Inattentive ADHD is a type of ADHD presentation that falls under the umbrella of neurodevelopmental conditions, including autism, dyslexia, Tourette’s syndrome, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

What is Neurodiversity?  

Neurodiversity was coined by Australian sociologist Judy Singer in 1997. It’s a term that refers to when someone’s brain processes, learns and/or behaves differently from what is considered ‘typical’. It’s estimated that between 30 and 40 per cent of the population are neurodiverse, while the remaining are neurotypical.  Learning about neurodiversity can help you understand the differences between neurodiverse and neurotypical individuals and empower the strengths and abilities of both groups.

What is ADHD?

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood. In Australia, ADHD affects about 5 per cent of the population (1 in 20). The condition affects an individual’s ability to exert age-appropriate self-control. It’s characterised by persistent patterns of behaviour – inattentive, impulsive and hyperactive – and can often involve emotion regulation challenges.

What is Inattentive ADHD?

Inattentive ADHD is a subtype of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder that manifests differently. Those with inattentive ADHD can have trouble paying attention to details, get distracted easily, have difficulty with organisation, finish tasks once started, and be forgetful.

Types of ADHD

There are three subtypes of ADHD: inattentive ADHD, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined type.

1. Inattentive – Distracted ADHD

This type of ADHD is characterised by inattention and distractibility without hyperactivity.

Symptoms:

• failing to complete activities or being slow to complete them
• not following through on instructions
• making ‘careless’ mistakes
• having trouble organising activities
• frequently switching between activities
• being easily distracted and forgetful.

2. Hyperactive-Impulsive

This is the least common type of ADHD and is predominantly impulsive and hyperactive behaviours without inattention and distractibility.

• Fidgets
• Difficulty remaining seated
• Runs around or climbs excessively (in children)
• Extreme restlessness
• Difficulty engaging in activities quietly
• Acts as if driven by a motor
• Talks excessively
• Blurts out answers before questions have been completed
• Difficulty waiting or taking turns
• Interrupts or is intrusive

3. Combined

This is the most common type of ADHD and is characterised by a combination of impulsive and hyperactive behaviours and inattention and distractibility.

A combination of the above symptoms will present and is unique to the individual.

Girls and ADHD

Girls are far less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD, but that doesn’t mean they’re less likely to have it. According to statistics, girls are diagnosed with ADHD at just under half the rate boys are diagnosed. In adulthood, this difference in diagnosis is made up for when women and men are diagnosed at roughly the same rate.

So, why are girls being overlooked? Unlike boys, girls are more likely to present with inattentive ADHD than with hyperactive or combined type, which are more classic signs of ADHD.

Girls with AD/HD tend to have challenges with:

• Maintaining focus
• Organisation
• Planning
• Decision-making
• Goal setting

Girls are also less likely to display disruptive behaviours or impulsive outbursts – so it doesn’t draw the attention of teachers or other professionals. As such, diagnosing ADHD is more challenging.

What Causes ADHD?

ADHD may be acquired through genetic and environmental factors, but it’s unknown for sure what causes the condition. Genetics studies show the condition is a highly heritable disorder with no one gene responsible for its occurrence. Instead, it’s thought that a number of interacting genes alter brain structure, neurochemical composition and brain connectivity and function.

Treatment for ADHD 

Many treatment options are available for ADHD, including behaviour therapy, parent counselling, educational intervention, and medications. Stimulants are the most widely used ADHD medications.

Learn about Neurodiversity

Our Certificate of Neurodiversity is an online professional development course that will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of neurodiversity in personal, educational and professional settings, including ADHD.

In this neurodiversity training course, you will learn about the impact of neurodiversity on wellbeing, childhood development, relationships, education and work. You’ll also discover counselling techniques and strategies for working with neurodivergent individuals.

Learning Outcomes

Discover inattentive ADHD plus other conditions related to neurodiverse brains in this neurodiversity course.

• History of the term ‘Neurodiversity.’
• What is neurodiversity today
• The difference between neurotypical and neurodivergent brains
• The neurodivergent experience
• Other considerations
• Gender and neurodiversity
• Education
• Stereotyped behaviour
• Mental health and neurodiversity
• Strategies to help neurodivergent children
• The transition from childhood to adolescence
• Exercise and neurodiverse adolescents
• Bullying in adolescence
• Neurodiversity and mental health in adolescents
• Adolescence and coping strategies
• Neurodiverse adults and quality of life
• Barriers to quality of life in neurodiverse individuals
• Improving the quality of life for neurodiverse individuals
• Practical coping strategies for neurodiverse adults
• Neurodiversity and work
• Professional development
• Relationships and neurodiverse individuals
• Interpersonal relations
• Neurodiverse work relationships
• Self-help groups
• Teaching strategies for neurodiverse students
• Neurodiverse children and education
• Neurodiverse students in the classroom
• Underemployment and unemployment
• The benefits of neurodiverse employees
• Neurodivergent jobs
• Preparing for interviews
• Maintaining neurodiverse individuals in the workplace
• Diagnosis
• Counselling young neurodiverse people
• Counselling neurodiverse adults
• Case study – counselling for ADHD
• International organisations that support neurodiversity

And more!

Understand neurodiversity to help everyone thrive, whether in the workplace, education or personal relationships, with our Certificate of Neurodiversity. Enrol and start studying today!