Guest Post: ADHD Comes in Different Shapes and Sizes

Guest Post by R. Andrew Bindewald III

Photo Credit: All Photos by JD Hancock via Flickr

This post on ADHD subtypes and Winnie-The-Pooh comes from Andrew Bindewald, a Master's student from Regent University.  He found the idea intriguing that different characters from The Hundred Acre Woods offered great metaphors for different aspects of ADHD.  

So, without further delay... The wonderful thing about Tiggers... is hyperactivity.  Which is sometimes... not so wonderful... :-/

---

Hyperactivity

Do you have a bouncy, trouncy, flouncy, pouncy miniature Tigger living with you? Don't worry, you are not the only one! Tigger is a favorite of many children and adults because of his energetic and bubbly personality. He is also an example of classic ADHD because he is hyperactive, impulsive, easily distracted and disorganized.

Tiggers need lots of exercise, social interaction, praise, and will benefit from fidget strategies to help them focus when they are bored. 

Photo Credit: JD Hancock via Flickr

Over-Focused and Anxious

Photo Credit: JD Hancock via Flickr

ADHD and Anxiety are often found together.  Rabbit is a vivid example of someone with ADHD who is over-focused and anxious. He has difficulty shifting attention, inflexibility, anxiety, and he is frequently caught in cycles of negative thoughts. Know anyone like Rabbit?

Rabbits' attention problems are fueled by his anxiety.  So, Rabbits will benefit from a yoga, meditation, journaling, and addressing negative thinking.

Overly Anxious and Shy

Photo Credit: JD Hancock via Flickr

A child like Piglet may or may not have ADHD.  Piglet does has trouble shifting attention, but also has excessive worry, is hypervigilant, and easily startled. These are signs of Social Phobia or Social Anxiety Disorder, which can co-occur with ADHD.

Help Piglets by following their lead and letting them set the pace.  Encourage new opportunities for social interaction and praise small successes.

---

Photo Credit: JD Hancock

Winnie-The-Pooh is a good example of ADHD without the H.   Pooh often has trouble focusing, paying attention and he is often found to be "off in a cloud," not paying attention what is going on around him.

Most Poohs are probably trying harder than we realize and the harder they try, the more difficult it is to think clearly.  Be careful not to accuse Poohs of "not trying hard enough".  Encourage them to take a step back when they are having trouble.  Make chores, homework, and other tasks as interesting as possible.

Inattentive

Or Does Your Child Look More like Eeyore?

Photo Credit: JD Hancock via Flickr

Eeyore is a sad fellow who has little energy, chronic low-grade depression, and feelings of hopelessness. These can be signs of childhood depression, difficulties at school or trouble adjusting to changes in family life, such as moving, divorce, etc.

Help Eeyores by asking them to talk about problems in bite-sized chunks.  Let them act out the struggles in play, be involved in what is going on at school and with their friends.

---

The Most Wonderful Thing About ADHD...

There is strength in knowledge and awareness. By realizing there are many different kinds of ADHD, and by identifying and understanding different symptoms, you can help your child live a fuller, happier life! 

Check out other posts for more tips for hyperactive children with ADHD. As a parent of a child who has been diagnosed with ADHD and exhibits anxiety, hyperactivity or inattention, you are not alone!  Reach out to other parents who know what you're going through.  Seek the help of a supportive and understanding counselor who can help you and your child develop practical strategies that build on his strengths, instead of focusing on his deficits.  

I would love to hear your thoughts and comments. Please tell us about your experiences with ADHD, and do not hesitate to share a story of your own! (P.S.  We showed you a picture of Roo and Kanga in the picture collage at the top... Roo doesn't have ADHD, :) he's just a fun kiddo.)

---

Andrew Bindewald is a Masters in Community Counseling, Clinical Mental Health major, at Regent University. His interests range from, in no particular order, basketball, comical YouTube videos and neurofeedback.

---

You Might Also Like:

Should Kids with ADHD Sit Still to Learn?

ADHD Tip for Parents Infographic