In NLP, there is a presupposition that says, "The map is not the territory." This means that a person's view of reality isn't the totality of that reality. For example, the above map is of the world, but it is just a representation, it isn't actually THE world. Everyone has their unique map of not only their world, but various aspects of their life.
Those with ADHD can often have MULTIPLE maps for a particular aspect, and also juggle many maps of various aspects at the same time in their minds.
Now, with this foundation laid out, let's explore language. When someone says something, NLP evaluates it using something called the Meta-Model. The Meta-Model is a framework used to evaluate what a person says in terms of surface meaning (often "fluff" language) and deep meaning (what their map actually is). The Meta-Model is broken into three main areas, Generalization, Distortions, and Deletions. These have various layers to explore as well. Going deeper into this is for another blog post.
So, what does all of this have to do with someone with ADHD? Well, it can be VERY useful to help get to the deeper structures, and gain a better understanding of their map. THAT is very powerful.
For example, let's say someone with ADHD says, "I can't organize my work." (organizational issues are often a manifestation of ADHD symptoms). Some may think to ask, "What work?" or "What do you mean by organize?" A better question would be, "Is it only work you have trouble organizing?" Why ask this? Who knows, maybe it IS restricted just to work, yet he/she has the neatest, most organized desk or drawers on the planet. If it is just work, then their map starts to be revealed. Then you can start to look at what they believe about organizing things at work, is it only particular projects, etc. What is happening in mind to exhibit the ADHD symptoms in this circumstance? It goes on from there.
Once you begin to get a clear representation of their map, (their internal processes), and you get down to specifics, you can then utilize such technologies as EFT or more NLP to help guide them to re-arrange their map so they can accomplish what they wish. In the end, it's all about giving people with ADHD the capability to control their experience of ADHD, so they may better use its gifts, while controlling those aspects that arent so useful, depending on the circumstance.
