A life with ADHD from Coursera

What is ADHD and what are the challenges that come with it?

Whether you are a person affected by ADHD, a family member or a professional, this MOOC will provide you with an understanding of what ADHD is. It will allow you to respond to the specific challenges of ADHD by developing a complex strategy that integrates psychological dimensions, neurobiological treatments, as well as environmental interventions. Since in two thirds of cases this disorder is relatively persistent, even though it may fluctuate over the course of an individual's life, this course will provide keys to understanding how to live with ADHD over time.

Through presentations by experts in the field, activities and various resources such as readings and videos, you will learn about

- The assessment of ADHD symptoms

- The specifics of ADHD diagnosis, as well as its differential diagnoses and comorbidities

- Biological (including medication), psychological and environmental interventions for ADHD

This MOOC has been created for teenagers and adults affected by ADHD, as well as their families. It has also been designed for professionals interested in ADHD. This MOOC is also proposed to medical and psychology students who wish to learn more about ADHD.

We hope you will have a lot of fun following this MOOC!

What's inside

Syllabus

What is ADHD? Challenges and strengths

In this module, you will discover the signs of ADHD and the diagnostic elements, and how the difficulties that appear, according to age, can lead to specific challenges in everyday life, in relationships at school or in the workplace.

Responding to challenges

This module will help you reflect on the construction of a global and sustainable strategy that can take into account different types of therapeutic approaches. You will also learn about comorbidities (disorders associated with ADHD) and their impact on ADHD. Finally, strategies that do not work will also briefly be discussed.

Biological interventions

In this module, you will learn about biological interventions such as psychopharmacology, dietary supplements and diets, and other emerging interventions, such as transcranial stimulation, that can modulate brain function and help improve attention and hyperactivity.

Psychological interventions

In this module, you will learn the main principles of psychological interventions for ADHD. At the end of this module, you will know why they are important for both patients and their loved ones. Self-teaching tips for people with ADHD and teaching tips for therapists will be given. The major psychological areas of ADHD, such as attention difficulties, task planning and organization problems, hyperactivity and impulsivity, both behavioral and emotional, will be described in terms of the difficulties they cause at any age.

Skills Buildings

In this module, you will learn about the specific areas of ADHD discussed in Module 4 (attention difficulties, problems with planning and organizing tasks, hyperactivity and impulsivity both behavioral and emotional), and they will be detailed here in order to define simple and effective strategies to live with ADHD. This module will provide you with the skills to create a toolbox for yourself or a patient (if you are a therapist).

Environmental interventions

In this module, you will learn specifically about the different accommodations that can be offered to people with ADHD, whether at home, at school or in the workplace. A second part of this module will focus on family caregiver and family interventions.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces learners to the fundamentals of ADHD, which is valuable to learners who are new to this subject

Provides a thorough understanding of ADHD symptoms and their impact across various life stages, which is helpful for learners seeking a comprehensive overview

Covers a wide range of intervention strategies, including biological, psychological, and environmental approaches, which is beneficial for learners seeking a holistic understanding of ADHD management

Offers practical skills and strategies for managing ADHD symptoms in different areas of life, which is useful for learners seeking actionable steps for improvement

Emphasizes the importance of understanding comorbidities and their impact on ADHD, providing learners with a more nuanced understanding of this disorder

Provides learners with the opportunity to explore the challenges and strengths associated with ADHD, fostering self-awareness and acceptance

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in A life with ADHD with these activities:

Review 'Driven to Distraction'

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Establishes the core concepts of ADHD, which will be useful as you complete the course.

View ADHD Explained: Your Tool Kit to Understanding... on Amazon

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Read the first four chapters of 'Driven to Distraction' to get an overview of ADHD.
Summarize the chapter in your own words.
Reflect on how the information applies to your own experiences.

Attend a workshop on ADHD

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Workshops can provide you with in-depth information about ADHD.

Browse courses on ADHD

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Find a workshop on ADHD that you are interested in.
Register for the workshop.
Attend the workshop and participate in the activities.

Follow a tutorial on how to use a time management app

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Time management apps can help you to stay organized and on track.

Browse courses on Time Management

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Find a time management app that you like.
Follow a tutorial on how to use the app.
Set up the app to meet your needs.

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Complete a mindfulness meditation exercise

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Mindfulness techniques can help you manage your attention and improve your focus.

Browse courses on Mindfulness

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Find a quiet place to sit or lie down.
Close your eyes and focus on your breath.
Notice your thoughts and feelings without judgment.

Join an online support group for people with ADHD

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Support groups can provide you with a sense of community and support.

Browse courses on ADHD

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Find an online support group for people with ADHD.
Introduce yourself to the group.
Share your experiences and learn from others.

Write a blog post about your experiences with ADHD

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Writing about your experiences can help you to understand and manage your ADHD.

Browse courses on ADHD

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Choose a topic that you are passionate about.
Write a blog post about your experiences with ADHD.
Share your blog post with others.

Create a video about a specific topic related to ADHD

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Creating a video can help you to learn more about ADHD and share your knowledge with others.

