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Calgary Occupational Therapist talks about Adult Female ADHD 

Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can impact individuals at any age, but females are more likely to be under or misdiagnosed and not receive a diagnosis until later in life.

ADHD is a cluster of symptoms characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that can significantly interfere with daily functioning. The degree to which one experiences one symptom over another will vary, however, we know females are more likely to experience inattentive symptoms such as forgetfulness, trouble paying attention, and difficulty with organization, while males are more likely to experience hyperactive and impulsive symptoms that draw more attention from others, making their diagnosis more likely.

Females are also less likely to be diagnosed earlier because they often display more symptoms of anxiety and may be treated for this instead.

ADHD has a strong genetic component to it. When one’s child receives an ADHD diagnosis, this can often be an “aha” moment for the mother, recognizing the parallels between their child’s diagnosis and their own lived experience. While receiving a diagnosis later in life can feel overwhelming, it can also come with a sense of relief, recognizing that many traits that were previously internalized and attributed to laziness or poor self-control are actually a result of ADHD and its impact on executive functioning.

In ADHD, impaired executive functioning can make tasks requiring planning, organization, time management, and impulse control particularly challenging. This impacts daily functioning, work performance, and relationships.

Despite large changes in gender equality over time, women remain primarily responsible for the “ “thinking work” that sustains family life through planning, monitoring, coordinating, and decision making across various domains, including childcare, meals, finances, and scheduling” (Weeks, Kowalewska & Ruppanner, 2025). Mothers have 67% more tasks on their mental to-do list than fathers and are more likely to act as the caregivers for both aging parents and their kids. Experiencing peri/menopause? That can be another reason for an exacerbation in symptoms. So if you’re feeling overwhelmed, we get it!

Our Calgary ADHD Occupational therapists (OTs) excel in supporting adults with ADHD due to their deep understanding of how executive functions impact daily life alongside sensory, environmental, emotional, and social factors.

OT2U is not interested in “fixing you” but in helping you to better understand how to work with your brain, rather than against it, to recognize your strengths and create a life that feels more manageable and functional than where you may currently be at. OT2U provides ADHD Therapy services in person in Calgary and Edmonton & virtually in Alberta, BC, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, PEI, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland & Labrador, Yukon, NWT & Nunavut.

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What are the symptoms of ADHD?

ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is characterized by a pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interferes with daily functioning and development. The symptoms of ADHD can vary depending on the individual and may include:

Inattention:

  • Difficulty paying attention to details or making careless mistakes
  • Trouble sustaining attention in tasks
  • Trouble attending conversation
  • Difficulty organizing tasks and activities
  • Avoidance or dislike of tasks that require sustained mental effort
  • Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities
  • Easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
  • Forgetfulness in daily activities, such as forgetting to take medication, respond to a text, pay a bill, drink water etc.

Hyperactivity and Impulsivity:

  • Fidgeting with hands, hair, pens, tapping feet, or squirming in seat
  • Difficulty relaxing and knowing what to do with “quiet time”
  • Talks excessively or interrupts others
  • Blurts out answers before questions have been completed
  • Mind may feel as though it’s racing

Primary Areas Calgary Occupational Therapists Support Individuals with ADHD

Day-to-Day Functioning With ADHD

Counselling with an occupational therapist involves addressing functional impairments associated with ADHD. This may include strategies to improve executive functioning skills, time management, organization, and self-regulation abilities. Through counselling sessions, individuals learn practical techniques to navigate daily tasks and responsibilities more effectively.

Social Skills Development With ADHD

Counselling sessions with OTs often incorporate social skills training to address challenges in interpersonal relationships and social interactions. OTs support adults with ADHD to learn effective communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills. By improving social skills, individuals can build stronger relationships and navigate social situations more successfully.

Sensory Regulation With ADHD

Many individuals with ADHD experience sensory processing difficulties, such as sensory overload or seeking behaviours. OTs are trained in sensory integration techniques, which involve activities designed to regulate sensory input and improve attention, focus, and self-regulation in individuals with ADHD.

Emotional Regulation

Many individuals with ADHD experience difficulties with emotional regulation, including impulsivity, mood swings, and frustration tolerance. Occupational therapists provide counselling interventions aimed at enhancing emotional awareness, coping skills, and stress management techniques. By addressing emotional regulation, OTs help individuals with ADHD better manage their emotions and reduce the impact of emotional dysregulation on daily functioning.

Education

OTs help you to understand the nature of ADHD, including its neurobiological basis, common symptoms, and potential impact on daily functioning. How to communicate your needs to family members and employers can also be explored to ensure your needs are uniquely met in a variety of environments.

Adaptive Aids

From fidgets, to headphones to utilizing timers, OTs are uniquely positioned to prescribe equipment and discuss how modifications to one’s environment can impact the severity of one’s symptoms. We also offer in-person ergonomic assessments and can provide feedback on how to make your set up more comfortable for both your body and brain.

ADHD counselling services available in Calgary, emphasize personalized support and strategies to manage symptoms effectively. Counselling sessions can help individuals with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall well-being. Additionally, the benefits of working with a qualified therapist who understands the unique challenges of ADHD and provides tailored guidance for individuals and families. Our aim is to promote awareness of available resources and the importance of seeking professional support for ADHD-related concerns.

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