I am proud to have been accepted as a service provider on the ADHD UK website. I have had 2 video calls, one from Henry Shelford the MD. He was the person that featured in the BBC programme about Tanya Bardsley (Real Housewives of Cheshire) and talked to her about her and her sones ADHD. As much as people judge the women on all RH programmes, this documentary was really important in my view and provides a lot of knowledge as well an insight into the difficulties that those with ADHD can face.
I have heard many times that neuro diversity is a popular and zeitgeist topic at the moment, and that people are saying things like, ‘we are all a bit ADHD’. Such an ignorant thing to say.
ADHD is a disability. Just like others, this status is not given glibly. ADHD can severely impair day to day function. Those with ADHD are 5 times more likely to commit suicide (14% as opposed to 2.7% have attempted suicide) and this rises amongst women.
Apparently there is research underway at the moment to try to distinguish between those with ADHD that are thinking about suicide and those that are not. My guess is that it is linked to the level of impairment of executive function.
Certainly for me, executive function challenges can lead directly to overload which is very hard to deal with.
Again, what has this got to do with yoga?
I am modifying my ADHD yoga classes for the ADHD community. The sessions will be shorter with no judgement if the client wants to stop or take a break. I will be explaining each movement clearly and not instructing multiple movements in a flow. For me, one of the elements in a class that really upsets me is when the teacher shows you a multiple asana flow and then asks you to do the whole thing again and again with no instruction or cues at all. I can never remember. It makes me feel stupid and vulnerable, and I am a yoga coach myself.
My use of the word 'coach’ is also intentional, this is pressing away the assumption that I instruct or teach you about your own body, as only you are the expert on that. I am there to empower and to keep you safe.
Yoga can be used as a powerful tool to relax and rejuvenate and needs to be accessible to all. I am really looking forward to working with anyone that comes forward from the ADHD community.