How does adverse childhood experiences impact on individuals with diagnosed ADHD?
We mustn’t lump all adult ADHDers in the same box. Individual differences, cultural and childhood experiences may (or not) exacerbate ADHD traits. We all face certain challenges in our childhoods for better or for worse. I have recognised in my adult ADHD Counselling in Hertfordshire that there are some common factors that may act as impediments to better management of certain traits due to adverse childhood experiences.
The most common behaviours include:
- Lack of impulsivity control
- Anger issues (default defence mechanism)
- Difficulties in empathising with others and seeing another’s viewpoint
- Difficulty with ‘active listening’
- Not paying attention to clear boundaries
- Addictions/substance abuse
- Financial debt
- Low self-esteem and negative thinking (Rejection Sensitivity Disorder)
- Narcissistic traits (that are learned)
The above are not exhaustive but are most common for some (not all!) adult individuals with ADHD and can be damaging in interpersonal relationships, whether it be personal or professional.
The first step in my practice, is to gain a general understanding of the individual’s upbringing and environment as children as well as their current day to day circumstances. I aim to understand their core belief systems that are internalised at an early age, that may have compounded particular neurodivergent traits. There are many advantages of being neurodivergent and having ADHD, if an individual’s problematic traits are identified and managed accordingly. We are all capable of revising and changing our lifestyle choices with enough professional guidance.
Couples
When considering couples. It is essential for the neurotypical partner/spouse to understand the rudiments of ADHD and how to manage their own expectations. This can be a challenging task but with enough education and information on the nature of neurodivergence, built up resentments can be minimised with a renewed trust and understanding of one another.
Neurodivergent Parents
The other factor to take into account is an undiagnosed parent of a child with ADHD. This can be troublesome (for some) especially if the child is mirroring similar traits to the parent and the parent feels that they don’t have the emotional resources to contend with their child’s behaviours. Understanding this type of situation(s) is essential when considering preconceived ideas of parenting their child where disappointment can ensue and to offset transgenerational dysfunctional patterns from reoccurring.
The essential benefits of my ADHD Counselling in Hertfordshire are emotional regulation that can be borne out of building confidence by addressing negative self-talk and recognising personal strengths, and better coping mechanisms that can lead to increased self-esteem. I also help individuals to identify and recognise their gifts and strengths that come with having ADHD. From the outset, they are very creative and are better able to think outside of the box, a high proficiency for certain professions/skills and attention to detail in particular fields of interest. The overall objective(s) in my counselling practice is that having ADHD doesn’t necessarily have to be viewed as a formidable neurodevelopmental condition that cannot be best understood and managed in a way that positive and optimistic visions for the future can be accomplished.
If you feel that you could benefit from my ADHD counselling please contact me today at Penny Glazebrook Counselling and Psychotherapy.
