ADHD

“ADHD is a performance problem, not a knowledge problem.” - Russell Barkley, PH.D., Clinical psychologist

Recognizing ADHD

For Kids and Teens, Signs of Inattention May Include:

  • Not paying attention to details or making careless mistakes

  • Difficulty sustaining focus in play, tasks, conversations, tests, or assignments

  • Trouble listening when spoke to directly

  • Finding it difficult to follow through and complete task, losing focus or getting easily sidetracked

  • Difficulty organizing, managing time, procrastinating, or completing work on time

  • Avoiding tasks that require attention and focus

  • Losing things necessary to complete tasks or activities

  • Being easily distracted by thoughts or stimuli

  • Being forgetful of chores or responsibilities

  • Difficulty remembering appointments

Signs of Hyperactivity and Impulsivity For Kids and Teens Can Include:

  • Fidgeting and squirming

  • Getting up and moving when expected to stay seated

  • Running and climbing things at inappropriate times

  • Being unable to play quietly

  • Constantly in motion or on the go

  • Talking excessively

  • Answering questions before individuals have fully asked, or finishing other people’s sentences

  • Difficulty with waiting one’s turn

  • Interrupting conversations, games, or other activities

Signs of Adult ADHD May Include:

  • Frequently zoning out during conversations or meetings

  • Difficulty following through on projects or remembering instructions

  • Procrastination or needing a “crisis” to finally get things done

  • Feeling internally restless — like your mind never stops

  • Acting impulsively (shopping, eating, or making decisions without thinking them through)

  • Chronically late or underestimating how long things will take

  • Starting multiple projects but finishing few

  • Difficulty prioritizing what to do first

  • Relying on last-minute bursts of energy to meet deadlines

  • Difficulty managing stress or transitions

  • Experiencing rejection sensitivity — taking criticism or disapproval very personally

  • Overcompensating with perfectionism or people-pleasing

  • Feeling misunderstood or disconnected in relationships

  • Hiding disorganization or overwhelm behind competence or humor

  • Feeling exhausted from managing the mental load of “keeping it together”

The good news is that ADHD is manageable — with the right tools, self-understanding, and strategies, people often rediscover creativity, focus, and self-compassion.