When you think of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) what do you think of? A young kid running around, screaming nonstop? While this may be what ADHD looks like for some, this is just one type of ADHD and it is more complicated than simply not being able to sit still. In this blog post we’ll be discussing what ADHD is, what the types of ADHD are and the steps to take to help you know exactly where to get started no matter where you or your child may be currently! 

WHAT IS ADHD?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects not just children but adults too. It can happen when the brain and central nervous system suffer impairments related to the growth and development of the brain's executive functions — such as attention, working memory, planning, organizing, forethought, and impulse control. In other words, the skills that help us plan, prioritize, and execute complex tasks are compromised as a result of ADHD. This is because of what we call the developmental hierarchy.

If a child’s brain and nervous system is stuck in any phase of development, they aren’t allowed to “graduate” to the higher levels of the triangle. Just like building a house, a strong foundation (healthy and functioning brain and nervous system) is required for proper development and progression of things like gut function and sleep quality (or as we like to call them, the baby basics – EAT, POOP and SLEEP). Once a child masters these they can fully move on to their motor skills (gross motor skills and then fine motor skills) and finally to higher cognitive tasks that are controlled by that executive frontal lobe behind our foreheads. So with ADHD, the question really is, where was that child stuck in the neurodevelopment? Many times parents with children who have ADHD tell us their child experienced colic, reflux or nursing issues (problems with the baby basics); and then they tell us that their child jump from crawling to running (sometimes even scooting to running); and then they tell us their child struggles sensory processing. 

And many kids who have ADHD are told they will grow out of it but unfortunately most do not.  In fact, it persists into adulthood in most cases but due to rules, teachers and employers these adults start struggling with other things like anxiety, depression, low self-esteem or confidence, burn out and more because they aren’t able to do “what everyone else” is able to do.

TYPES OF ADHD

There are really 2 types of ADHD that we’ve seen in our practice. The first is the impulsive and hyperactive type of ADHD which is by far the most common. We’ve lovingly nicknamed these kiddos “Raging Bulls” because they simply charge through life going 100 mph at all times, and seem to always have “busy brains” that don’t like to slow down, stop, and sit still. 

Conversely, the “Drunken Bull” child is a type of ADHD that doesn’t really display any hyperactivity or impulsiveness, but simply gets easily distracted, off track, and disorganized. This type of ADHD doesn’t really show up until the child is a bit older (we’ll explain why later in the science section of this post), and often this child is thought of as just being lazy and unmotivated. 

We’ve also seen the “combined” type of ADHD, having elements of both the raging bull and the drunken bull. This is for sure the most common type when it comes to teenagers and adults that struggle with both hyperactivity and inattentiveness.

OUR ADHD TEST

Our INSiGHT Neurological Scans and testing we use is by far the most valuable and helpful when it comes to helping kids who are struggling. That’s because it doesn’t focus solely on labeling and categorizing the type of ADHD and Sensory Processing Disorder challenges a child (or adult) is struggling with, but more importantly — it measures and shows exactly what’s causing them. 

Our INSiGHT Neurological Tests measure the exact amount of distress, dysfunction, and disorganization within the Central or Autonomic Nervous System (ie. Brain-Body Connection). There are three (3) main components of the exam, but for this blog post, we’ll focus on the EMG technology to give you the best picture and understanding of ADHD.

The above is an example of an EMG Test and Scan on a 3-year-old classic “Raging Bull” ADHD case. This child was also diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, Apraxia and Constipation. 

The metrics to focus on with this type of ADHD test is what is termed as “Total Energy Index” — and for this child, it’s a 355.7 when ideal and optimal is 150 or less for her age. 

This INSiGHT Scan image above is a classic “Drunken Bull” or inattentive and disorganized ADHD type case. This child struggles with focus, organization, motivation (as well as motor coordination and speech). 

The key metric we focus on with this type of ADHD test is the middle number below the scans, called Pattern. This child has a 50.2 where 100 is ideal and optimal neurological organization and function. 

TAKE HOME MESSAGE AND ACTION STEPS

Traditional online and medical surveys and ADHD tests just are not enough. They simply do not look deep enough as to what’s actually causing and creating the ADHD symptoms and struggles. 

This is why so many ADHD treatments and strategies fail to get the sort of results parents and patients are seeking. If your ADHD test and the exam don’t look to actually find the cause, but only track and measure the symptoms, then it’s only solved half the problem (if that). 

Our clinical approach and care plans first start with these INSiGHT Scans because that is how we first determine which type we are working with, how severe the neurological imbalance is. Then from there we can determine the exact, personalized care plan your child (or you) needs to transform your ADHD from struggle to superpower!  

Give us a call for a free 5-minute consultation and to learn more about our how we can help.

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