycho-educational assessment, which investigates Learning Disabilities or other Neurodevelopmental Disorders.
- Completing a specific package of ADHD assessments.
- Going to a medical doctor who is experienced with ADHD diagnosis or getting a referral to a psychiatrist.
Adult ADHD Treatment
Attention disorders can affect one’s life during school years, at work, or in relationships. Although ADHD cannot be cured, symptoms can be managed or reduced by the use of medication (recommended by a doctor) and strategies .
Although there are no known cures for neurodevelopmental disorders, counselling, psychotherapy, ADHD coaching, and mindfulness training can be effective treatments to increase attention, regulate emotions and behaviour, develop coping strategies and to make the lifestyle changes that lead to successful life outcomes. We use an eclectic set of treatment protocols, such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to best suit individual needs, and also provide a workshop for parents and caregivers to minimize their stress and maximize their ability to provide support.
If you or someone you care about are experiencing difficulties related to ADHD and would like to learn new skills to overcome the impact of your symptoms on academic, work or daily life, you came to the right place! Working with one of our team members can greatly improve your ability to manage ADHD symptoms.
Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders
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