Browse courses on ADHD

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Choose a topic related to ADHD that you are passionate about.
Write a script for your video.
Record and edit your video.

Contribute to an open-source project related to ADHD

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Contributing to open-source projects can help you to learn more about ADHD and use your skills to help others.

Browse courses on ADHD

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Find an open-source project related to ADHD that you are interested in.
Contact the project maintainers and express your interest in contributing.
Make a contribution to the project.

Career center

Learners who complete A life with ADHD will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist

As a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, you are trained to diagnose and treat mental health disorders in children and adolescents, including ADHD. The course, *A Life with ADHD*, offers a specialized focus on the developmental aspects, assessment, and treatment of ADHD in younger populations. This knowledge will equip you to effectively address the unique challenges faced by children and adolescents with ADHD, supporting their emotional and behavioral well-being.

See salaries and explore the career path for Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist

School Psychologist

As a School Psychologist, you are responsible for assessing and providing support to students with mental health and learning challenges, including ADHD. The course, *A Life with ADHD*, provides a thorough foundation in the diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of ADHD. This knowledge will enhance your ability to conduct comprehensive evaluations, develop individualized interventions, and collaborate with educators and families to promote student success.

See salaries and explore the career path for School Psychologist

Psychiatrist

As a Psychiatrist, you specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders, including ADHD. The course, *A Life with ADHD*, provides a comprehensive understanding of the neurobiological basis of ADHD, as well as the latest pharmacological interventions. This knowledge will enhance your ability to accurately diagnose ADHD and prescribe appropriate medications, optimizing treatment outcomes for your patients.

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Pediatric Neurologist

As a Pediatric Neurologist, you specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders in children, including ADHD. The course, *A Life with ADHD*, provides a comprehensive understanding of the neurobiological basis of ADHD, as well as the impact of ADHD on brain development. This knowledge will enhance your ability to diagnose and treat ADHD in children, ensuring optimal outcomes throughout their developmental journey.

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Special Education Teacher

As a Special Education Teacher, you are dedicated to providing specialized instruction and support to students with learning disabilities, including ADHD. The course, *A Life with ADHD*, offers a comprehensive understanding of the disorder, its impact on learning, and effective interventions. By gaining this knowledge, you can tailor your teaching methods to effectively meet the needs of students with ADHD, fostering their academic and social-emotional development.

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Developmental Pediatrician

As a Developmental Pediatrician, you specialize in evaluating and treating developmental and behavioral disorders in children, including ADHD. The course, *A Life with ADHD*, provides a comprehensive understanding of the neurodevelopmental basis of ADHD, as well as the developmental trajectory of the disorder. This knowledge will enhance your ability to diagnose and manage ADHD in children, ensuring early intervention and optimal outcomes.

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Clinical Psychologist

As a Clinical Psychologist, you are trained to provide psychological assessment, diagnosis, and therapy for individuals with mental health disorders, including ADHD. The course, *A Life with ADHD*, offers a deep understanding of the etiology, symptoms, and evidence-based interventions for ADHD. This knowledge will equip you to provide effective treatment to individuals with ADHD, helping them to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

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ADHD Coach

As an ADHD Coach, you provide support, guidance, and accountability to individuals with ADHD. The course, *A Life with ADHD*, offers a deep understanding of the challenges and strengths associated with ADHD. This knowledge will empower you to effectively coach clients in developing strategies to manage their symptoms, improve their executive functioning skills, and live fulfilling lives.

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Guidance Counselor

As a Guidance Counselor, you will play a pivotal role in assisting students with academic, career, and personal development. The course, *A Life with ADHD*, provides a deep dive into understanding the challenges and strategies for managing ADHD. This knowledge will empower you to better support students with ADHD, helping them to overcome obstacles and maximize their potential.

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Occupational Therapist

As an Occupational Therapist, you help individuals with physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges to engage in meaningful activities. The course, *A Life with ADHD*, provides valuable insights into the impact of ADHD on daily functioning and the strategies to promote independence and participation. This knowledge will empower you to develop tailored interventions that support individuals with ADHD in overcoming challenges and achieving their goals.

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Educational Consultant

As an Educational Consultant, you provide guidance and support to students, parents, and educators on educational issues. The course, *A Life with ADHD*, equips you with a comprehensive understanding of ADHD and its impact on learning. This knowledge will enable you to effectively advocate for students with ADHD, collaborate with schools to develop appropriate accommodations, and empower families to support their children's educational success.

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Speech-Language Pathologist

As a Speech-Language Pathologist, you assess and treat individuals with communication and swallowing difficulties. The course, *A Life with ADHD*, provides an understanding of the impact of ADHD on language development, social communication, and attention. This knowledge will enhance your ability to evaluate and intervene in cases where ADHD co-occurs with communication challenges, promoting effective communication and social interaction.

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Social Worker

As a Social Worker, you provide support and services to individuals and families facing challenges. The course, *A Life with ADHD*, provides insights into the social, emotional, and behavioral aspects of ADHD. This knowledge will enhance your ability to assess and intervene in cases where ADHD contributes to difficulties in interpersonal relationships, family dynamics, or community participation.

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