“Consistent inconsistency” is one of the hallmark features of ADHD that very few people talk about.  The most consistent thing about the child or adult with attention challenges is that we are inconsistent.  Day-to-day, hour to hour, we can be highly unpredictable.  Sometimes, if we are dealing with something that involves our passion in life, a new exciting activity for us, or an overstimulating task like watching TV or playing video games, we may actually seem to “over-focus.”  Other times, especially if we are dealing with something that is boring and monotonous, our mental energy and attention to task seem to quickly evaporate like a fine mist on a hot day in Dallas.  Sometimes, once the novelty wears off of an interest or passion, we can become easily bored with it and decide to quit:  this can be a source of frustration for the parent who has bought and paid for an expensive piano or any other piece of equipment for their child.

Just when you think you’ve figured out how your child with ADHD ticks, consistent inconsistency strikes, another interest or challenge arises, and it’s “back to the drawing board.”

This oxymoron “consistent inconsistency” can be both confusing and amusing at times.  What’s important is to keep your eyes on the prize: keep laughing and loving your child!

What the rest of this e-book is about, “flexiture,” forms another oxymoron of sorts: flexibly structuring their world often helps the child or teen with ADHD survive the often unstructured and inflexible world where they live.  Start with the next chapter to find out how and why flexibility and structure work together.

(c)2009, flexiture, monte w. davenport, ph.d.