Understanding ADHD

What is ADHD?

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the brain’s ability to sustain attention, manage impulsivity, and regulate hyperactivity.

We are all likely familiar with ADHD stereotypes: “overly energetic,” “easily distracted,” and “forgetful.” But in reality, ADHD is far more complex and individualized. ADHD is best understood as existing on a spectrum. Some people may experience mild challenges in specific areas, while others face difficulties across many areas of life.

ADHD Across the Lifespan

A common misconception is that ADHD is a childhood disorder. However, ADHD often persists into adulthood and can impact adult life in various ways. One of the reasons ADHD may be overlooked is because it doesn’t always show up the same way at different ages:

• In childhood, ADHD symptoms may look like constant movement, having a difficult time staying on task, “day dreaming,” impulsive speech, or frequently losing/misplacing things. 
• In adulthood, ADHD often presents more subtly than in childhood. Adult ADHD symptoms may look like missed deadlines, frequent mood changes, restlessness, and having trouble starting or finishing tasks. For many adults with ADHD, symptoms can impact things like employment, relationships, health, and finances. 

What ADHD Can Really Look Like

The adult ADHD experience may look like:

• Time slipping away — even when we plan or set reminders.
• Projects that keep piling up — because starting feels nearly impossible, even when we want to.
• A buzzing brain — full of brilliant ideas but hard to focus long enough to follow through on them. 
• Big emotions — frustration, excitement, or shame that hit harder than expected or anticipated. 
• Restless energy — fidgeting, doodling, or having a difficult time winding down or turning “off.”
• Relationship tension — forgetting important dates, struggling to follow through on commitments, or interrupting others without meaning to. 
• Financial stress — impulsive spending, difficulty tracking bills, or missing payments.
• A rollercoaster of energy — bursts of unstoppable focus, followed by exhaustion and even burnout.

What’s Going On in the Brain?

ADHD affects our brain’s development, structure, and executive functioning. We can think of executive functioning as mental processes that help us manage ourselves, our time, and our goals. When these processes don’t work as smoothly or consistently, daily life can feel more like an uphill climb. Some of the executive functioning differences in an ADHD brain include: 

• Inhibition – pausing before acting or speaking.
• Self-awareness – noticing what we’re doing and how it affects us or others.
• Visualizing to self – picturing outcomes and holding goals in mind.
• Mind’s voice (self-talk) – talking ourselves through tasks or calming ourselves down.
• Emotional regulation – managing big feelings so they don’t take over.
• Self-motivation – difficulty getting started and following through.
• Planning and problem-solving – organizing steps and adjusting when things change.

The Hidden Challenges of ADHD

Because ADHD is often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or missed all together, many children and adults with ADHD can carry painful experiences, such as:

• Shame: “Why can’t I just get it together?”
• Relationship strain: missed plans, forgotten tasks, or impulsive reactions.
• Work or school struggles: performing in ways that don’t necessarily match our ability or creativity. 
• Exhaustion: from masking, overcompensating, or constantly feeling like we have to play catch-up.

From the outside, we may appear to be managing just fine. But on the inside, we may be working twice as hard just to keep up with the flow of everyday life.

The Other Side of the Story

While ADHD can bring its fair share of challenges, it also comes with unique strengths, such as:

• The ability to hyperfocus when something truly matters to us.
• Creativity and innovation — connecting dots and noticing patterns that others might miss.
• Spontaneity  — bringing energy, flexibility, and a willingness to embrace adventure. 
• Passion and intensity — diving deeply into what we love.
• Resilience — growing stronger after years of navigating difficulties.

Living with ADHD is about learning to work with your brain, rather than against it.

Diagnosis and Support

For some, receiving an ADHD diagnosis is affirming and brings relief. It can provide language to help explain long-standing struggles and can open doors to treatment options, such as medication.

But a diagnosis isn’t the only path forward. Many people with ADHD benefit from counselling, coaching, and lifestyle adjustments — whether or not they pursue formal testing or assessment. What matters most is having the right tools, support, and understanding to live in alignment with your brain in a way that feels good for you. 

A blog post can’t diagnose ADHD, but if this resonates with your experience, it may be worth exploring further. Understanding ADHD isn’t about labeling yourself, it’s about gaining insight and a framework to make life feel a bit more manageable. Counselling can be a safe space to sort through your experiences, gain clarity, and build strategies that work for you.

Ready to explore new ways to work with your brain instead of against it? Contact us to book a free consultation.