ADULTS: All About ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is neurodevelopmental condition that presents with differences in brain function and particularly with ‘executive functions. It’s no surprise that this has an impact on an individual’s ability to organise, focus and regulate their emotions and behaviours.

During childhood, a person with ADHD may have been described as:

  • Hyperactive
  • Inattentive
  • Distracted
  • Impulsive
  • Day dreamer
  • Troublemaker
  • Not meeting their full potential

However, when that person becomes an adult, these symptoms often become more internalised. As an individual grows and are faced with trying to balance a career, family and household responsibilities, it can leave them feeling very overwhelmed and may experience a sense of feeling “out of control”.


Here are some of the main symptoms in adults with ADHD:

  • Trouble concentrating
  • Disorganisation and forgetfulness
  • Impulsivity
  • Mood Swings
  • Restlessness

ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder

Like ADHD, ASD is also a neurodevelopmental condition, which means there are differences in the development of the brain and central nervous system (CNS). The CNS is responsible for language, movement, memory, focus and social skills.

The most significant similarity between ADHD and ASD is how these differences affect decision making, impulse control, focus and organisation skills.

However, there are also key differences, most noticeably being social and communication impairments, restricted interests, repetitive behaviour and sensory difficulties.

Specific Learning Difficulties

Learning requires the executive function of the brain, which we know is affected by someone having ADHD and when they also have a learning difficulty it means they have impairments of skills.

Specific learning difficulties are NOT a reflection on intelligence, it’s a difference in how the brain receives and processes information. Examples of specific learning difficulties include:

  • Dyslexia – reading disorder
  • Dyscalculia – math disorder
  • Dysgraphia – Writing disorder
  • Dyspraxia – Problems with motor skills
  • Dysphasia/ Aphasia – Problems with language
  • Auditory processing disorder
  • Visual processing disorder

The Truth about Myth’s

The truth is, there is a lot of misinformation out there about ADHD. It doesn’t help that the diagnostic name “Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder” is an inaccurate description. In fact, most people with ADHD exhibit HYPER-FOCUS in many situations, and hyperactivity is not always present (or visible to others). Science and research are ever changing. And the more we understand, the more we can improve.

Myth 1: Only Children Can Have ADHD
It is more common for children to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, often because their symptoms are more obvious and may impact learning.

Still, many people are not diagnosed (or at least becoming aware of their symptoms), until adulthood. This is common in women and individuals who presented in childhood as a “daydreamer” as opposed to “disruptive”.

ADHD dis a lifelong condition, so an adult experiencing symptoms of ADHD, will have also had symptoms in childhood.

Myth 2: Hyperactivity is Always a Symptom of ADHD

Hyperactivity is a symptom of ADHD, however, not everyone with ADHD will demonstrate hyperactivity. In fact, some may be predominately inattentive which is likely to display as disorganisation, forgetfulness or carelessness.

Hyperactivity may also be more “internalized” such as racing thoughts, excessive worries etc.

Myth 3: ADHD Means You Can NEVER Focus

Sure, difficulty focusing on “less preferred” tasks is common for individuals with ADHD. On the other side of this, for “preferred” activities they may be able to focus intensely and preform at a high level. This is called HYPER-FOCUS. These variations in “executive functions” are a hallmark of ADHD.

Myth 4: ADHD Isn’t a Real Medical Condition

ADHD is recognized medical condition, in Ontario ADHD can be diagnosed by Medical Doctors, Psychologists and Nurse Practitioners. ADHD is connected to differences in the production of brain chemicals (dopamine, norepinephrine, and glutamate).

These chemicals are important in control of the brains “executive functions” which lead to the symptoms of ADHD.