ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) heavily affects communication in all its forms. Let us examine the intricacies of communication among such individuals, where hearing is not equivalent to understanding.
The Listening Labyrinth
For those with ADHD, the act of listening can be as tricky as finding your way through a labyrinth. They may be able to hear the spoken words, but compressing those words into the kind of information that has significance is often beyond them. This clutter comes from several places, but is caused by factors such as attention to the outside world and problems with our internal cognition. These obstacles can result in miscommunication, misconceptions, and frustration.
In some instances, people with ADHD may find it hard to pay attention when others are talking, as their brains might have problems with auditory processing. This problem is generally attributed to challenges involving auditory temporal processing and working memory. Such processing difficulties can lead to a cognitive delay, a fleeting moment in which the person identifies the sound but struggles to decode the linguistic information for meaning quickly. In ADHD, even if one hears normally, one often says “What?” or asks others to repeat words. One such delay can impede effective communication, leading to embarrassment in social situations or misunderstandings.
Internal vs. External Noise
Internal and external noise was found to influence communication in individuals with ADHD significantly. External noise refers to sounds from the environment that can interfere with conversation. For instance, in a crowded classroom or café, the voices of others create a barrier that makes it difficult to focus on just one speaker. Internal noise, instead, is produced by the swirling of thoughts through the mind when one cannot pay attention to what is currently being discussed. This internal distraction is especially pronounced in people with ADHD, who may be distracted by thoughts of their hobbies or worries, or by focusing on sensory input.
For students in a classroom, outside noise might include people talking, chairs scraping, or even sounds from outside. Likewise, a student’s inner thoughts might consist of worries about an assignment due that night, weekend plans, or daydreams. All that noise makes it hard to concentrate on the teacher’s instructions or to see the essential details needed for understanding and comprehension.
Missing the Crucial Detail
Other problems in communication that individuals with ADHD may experience involve not hearing important details. The human mind receives too much information through the ears, and the ears are easily attacked from all directions, so, especially when we listen, we need to be aware of what is going on at that moment. For example, a student may have heard their teacher explain an assignment but missed the due date, or they may have heard the teacher spell out what it would take to do well, including the critical elements that need to be completed.
The lack of these can cause problems for them in school and miscommunication between you and them as his parents. This can be frustrating because those with ADHD may feel as though they missed something important, and yet have no idea how to retrieve that missing data. The struggle shades into relationships and workplace communication, too.
Shortcuts for Active Listening: Hacks to Help You Zone In
The good news is that there are other tactics people with ADHD can use to improve their listening. Some of these hacks are as easy as changing the way they talk to people:
Fidget-to-Focus: This method uses one or more fidget tools (such as stress balls or fidget spinners) to help stay focused. Just as fidgeting can help drain excess energy from our bodies, it can also help us pay attention to the speaker.
The Echo Technique: Another great technique is repeating or mirroring what someone has said. For someone with ADHD, this practice is highly effective as it forces the brain to focus on and process the speaker’s words, preventing internal distraction or zoning out. It also serves as a quick form of verbal confirmation, reassuring the speaker that their point has been registered before the conversation moves forward.
Use visuals: Individuals with ADHD usually process information more effectively when it is presented visually, as this helps simplify complex elements.
Note-taking and Recording: Writing notes during talks or discussions can help retain critical information. Recording important messages or meetings can also provide a valuable resource for individuals to review later.
By using these techniques, we can significantly enhance the outcomes of our communications with adults with ADHD.
Telehealth Advantage for ADHD Communication
Telehealth services have been especially advantageous for people with ADHD. At Arbor Wellness, we offer several benefits for practice and therapy by advancing our sessions outside the office through these platforms, so other clients can also enjoy the privacy of their own home. By having that level of control, you can ensure a low-distractor environment that helps people feel more comfortable and focused.
With telehealth, people can pick their space, choosing one that helps them manage sensory overload more effectively. Even for people without ADHD, distractions such as background noise or visual clutter can ruin the chance of a productive session for those who have it. A neutral atmosphere means clients will not be overwhelmed by sensory input, allowing them to think and communicate rationally.
In addition, telehealth has the potential to tailor therapy and communication styles to individual clients. There is a range of communication techniques that therapists can use to help mitigate these issues caused by ADHD. A few would use real-time chat or on-screen visuals during meetings, in hopes that it might help facilitate a more profound comprehension of the area.
For people with ADHD, communication is a complex labyrinth. Knowing the brain challenges people with ADHD face – auditory processing delays, internal vs. external noise, and a tendency to miss critical information – can help you handle these communication challenges more successfully. “Tricks” and hacks for active listening, such as fidget-to-focus practices and the verbal echo technique, provide us with tools to become even better communicators. In addition, the potential for telehealth to be incorporated more into the care of individuals with ADHD is exciting, as it can reduce distractions and cater to individual communication needs.
While the list continues to grow as we learn more about ADHD, communication is going in a positive way for those who have it. Understanding that communication can be difficult and learning to do it effectively despite challenges will truly further enable those diagnosed with ADHD. Using these techniques will promote inclusion of the unique needs of individuals with ADHD, furthering understanding and connection within the community.
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