October is ADHD Awareness Month. It is estimated that over half of Autistic people also display traits of ADHD or have a confirmed diagnosis.
We spoke to Angela, one of our Community Services Colleagues, about her personal experience as an individual with a diagnosis of ADHD and how we can support autistic individuals with ADHD.
What does ADHD look like to you?
I have recently been diagnosed with both inattentive and hyperactive ADHD this for me can look like; Difficulty to remain focused on certain tasks, hyperfocus on things of interest. Difficulties with impulse control. Having the ability to adapt to sudden changes and meet deadlines last minute. Forgetting things or double booking and having a very poor perception of time or what I can do in a specific time.
What sort of things do you have to take into consideration when working with Autistic people with ADHD?
I think as awareness grows there are more people seeking diagnosis therefore, we appear to be seeing more people with dual diagnosis. However, as with anyone we support we will always use a very person-centered approach and would gain an understanding of how an individual’s needs impact them: However here are some simple common support strategies. We would ask for preferred communication methods e.g text/call/ in person, back up our conversation or links etc. with an email so people can refer back, I would be aware of difficulties with time management and possibly needing reminders before an appointment. Be aware of sensory environments where possible when trying to book venues etc.
What advice would you give to a parent of a recently diagnosed child?
Be patient and understanding, be open and honest with the child about their diagnosis and help them understand their strengths and challenges associated with it. Go on courses written and delivered by ADHD adults – highly recommend BREWS. Be realistic in your expectations and be prepared to change. Use your child’s interests.
What is your personal experience of ADHD? How does this impact your work with Autism West Midlands?
I am very fortunate to work with a great neurodiverse team at AWM all of which have a host of different strengths and challenges, thankfully we have an amazing manager that allows us to work to our strengths and supports us with the things we find difficult. I have a very flexible work schedule most of the time meaning I am not time restrained every day making it easier to work around my caring role also.
What advice would you give around supporting people with Autism and ADHD?
Be patient and understanding, listen with more than just your ears to what you are being told/shown and you don’t need to understand someone’s experience of the world to accept it. Connect with special interests
What would you like people to know about ADHD?
It can look very different for different people and even every day I can be affected differently I can do things one day whereas the next it’s almost impossible. I’m not late because I don’t care or I’m lazy, time blindness is very real. It takes a lot of effort to initiate tedious tasks and sometimes someone just starting the task can be all it takes to get me started.
