The ADHD brain has a completely different way of operating than a neurotypical (non ADHD) brain and therefore, a different owners manual as well. Dr William Dodson, a renowned adult ADHD expert, frames it as follows: A neurotypical brain is fueled by importance vs an ADHD brain that is fueled by interest.
What does that mean? A neurotypical brain is motivated to perform by 2 things. 1. Importance. 2. Reward or consequences. Paying a bill is an example of something that is both important and carries both rewards and consequences. Paying on time builds one's credit score. Paying late increases fees and negatively impacts one's credit score. For a neurotypical person, those factors get the brain engaged in the task of paying the bill.
The ADHD brain functions completely differently. The importance of something or its rewards or consequences don't engage their brain in the task. While they understand and appreciate the task's importance, that is not enough to “hook” their brain. It only serves to fuel their guilt, shame and feelings of failure that they haven't done what they need to. However, none of this is due to laziness or character flaws, its the way their brain is wired to function. There is a different set of 5 factors that hook the ADHD brain. They are the following:
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