It know it's really anecdotal and I don't have the Hyperactive portion of ADHD but I was diagnosed with ADD and my experiences are completely different from this doctor's explanation. From my experience the issue is that all stimulus have an equal priority in my brain. If I'm having a conversation with my boss, the ticking of the clock and the buzz of conversation in the hallway have an equal priority in my brain and my brain struggles to absorb all of the information. Therefore it takes a lot more energy to make myself focus. I've learned some adaptive skills like repeating each word/sentence that someone is saying in order to give it priority.
Hey, do you find yourself asking "what?" or not actually "getting" a sentence or something the first time someone says something? I always have to ask people to repeat stuff.
I can identify with that -- my hearing is great but my ability to listen faithfully can really suck.
When I'm trying to watch a documentary and my fiance says a few words, it derails the entire thing and I have to pause it, rewind, and play again. Multiple times, until I'm focused again.
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u/itismyjob May 30 '17
It know it's really anecdotal and I don't have the Hyperactive portion of ADHD but I was diagnosed with ADD and my experiences are completely different from this doctor's explanation. From my experience the issue is that all stimulus have an equal priority in my brain. If I'm having a conversation with my boss, the ticking of the clock and the buzz of conversation in the hallway have an equal priority in my brain and my brain struggles to absorb all of the information. Therefore it takes a lot more energy to make myself focus. I've learned some adaptive skills like repeating each word/sentence that someone is saying in order to give it priority.