Stimagz Blog

Studies suggest that roughly 30-50% of children diagnosed with ADHD also have a Specific Learning Disability (SLD) as defined by the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). There is some overlap in the symptoms of ADHD and SLDs, but individuals diagnosed with both experience cognition unique to their diagnoses.

Working memory refers to the storage and retrieval system pertaining to short-term information. People with ADHD have demonstrated significant impairments in working memory, affecting their performance in certain subjects, their perception of time, and sometimes their ability to create long-term memories.

Hyperfocus is generally defined as a deep and consuming state of fixation thought to result from irregularly low baseline levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Research shows people with ADHD experience states of hyperfocus at higher rates than their neurotypical peers, often to the point of functional impairment.

Studies show ADHD causes people to engage in risky behavior at higher rates than their neurotypical peers, particularly if their condition is predominantly impulsive and hyperactive rather than inattentive. This is largely due to what research calls "sensation-seeking" and the constant pursuit of positive stimulation. Because of this tendency, people with ADHD tend to weigh possible benefits more heavily than risks, prioritizing positive stimulation over any likelihood of negative outcomes.

Burnout is an ongoing feeling of mental and physical exhaustion generally triggered by excessive, prolonged stress concerning responsibilities, especially those in employment and education. Studies have found that people with ADHD are significantly more likely to experience burnout, and at a higher intensity than neurotypical individuals. This can create difficulty in relationships, work, school, and personal matters. Burnout in people with ADHD is often a complex occurrence with multiple causes, exacerbated by the stress of overcompensation. 

Because Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is an increasingly salient topic, diagnostic evaluations have been significantly more popular over the last decade. While this has led to more conversation surrounding Autism and the lived experiences of Autistic individuals, it has also led practitioners to become cautious of over-diagnosis. In a medical system that already does not prioritize early identification and is inaccessible due to cost and private insurance, this has created quite the barrier between medical professionals and the Autism community. This fear of over-diagnosis has caused a shared feeling among many seeking diagnosis that they and their needs are not taken seriously. Medical practitioners also tend to lack experience with Autism in adults, girls, and women, which skews the diagnostic process.