Understanding ADHD: More Than Just a Deficit in Attention
Understanding ADHD: More Than Just a Deficit in Attention
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is one of the most commonly diagnosed neurodevelopmental conditions in children and can continue into adulthood. The main characteristics include inattention, hyperactivity, or a combination of both. Diagnosing ADHD is not reliant on specific diagnostic criteria but rather on observable behaviour.
Despite its name, ADHD isn’t just about attention. It’s a complex condition that affects how the brain processes functions like planning, organising, regulating emotions, and maintaining focus.
Not a Deficit of Attention, but a Difficulty Regulating It
Attention involves not just focus, but also what one aims to filter out. Many people think ADHD means that a person can’t pay attention. This might be true for activities that these children find uninteresting, as they can easily become distracted by all the environmental stimuli.
However, when it comes to matters that engage these children, they often exhibit hyper-focus. This focus is evident in their interaction with screens, participation in their favourite sports, and similar activities. It’s about control, not capacity. If their focus veers into undesirable areas, it results in poor solutions and unsatisfactory outcomes. The aim is to redirect their energy towards more positive activities.
Common Signs and Manifestations
ADHD can look different from one person to another, but some common patterns include:
Distractibility: The frontal part of the brain is responsible for filtering information to prioritise attention. As children with ADHD have an underdeveloped frontal lobe, this function is disrupted, leading to distractions.
Forgetfulness: Children might forget school supplies, homework, or even why they entered a room. They may overlook a list of instructions, especially when given multiple tasks simultaneously. This is often associated with difficulties in working memory.
Emotional sensitivity: Many individuals with ADHD tend to be more sensitive to criticism or rejection. They often experience intense emotional reactions and struggle to regulate them.
Social struggles can disrupt conversations, making it challenging to stay focused during discussions or leading to impulsive remarks. This may result in social difficulties or a perception of being disruptive.
Masking in girls: Girls with ADHD often go unnoticed. They may try hard to hide their symptoms by overcompensating, being overly accommodating, or remaining silent. This can lead to delays in diagnosis and contribute to ongoing low self-esteem.
Mental health risks: If not properly understood and supported, ADHD can lead to anxiety, depression, and even a heightened risk of suicidal thoughts, particularly among adolescents and young adults.
ADHD Is a Way of Being, Not Just a Disorder
In their book ADHD 2.0 (2021), Drs. Edward Hallowell and John Ratey describe ADHD as “a way of being in the world.” It’s not entirely a disorder, nor is it simply an asset. It’s a collection of traits tied to a unique kind of mind. These traits can be a gift or a burden, depending on how they are recognised and managed.
Strategies That Help
Management is not just about medication, although that can be part of the picture. Some helpful strategies include:
Fidget tools or movement breaks to help with focus.
Clear, step-by-step instructions rather than multitasking requests.
Positive reinforcement and emotional support.
Mindfulness, coaching, and structure to build routines and boost confidence.
It’s important to remember that the signs of ADHD often exist on a spectrum, and many traits can also be found in neurotypical individuals. What defines ADHD is the degree to which these traits affect daily functioning.
If we understand and support people with ADHD rather than judge or label them, we can help turn what may feel like a “curse” into a decisive advantage.
Suggested resources
Martha Bernard-Rae. ADHD in girls and women. TEDx Kinjarling
Claire Thrift. Mask slipping- the best decision never made. ADHD in women. TEDx St Albans.
Hayley Honeyman. TEDx SFU
Disclaimer – This resource serves informational purposes only and does not replace expert advice from your primary care physician. Alongside my clinical experience and literature review, I have incorporated insights from TED Talks to highlight some lived experiences with ADHD.