Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects 1 in 20 children, and an estimated one million South African adults, yet it is a condition often misdiagnosed. It's plagued with myths and misunderstandings, particularly regarding treatment. This special issue is a one-of-a-kind magazine filled with all the need-to-knows on how someone affected by ADHD can take on the world. This issue combines well-researched content with real-life stories. The pages will be filled with advice from experts, knowledge, and inspirational stories to help the reader understand this condition a little better. If we are well informed, ADHD is a superpower rather than a curse!
Editor’s letter
The ABC of ADHD
MORE THAN MERELY AN INTEREST • First and foremost, Magdel Pretorius is a mother – but since 2017 she has also been devoting herself to ADHD research, helping parents and children to lead better lives. As our expert, she is at the helm of the content in this book
CURIOSITY, WORDS & KNOWLEDGE • When it comes to writing, BIANCA DU PLESSIS knows her way around words. Her love of journalism and clear, straightforward content made her the backbone of the articles to follow. She is a one-of-a-kind journalist who understands how important knowledge and research is. She is a master writer. Moreover, she is on her own journey with ADHD. She understands the significance of being informed when making the right choices to ensure a better world for your child. Get to know her a little better
TIME TO READ • Knowledge is power – read and learn more about understanding ADHD. We’ve picked six books that will offer you insight and knowledge
CUT THROUGH THE NOISE
TIMELINE OF A DEFINITION
4 MAIN TRAITS OF ADHD • ADHD presents differently in every child, yet there are four main features that could serve as indicators that ADHD might be present.
ADHD in ADULTS
D is for DIAGNOSIS • You can only know what to do once you know what you are dealing with. Much as we would like to stick our proverbial head in the sand and ignore certain signs, we would only be serving our own fears and insecurities when we should be supporting our child
"THIS IS ME WITH ADHD" • ADHD is many things and differs from person to person. How it makes us feel, what we choose to do about it, and our mistakes, challenges and breakthroughs along the way are unique to every person. What we do have in common is the relief and comfort we get from the stories of others. Although your path is yours to walk, you are definitely not travelling alone. We talked to seven people with ADHD about their experiences
BIG DECISIONS • The science and support systems around ADHD are constantly evolving and improving to offer the best possible solution for each child
STIMULANTS VS. NON-STIMULANTS • Stimulants are the most popular medications for treating ADHD in children and adults. They have a fast onset of action and have been in use for many decades. Researchers think they work by boosting dopamine and norepinephrine, the chemicals that fuel messaging within different parts of the brain and body.
FINDING WHAT WORKS, AT WHAT DOSAGE
DIET & SUPPLEMENTS • ADHD is a complicated behavioural disorder that is not caused by any dietary factors. Yet nutrition can affect cognition, attention, sleep and mood. Many living with a loved one who has ADHD believe, and research has shown, that some ADHD behaviour can be managed by making dietary changes
"THIS IS ME WITH ADHD" • ADHD has been called an “invented” disease. Some consider it a by-product of the fast and furious American way of life: too much screen time and highly processed food, with too little exercise and discipline. This perception frequently goes hand in hand with a healthy dose of scepticism about big pharma. But ADHD is...
