Attention
Deficit Disorder and New York City
Living
in New York City presents a special set of difficulties to those
suffering with Attention Deficit Disorder. New York is a city
of distractions. It also is a city of great complexity,
requiring well-honed organizing skills. Getting places on
time, keeping track of one’s belongings and finding one’s way can be
real challenges. As with many things in the lives of those
with ADD a pro-active approach is required for success. Listed
below are some of the frequently encountered New York City problems
along with ways to successfully get around them.
New York City Noise
In New York City noise is just a fact of life. Whether it is sirens outside your window, chatter at a coffee shop or your neighbor’s music, noise is unavoidable in this city. For some people with ADD this presents a special problem. Because ADD is a sensory processing difficulty, often those who have it are unable to simply ignore noise the way others can. Something as simple as a ticking clock can be enough to ruin concentration.
Tips: Earplugs are
an inexpensive and easy solution to the noise problem. They can be
purchased at any drugstore. All brands are marked with a Noise
Reduction Ratio (NRR.) This simply describes the degree to which the
earplugs block out noise. The higher the number, the less the
noise. Comfort is an issue if the
earplugs are to be worn for long periods. Hearos brand
makes a soft earplug that is specifically designed for with softness and
comfort in mind.
Solutions that are more high tech involve alterations in windows and noise-canceling headphones. It is not necessary to install new windows to reduce noise. A laminate can be applied to existing windows that will cancel noise from the street. A recent article in the New York Times describes these and contains links to the companies that provide them.
Noise canceling headphones decrease background noise and allow you to listen
with less distraction. This can be a great benefit for those who
listen while they ride the subway, for instance. Reviews of the
various models can be found at
Travel Insider's
webpage.
Travel in New York City
Because getting places on time can be a challenge for those with Attention Deficit Disorder. The chaotic network of subways, buses, and cabs, as well as the lack of parking, only complicates this problem. The most important thing to remember is it will always take you longer than you think to get there. As a general rule, add ten to fifteen minutes on to your expected travel time (more for important meetings or interviews.)
The first step
in successful travel is planning. You can use the internet to help you
map your route. In addition to the many mapping websites (Mapquest,
Googlemaps,
etc.) there are websites for NYC Mass transit. These can be found at
the MTA homepage.
Travel can be simplified even further with the use of
HopStop.com.
This website will plot your route from whatever starting location you enter
to your destination anywhere in the city, telling you which subways, buses,
and streets to take, where to transfer, when to get off and which direction
to walk.
Maintaining relationships (in New York City)
This is a broad topic and there are no simple solutions. However, attention to the things in New York City that can be Attention Deficit Disorder pitfalls can make it easier to avoid relationship problems. One of the most common things I hear from couples is, “he/she doesn’t listen to me.” Again, this is most commonly a problem of distraction. The solution: knowing how to minimize distracting stimuli when you need to.
This means knowing which environments are least distracting. A noisy restaurant with a lot of televisions may not be the best place to have a discussion that demands full attention. Because New York City apartments are so small, they easily become messy. Clutter itself can be a visual distraction, making it harder to stay focused. Keeping some part of the apartment neat and relatively organized means there is always a space to allow your mind to clear.
Distractions can be an additional problem when prioritizing. Because people with ADD have a difficult time prioritizing on a moment-to-moment basis, they may inadvertently neglect their partners. Because there is always something else to do in New York, some exciting event, some responsibility or opportunity, it is important to make a very conscious efforts to devote time and attention to one’s significant other. Doing this successfully means keeping at least two things in mind.
1) Do the planning together - this helps overcome the partner's sense of being left out and re-assures them that you care about their feelings and company.
2) Set up the plans to minimize distractions. If there's a to do around the house, make plans to be out of the house so that you are not distracted what's there.
Whatever you decide
to do, it is important that you both be aware of the ways in which ADD
impacts the relationship and include that in your discussions and planning.
Treatment in NYC
Dr. Schwartz sees patients privately at his office in the Flatiron District of Manhattan. He can be reached for a personal consultation at 212-465-2562. Further information is available on the contact page.
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