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ADHD

Our capacity to regulate attention may be the most important detriment of our success in school and beyond. While not formally defined as a “learning disability”, there is no doubt ADHD and attentional issues profoundly impact learning. 

Student in class

ADHD (previously known as ADD) is diagnosed when several symptoms are persistent across a sustained period of time. These may include:

  • Getting easily sidetracked

  • Avoiding or procrastinating tasks like homework or big projects

  • Being disorganized, forgetful, frequently losing things

  • Seeming fidgety, impulsive, appears not to be listening

  • Struggling to follow through with instructions, setting and achieving goals

Arrowsmith Sees ADHD and Attentional Issues in Two Ways

1. Prefrontal Cortex Issues

Symbolic Thinking

Thinking through language

Non-Verbal Thinking

Thinking through non-verbal processes

Student in class

Our attention is ruled by our prefrontal cortex. Think of the prefrontal cortex as the CEO of our left (language-based) and right (non-verbal) hemispheres, controlling our whole system of attention. They regulate our thoughts, emotions and behaviours. 

Expected to be constantly active, these functions “light up” when we are first presented with a task and persistently generate ideas towards a solution. Symbolic Thinking and Non-Verbal Thinking are therefore essential at every moment of our conscious being. If they are not doing their jobs, an ADHD or ADD diagnosis is often the result.

When one or both of these cognitive functions are weak the individual
will experience any number of difficulties in:

  • Staying on topic in conversation or writing

  • Self-direction

  • Mental initiative

  • Goal setting, execution, and achievement

  • Independence

  • Social navigation and “common sense”

The degree of weakness in one or both functions may impact whether an ADD or ADHD diagnosis is made. Even at mild difficulty, the impact can be profound.   

Unfortunately, these individuals are often mislabelled. Someone with a mild Symbolic or Non-Verbal Thinking deficit can be dismissed as rude, misbehaving, disrespectful, unmotivated, lazy... the accusations can hurt. For some, such labels become self-fulfilling prophecies.

Student reading

2. Cognitive Load

Weaknesses in the prefrontal cortex are not the only underlying functions beneath ADHD, ADD and attentional disorders. Arrowsmith defines a “cognitive load" as occurring when someone is intellectually overwhelmed through multiple cognitive weaknesses.

Memory

Non-Verbal Communication

Reading and Writing

Problem Solving

Processing

Understanding

Student

What can “look” like ADD or ADHD, might simply be a host of cognitive functions underperforming. Consider a typical classroom or lecture where students are expected to: 

  • follow along with the text or lecture in real time
  • remember factual details like names, dates, places
  • understand and process instructions or ideas 
  • take notes efficiently and effectively (knowing what to write, and how)
  • sense what is expected of them 
  • know when to ask a question or when to wait

That’s a minimum of six different cognitive functions needing to be active and effective for a successful classroom experience. Even if two are underperforming, just imagine the load on the brain. 

The brain becomes exhausted from having to work so hard and attention wanders. And emotionally, imagine the feeling of fear or shame that accompanies not being able to perform. Not paying attention might be the safest option.

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Learn How Arrowsmith Helped One Student Understand and Overcome His Difficulties With ADHD

Discover Your Unique Cognitive Profile

Arrowsmith Cognitive Questionnaire

Take our 30-minute cognitive profile questionnaire to start the journey into understanding your brain's strengths and weaknesses through a cognitive lens.

Arrowsmith Cognitive Assessment

The Arrowsmith Cognitive Assessment, administered by an Arrowsmith trained professional, will provide you with an in-depth insight into your unique cognitive profile. 

ADHD Does Not Need to be Lifelong

Whether due to specific prefrontal cortex weakness or a cognitive load, attentional issues can significantly impact learning. They can also – importantly – be addressed. 

A targeted cognitive program can transform one’s attentional issues. In fact, many individuals who have been prescribed medication to regulate their attention prior to attending Arrowsmith have been able to come off medication after strengthening their cognitive functions. 

Their strengthened brain can now regulate their attention. 

If you or someone you know would benefit from improved attention and focus, contact Arrowsmith to discuss possibilities.

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Interested in Exploring ADHD in More Detail?

You can find more information on this topic in Chapter 9, Hitting the Wall, and Chapter 11, Leap Before You Look, of Barbara Arrowsmith-Young’s, The Woman Who Changed Her Brain.

Testimonials

The Arrowsmith Program gave Jessica life. Without it, I’m convinced she would be on medication and in a behavioural class.

Laura
Parent, Arrowsmith Student

After a year of cognitive exercises, I began a university degree and finished top ten in my class.  I didn’t need to struggle or fear I was missing the point in the curriculum or conversations.  I now work in finance.  Medicine is a thing of the past. What has looked like ADHD was actually due to cognitive difficulties. Once they were addressed, lack of focus is no longer an issue.

Heather
Arrowsmith participant, Canada

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