ADHD function

Beyond the Stereotypes

The name "Attention-Deficit" is actually misleading. People with ADHD don't have a deficit of attention—they have difficulty regulating it. This means they might struggle to focus on mundane tasks while being able to hyperfocus intensely on things that interest them.

ADHD manifests differently in everyone. Some people are primarily hyperactive and impulsive; others are predominantly inattentive (sometimes called ADD). Many experience a combination. Women and girls are often underdiagnosed because their symptoms may present differently than the stereotypical "hyperactive boy."

The ADHD Brain

ADHD is fundamentally about differences in brain chemistry and structure, particularly in areas related to dopamine and executive function. This affects how the brain prioritizes, plans, and follows through on tasks.

Executive function challenges might look like: difficulty starting tasks (especially boring ones), trouble organizing thoughts and belongings, struggling to manage time, problems with working memory, and difficulty regulating emotions.

But ADHD brains also have strengths: creativity, ability to think outside the box, enthusiasm and energy, capacity for hyperfocus, and often, a unique perspective that neurotypical thinkers miss.

Late Discovery and Self-Understanding

Many adults discover they have ADHD later in life, often after years of struggling with productivity, relationships, or self-esteem. This discovery can be both validating and overwhelming—finally having an explanation for lifelong challenges, while also grieving the support they never received.

Understanding ADHD is the first step toward building a life that works with your brain rather than against it. This might involve medication, therapy, coaching, lifestyle changes, or combinations thereof. There's no one-size-fits-all approach.