| Pronouns | they/her |
| Web | https://www.structuredsuccess.ca |
"If you have ADHD reduce distractions." Yeah, that works… to a point.
But sometimes removing stimulation actually makes it harder to focus, not easier. Understimulation is a major risk for ADHD'ers and can just as big of a barrier as distraction can be
The difference between our ADHD being a reason for our behaviour vs an excuse is our relationship with accountability.
If we are willing to take accountability for our actions and continue to improve ourselves, we aren't making excuses, we're explaining our behaviour
You can't only cope with ADHD by spending more energy to accomplish the same results as other people. That's masking, pure and simple.
Actually coping with ADHD has to be sustainable; reducing the energy and executive function we need for success
Processing information can be severely impacted by our sensory environment.
When our environment is overwhelming or threatening, it can make processing information harder. This impacts our memory, logical thinking, and even our ability to respond
If you're looking for an unrolled thread, you can find it on my tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/structuredsucc/810916043313823744/sensory-issues-suck-but-we-use-them-to-self-sooth?source=share
Or my website: https://www.structuredsuccess.ca/post/sensory-issues-suck-but-we-use-them-to-self-sooth-and-self-regulate
But, speaking of those great souls who help support this work, thank you to each and every one of you:
J, Emily Faalasli, Meghan Premo-Hopkins, Anne Lee Landry, & Calle Englund
The next time that you're starting to feel overwhelmed, or even when you just don't feel right, using one or more of these examples might be able to help you settle.
I've attached the full worksheet to this thread, and if you'd like a print-ready version, I'm making that available too on my Patreon: patreon.com/structuredsuccess
For places where you spend the most time, make these 5-10 examples eye-catching, easy-to-read, and aesthetic.
Include graphics or designs that speak to you or feel meaningful, and place them in a visible spot where they easy to find, even when you're feeling utterly awful. Taking time now to make sure our strategies are accessible, and as free of barriers as possible, will make it more likely that we use them when we need them. (10/12)
Take a moment to make these examples as clear and action-focused as you can, so that when you're dysregulated, you need to decode as little as possible.
Write these on a business card or piece of paper you can keep with you. (I've included some templates below if you'd like to use those) (9/12)
