Words have power. VAST (Variable Attention Stimulus Trait) is a better name for ADHD. Disorder isn’t fully accurate. People with VAST have a strengths and weaknesses. Their weaknesses may show up in obvious or invisible ways and many show up in many areas of life. But their strengths and gifts show up as well. It is a chronic neuro-biological condition which causes the dysregulation of executive function skills. But once managed well, the gifts far out weight the challenges. It usually moves into adulthood for most people. Men and women have VAST equally.
Each person with VAST is unique, therefore, may have different challenges and strengths.
Below are the different presentations for ADHD but what is important is to understand your brain’s wiring and how it affects your life.
Presentations:
Inattentive: Six or more symptoms of inattention for children up to age 16, or five or more for adolescents 17 and older and adults; symptoms have been present for at least 6 months, and they are inappropriate for developmental level:
- Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, or with other activities.
- Often has trouble holding attention on tasks or play activities.
- Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
- Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (e.g., loses focus, side-tracked).
- Often has trouble organizing tasks and activities.
- Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to do tasks that require mental effort over a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework).
- Often loses things necessary for tasks and activities (e.g. school materials, pencils, books, tools, wallets, keys, paperwork, eyeglasses, mobile telephones).
- Is often easily distracted
- Is often forgetful in daily activities.
Hyperactive/Impulsivity: Six or more symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity for children up to age 16, or five or more for adolescents 17 and older and adults; symptoms have been present for at least 6 months to an extent that is disruptive and inappropriate for the person’s developmental level:
- Often fidgets with or taps hands or feet, or squirms in seat.
- Often leaves seat in situations when remaining seated is expected.
- Often runs about or climbs in situations where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may be limited to feeling restless).
- Often unable to play or take part in leisure activities quietly.
- Is often “on the go” acting as if “driven by a motor”.
- Often talks excessively.
- Often blurts out an answer before a question has been completed.
- Often has trouble waiting his/her turn.
- Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games)
Combined: symptoms of both criteria inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity are present and have been for the past 6 months.
Gifts of VAST/ADHD:
Hyperfocus – if you can learn to turn this on, hyperfocus allows you to be productive in areas of interest
Spontaneity – shows a zest for life and fun!
Resiliency – ADHDers are knocked down often in life but as a group tends to be resilient.
Creativity – Many ADHDers tend to be artists of all types because of their ability to use their imaginations.
Ingenuity – Since ADHDers see problems from a different perspective, they can come up with out-of-the-box solutions.
Sense of fairness – As a group, fairness is often a trait people with ADHD have.
Generosity – As a group, generosity is often a trait people with ADHD have.
Willingness to Take Risks – Risk-taking isn’t usually seen as a strength but when done with some caution it is. Risk-taking is often needed in fields where ADHDers do well such as entrepreneurial, marketing, technology, healthcare, and more.
And more!
Resources Videos:
Essential Ideas for Parents -Russell A. Barkley, Ph.D.
Failing at Normal Jessica McCabe
What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder? -Thomas Brown, Ph.D.
Resources Websites:
Resources Youtubers:
Resources Podcast:
Sound like you:
Check out this self-test. This quiz is not a substitute for a diagnosis from trained mental health or medical professional.
