What is ADHD?
A Neurodiversity-Affirming Guide to Adult ADHD.
What is ADHD?
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects how people manage attention, motivation, energy, and executive functioning. It’s not about being lazy or disorganised — it’s a valid neurodivergent way of thinking, often misunderstood or missed, especially in adults.
Common traits include:
- Difficulty focusing or finishing tasks
- Forgetfulness or losing things
- Restlessness or mental fatigue
- Emotional sensitivity or impulsivity
- Feeling overwhelmed by everyday demands
ADHD can vary greatly from person to person and often looks different in adults than in children.
Types of ADHD
There are three recognised presentations of ADHD:
- Inattentive Type: Distractibility, forgetfulness, trouble following through
- Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: Fidgeting, restlessness, impulsive speech or actions
- Combined Type: A mix of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms
It’s common for people — especially women and non-binary individuals — to go undiagnosed into adulthood, particularly if they internalise their difficulties or have learned to mask them.
Impact in Everyday Life
ADHD can influence many aspects of daily life, including:
- Work and Career: Inconsistent focus, procrastination, or burnout
- Relationships: Misunderstandings, emotional reactivity, or forgetfulness
- Self-Esteem: Years of feeling “not good enough” or “too much”
- Mental Health: Increased risk of anxiety, depression, and chronic stress
- Daily Tasks: Challenges with planning, timekeeping, or maintaining routines
Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD feel exhausted from trying to keep up or “hold it all together” without knowing why it’s so difficult.
Our Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach
We view ADHD through a strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming lens. We don’t pathologise — we help you make sense of your experience, without judgement. Whether or not you meet full diagnostic criteria, our process is about self-understanding, clarity, and access to meaningful support.
Strengths of ADHD
ADHD isn’t just about challenges — it often comes with valuable strengths:
- Creative problem-solving and innovation
- High energy and resilience
- Deep focus (sometimes called hyperfocus) on things that truly matter to you
- Strong empathy and emotional intelligence
- Quick thinking in dynamic or high-pressure situations
When understood and supported, these strengths can thrive — especially in flexible, values-aligned environments.
Why Diagnosis Can Help
A formal ADHD diagnosis can offer:
- Relief and Clarity: Understanding long-standing patterns or difficulties
- Self-Compassion: Reframing years of self-criticism
- Support Access: For therapy, coaching, work adjustments, or medication discussions
- Practical Strategies: Tools tailored to your brain and your goals
- Language: To advocate for your needs in personal and professional settings
Diagnosis doesn’t define you — it helps you better understand yourself.