ADHD explained (Pre-order ADHD traits/symptoms cards)

Pre-order ADHD traits explainer cards - www.adhdtraits.com

A picture of me sat by my desk in front of my mounted PS4, holding up both ADHD traits card decks.

Hi ADHDers!

I have a SURPRISE for you all 🥁🥁🥁

Some of you might have already seen that I have created and designed decks of cards for ADHD inattentive type traits and ADHD hyperactive-impulsive type traits.

Side by side picture of the ADHD inattentive type and the ADHD Hyperactive-Impulsive type decks

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Pre-diagnosis vs Post-diagnosis

A single card includes bullet points on the 2 ADHD types (inattentive, hyperactive, and combined); my experience on looking for information on adulthood and managing ADHD traits.

When I suspected that I could have ADHD back in 2018, I went straight to google. There was tons of information online, but it required flicking through various web pages for which I didn’t have the patience.

Shortly after my online research, I contacted my GP to begin the ADHD diagnosis process, and I was diagnosed with ADHD Combined Type in January 2020. Yes, it was almost a 2-year wait. The ADHD diagnosis process in the UK via the NHS could take up to 2 or even 4 years for some 😞

Post-diagnosis

Did anyone else feel a little lost after their ADHD diagnosis?

It was kind of anti-climatic!

You’re sitting in a chair, and the psychiatrist tells you that you have ADHD. Even though you expected it, you are a little taken aback. And then you’re sat there thinking, okay, what’s next!?

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Creation of ADHD traits cards

An image of my hand holding an apple pencil and working on the box design on the iPad pro

Over the last two years ish’, I have received a lot of DMs, Twitter mentions, and emails regarding ADHD. I received questions like:

• How did you know you have ADHD?

• Can you send me a list of coping strategies?

• What is ADHD? What are the types?

• Do you have any resources you can share?

I noticed that so many people had no idea of where to start when it came to researching ADHD.

I am no expert on ADHD. But sharing my experience of having ADHD Combined Type has helped thousands of people.

So many people have thanked me for playing a massive part in helping them get an ADHD diagnosis - based on my tweets and this newsletter.

Others have thanked me for simply helping them develop a better understanding of ADHD.

*self-diagnosis is valid; lack of access to ADHD service and treatment is sadly a problem for so many people*

I wanted to create bite-sized, easily digestible information. I didn’t want to stray away from the DSM-5 criteria because healthcare professionals use it to diagnose people with ADHD. Even though many people think it’s a little outdated.

Also, I’d get cancelled quicker than Thanos made half of the population disappear with a snap of the finger (I’m a huge Marvel fan).

This led to the creation of ADHD traits cards: www.adhdtraits.com

I went slightly further than the DSM-5 by including specific examples of how ADHD could present in adulthood (from personal and shared experiences) and coping strategies in the form of top tips.

Each deck includes 25 cards:

• Description of each trait

• Specific examples of how they could present within people with ADHD

• Top tips on managing/working with these traits

• I have also included traits that have been closely linked to people with ADHD such as RSD, Hyperfocus, Rumination, and Time Blindness

Here’s an example of the format per trait:

Examples of the deck structure, using the trait ‘Excessive talking’ that includes a description, examples, and top tips.

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Who did I make ADHD traits cards for?

The short answer is everyone who wants to learn what adulting with ADHD is like from the perspective of someone with ADHD Combined Type. These past two years have taught me that many people in the online ADHD community also experience the same/similar struggles as I have.

My Christian upbringing always taught me that everything I do should be in service to others. Ever since my platform on socials started to grow, I made it my mission to ensure others learned more about ADHD as I continued to learn. I’ve done this by sharing studies, research, resources, and personal experiences.

I knew that there was a slight risk of getting some backlash from a small minority who expressed on Twitter that they are concerned that people would use my cards to self-diagnose.

If people don’t research or learn about ADHD themselves, how are they to figure out whether or not they might have ADHD? The diagnosis process is also costly for many people in a few countries.

On a much lighter note, I’m so excited to get this into the hands of many people! People have been purchasing this to understand ADHD better for friends, family members, and even romantic partners!

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The card decks are available for pre-order at www.adhdtraits.com

The first cards should be with people by the end of January/early February. I’ll be posting videos of the whole packing and shipping process across social channels so that you are updated along the way.

***The images on the website are of the samples I have. Any design flaws and spelling errors have been corrected, thanks to Grammarly!***

I listened to feedback from the community, and I have made a few changes:

• Price Reduction - I sought out couriers and managed to find a cheaper courier than I originally estimated. So the pricing has decreased slightly and shipping is still included in the price. Except for Australia and New Zealand due to distance.

• Deck Bundle - A few people asked whether I could offer a separate bundle for both ADHD inattentive and ADHD hyperactive decks, as they wanted to purchase both. So I’ve made this change, and it works out slightly cheaper than buying both decks separately.

Thanks to so many of you who have already ordered! If you want to get in on this deal and have already purchased decks, shoot me an email (rach@adhdtraits.com), and we’ll work something out.

I’m so excited for you all to have it! I’m thinking about creating some form of community on Twitter or Facebook for people to connect with others to discuss the cards, their own experiences and learn/grow with one another as we navigate life as ADHDers!

Rach, with ADHD.

www.adhdtraits.com