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ADHD Therapy Toronto

ADHD is an abbreviation for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the prefrontal cortex of the brain, located right behind the forehead which is not fully formed until early adulthood. This part of the brain manages the mental processes called executive functioning. These include our ability to plan, focus, multitask, and remember instructions. ADHD is normally diagnosed during childhood. It affects 5% of Canadian students, which makes up approximately 1 to 3 students per classroom.

This disorder continues well into adulthood. Consequently, early intervention is advantageous to ensure schooling does not become such a frustrating and negative experience for the child that it limits their learning and growth potential. With the help of trained and qualified behavioural therapists, individuals with ADHD can learn strategies to compensate and regulate their lives to succeed in any career they choose.

ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It’s a common neurodevelopmental condition that affects the brain’s prefrontal cortex, which handles what’s known as “executive functioning.”

Executive functioning is like the brain’s “management system”. It helps us stay organized, focus, plan ahead, remember instructions and juggle tasks. But because this part of the brain doesn’t fully mature until early adulthood, challenges with focus and regulation can be especially noticeable in childhood.

ADHD is typically diagnosed in kids and affects about 5% of Canadian students (that’s roughly 1 to 3 students in every classroom).

But ADHD doesn’t just disappear with age. It often continues into adulthood, which is why early support can make a big difference. When kids receive the right tools and strategies early on, school doesn’t have to feel like an uphill battle. It can become a space where they thrive and grow.

With guidance from trained behavioural therapists, people of all ages with ADHD can learn how to manage challenges, build on their strengths and develop the confidence and skills to succeed in school, at work and in life.

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ADHD | Beaches Therapy Group | Photo by Yan Krukov from Pexels

ADHD is an abbreviation for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the prefrontal cortex of the brain, located right behind the forehead which is not fully formed until early adulthood. This part of the brain manages the mental processes called executive functioning. These include our ability to plan, focus, multitask, and remember instructions. ADHD is normally diagnosed during childhood. It affects 5% of Canadian students, which makes up approximately 1 to 3 students per classroom.

This disorder continues well into adulthood. Consequently, early intervention is advantageous to ensure schooling does not become such a frustrating and negative experience for the child that it limits their learning and growth potential. With the help of trained and qualified behavioural therapists, individuals with ADHD can learn strategies to compensate and regulate their lives to succeed in any career they choose.

ADHD symptoms usually become apparent between the ages of seven to nine. However, they can also begin during the early teenage years. The disorder can present itself in various forms. Children on the Autism Spectrum can sometimes exhibit similar symptoms, however, these are distinctly different conditions. Some children can have both.

Individuals with the inattentive type of ADHD may have difficulty paying attention to details. Teachers may notice the child making careless mistakes and report that he/ she is having trouble focusing in class. You may also notice your child daydreaming excessively, getting easily distracted while listening and having difficulty following instructions and completing tasks.

Those with hyperactive or impulsive ADHD may fidget, tap their hands or feet and have difficulty sitting in one place. Some may talk excessively or act impulsively without considering the consequences of their words and actions. Children with ADHD sometimes have trouble getting along with others because the concept of sharing or taking turns is difficult for them to grasp.

Almost every child will exhibit ADHD-type symptoms from time to time as their brains develop. However, health care professionals would only confirm the diagnosis after months of testing and observations. The symptoms could be a combination of those described above, and they would be continuous and persistent.

Research shows a strong connection between ADHD and genes. If a parent or sibling has ADHD, other children are also likely to have the disorder. Scientists are still uncovering the significance of an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brains of people with ADHD and of the size differentials of some parts of the brain, compared to those without ADHD. Other causes of ADHD include low birth weight and premature deliveries, alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy, brain injuries and lead exposure during pregnancy or at a young age.

However, research definitely does not support some of the common rumours about ADHD causes, such as vaccines, high consumption of sugary food, excessive exposure to television, parenting styles, poverty or family chaos.

The term ADHD only became official in 2013, when it got added to the DSM-5, a manual that the medical profession uses to diagnose mental health conditions. Consequently, some individuals could receive a diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood. Many will have experienced a lifetime of struggle. They might have been pegged “difficult children” in school and punished unnecessarily. Their true potential may not have been nurtured or recognized. Many suffer from low self-esteem caused by unsuccessful relationships that have impacted them personally and professionally. Along the way they may have learned behaviours, both helpful and negative, to cope. Consequently, their symptoms may present differently from those in children.

When evaluating adults for ADHD, a physician’s goal is to determine the extent of the existing symptoms and whether they were present in childhood. People with ADHD often have holes in their memory. Consequently, it is not unusual for physicians to interview other family members to obtain a full picture of the patient’s past and present behaviour patterns.

Almost always, a diagnosis of ADHD in adults brings a huge sense of relief. They can finally understand the course of their lives. Many welcome the opportunity to regain control of what seemed unmanageable before. Therapy, medications and/ or lifestyle changes can greatly help them improve the quality of their lives.

One of the most effective treatments for ADHD is psychotherapy. Depending on the age of the patient, therapists trained in the following modalities can help individuals improve their behaviour, self-control and self-esteem.

  • Behavioural Therapy (for children)
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (For adults) 
  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (For adults)
  • ADHD coaching
  • Play therapy
  • Art therapy

Psychotherapy sessions will generally focus on three key areas: organization and planning, distractibility, and cognitive restructuring. Children under 8 years old are often too young to attend their own therapy sessions. Consequently, the parents often receive ADHD coaching to help guide their child’s behaviour. Older children will receive a combination of their own behaviour therapy, along with training for their parents.

When screening therapists, you should look for one that can meet with you and/or your child regularly, monitor progress and provide ongoing support. This continuity is a very important aspect of the therapeutic relationship. Familiarity with your child will enable the therapist to re-evaluate and tailor treatment according to your child’s development and maturity.

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