by Bruce Ziebarth

Created on: October 20, 2009

Often, ADHD is misunderstood because of the differences in symptoms. Gold Bamboo stated, "Some of the warning signs of ADHD include failure to listen to instructions, inability to organize oneself and school work, fidgeting with hands and feet, talking too much, leaving projects, chores and homework unfinished." (ADHD, n.d.) These are just a few of the warning signs of ADHD. The amount of warning signs, which warning signs, and the severity of warning signs can vary from person to person.

People with ADHD tend to be risk takers. In The Edison Gene, Thom Hartman explains the genetic basis for ADHD lies in hunter/gatherer societies. Survival of the "tribe" required hunters to go out everyday and risk their lives to bring back meat. Hunters were required to put aside the inherent danger of chasing animals with spears. Instead of focusing on the inherent dangers, hunters were driven by the thrill of the hunt. People with ADHD are driven by the need for stimulation and challenge. The level of challenge outweighs the inherent risk.

Having trouble paying attention does not mean you have ADHD. ADHD is often characterized as difficulties in paying attention. While this is true, it is only the tip of the iceberg. What most people see as not paying attention is actually paying attention to everything. People with ADHD tend to "scan" their environment. They will notice almost every little thing about their environment. This is leftover from the hunter/gatherer societies. Hunters were required to notice everything about their environment. Otherwise, they may focus on the rabbit in front of them and ignore the tiger creeping up on them. People with ADHD can pay attention. When a person gets interested in an activity or TV show they tend to hyper-focus. People with ADHD will focus to the point that they literally "tune out" everything else around them.

Characteristics must rise to the level of interfering with daily activities. Many people show some signs of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Have you ever sat down to watch TV, been very interested in the TV show, and not heard your wife speaking to you? This could be considered hyper-focusing. Hyper-focusing is an ADHD trait. While you have experienced hyper-focusing, you probably do not experience this phenomenon every time you sit down to watch TV. People with ADHD experience hyper-focusing anytime they are very interested in an activity.

References
ADHD. n.d. Golden Bamboo.com. Retrieved on October 20, 20009 from http://www.goldbamboo.com/relate-tl6346-tr1093.html

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