http://cynthiahammer.com Just another WordPress weblog Fri, 04 Sep 2009 18:26:51 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en An additional challenge for developing relationships for many with ADHD is our poor memories. What are the names of your best friend's three children? What schools are they going to? Where was it they last went on their vacation? Who is due to have a baby? And when? Being told ... http://cynthiahammer.com/memory-issues-and-social-relationships/ The first step to improved social interactions is to become aware of what you are doing that is harmful. Monitor yourself. Are you truly listening or are you only waiting until you can put in your two cents worth?  This is called competitive conversation.  When I find myself so eager to ... http://cynthiahammer.com/what-are-ways-to-improve-social-relationships/ Maintaining friendships can be a struggle for those with ADD/ADHD, but positive relationships are important in our lives. Without them we can feel isolated and alone. With them we feel connected and valued. In What Ways Can ADHD Negatively Impact Social Relationships? Recently, the headline on a news site listed the five ... http://cynthiahammer.com/maintaining-friendships-can-be-a-struggle-for-those-with-addadhd/ Have you ever heard the expression ,"It's an explanation, not an excuse" when people talk about ADHD behaviors? The wording of this slogan is confusing. What does it mean? What is the difference between an explanation and an excuse? The dictionary definition for "explain" is , "making clear or intelligible something ... http://cynthiahammer.com/what-does-this-mean-its-an-explanation-not-an-excuse/ Have you ever wondered which of your behaviors can be attributed to ADHD and which are just you? I use to ponder this conundrum frequently after I got diagnosed. But with time, this dicotomy has lost interest and relevance for me. Certainly, it is helpful to do all you can with medications ... http://cynthiahammer.com/is-it-you-or-your-adhd/ Have you ever had a day, or a week, or even a month, when nothing seemed to go right? You go from getting up late, to not finding anything clean to wear in your closet, to driving too fast to work and getting a speeding ticket, to forgetting your lunch ... http://cynthiahammer.com/one-bad-week-doesnt-make-a-whole-life/ How do you prevent overload in your life? Can you see it coming? Do you have a good idea of how many tasks you can be successfully juggling without coming apart at the seams? Do you realistically plan your time, and have a realistic idea how long planned tasks will ... http://cynthiahammer.com/too-many-irons-in-the-first/ Do you ever feel your life is like a see saw--either too busy and overwhelming or too flat with nothing going on.? You are either going full bore ahead, getting yourself burned out, or you are wasting hours watching TV because you are too exhausted to attempt anything else? While ... http://cynthiahammer.com/finding-the-right-balance/ Do you ever have a day or event that slaps you right in the face with your ADHD? You have gone to the airport, but left your suitcase at home. You showed up at court for a speeding ticket, but went on the wrong day. You didn't change your clothes ... http://cynthiahammer.com/do-you-ever-feel-like-shouting-i-hate-having-adhd/ The shifting focus of ADHD reminds me of the shifting sands on the beach—in constant motion.  Dr. John Ratey says that the inability of people with ADHD to maintain focus is the key factor in their not improving, even after getting medicine. I think we sometimes shift focus because we have lost interest in ... http://cynthiahammer.com/the-shifting-focus-of-adhd/