ADHD Neurodivergent Coaching

Brain scientists have found that deficiencies in specific neurotransmitters underlie many common disorders, including anxiety, mood disorders, anger-control problems, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Fact: ADHD was the first disorder found to be the result of a deficiency of a specific neurotransmitter — in this case, norepinephrine.

The Neuroscience of the ADHD brains have low levels of a neurotransmitter called norepinephrine. Norepinephrine is linked arm-in-arm with dopamine and dopamine is the thing that helps control the brain’s reward and pleasure center.

An ADHD brain has impaired activity in four functional regions of the brain.  ADHD accounts for the range of differences in individual brain function and behavioural traits. Meaning the brain is wired differently, in comparison to the ‘average person’ (someone known as neurotypical), whose brain functions and processes information in the way society expects and finds acceptable.

The four functional regions of the brain that can be affected by ADHD:

1. Frontal Cortex: this region controls high-level functions of Attention, Executive Function and Organization

2. Limbic System: this region is located deeper in the brain. It regulates our emotions and attention.

3. Basal Ganglia: a deficiency here can cause inter-brain communication & information to “short-circuit.” That results in inattention or impulsivity.

4. Reticular Activating System: this is the major relay system among the many pathways that enter & leave the brain. A deficiency here can cause inattention, impulsivity, or hyperactivity.