ADHD Spectrum Explorer 🌀

Understanding the vibrant mind in a neurotypical world

Understanding ADHD

Hyperfocus

Intense concentration on activities of interest, often to the exclusion of everything else.

Time Blindness

Difficulty perceiving and managing time, often leading to chronic lateness.

Impulsivity

Acting without thinking through consequences, interrupting others, or making quick decisions.

Executive Dysfunction

Struggles with planning, organizing, and completing tasks.

Common ADHD Symptoms

Inattention

  • Difficulty sustaining focus
  • Easily distracted
  • Forgetfulness in daily activities

Hyperactivity

  • Excessive fidgeting
  • Difficulty staying seated
  • Feeling restless

Impulsivity

  • Interrupting conversations
  • Difficulty waiting turn
  • Acting without thinking

The ADHD Brain

Neurological Differences

ADHD is associated with differences in brain structure and function, particularly in the prefrontal cortex which governs executive functions like attention, impulse control, and decision-making.

Smaller prefrontal cortex

This area matures more slowly in people with ADHD.

Altered dopamine levels

Affects motivation, reward processing, and attention.

Different connectivity

Communication between brain regions may work differently.

Brain illustration
ADHD Brain

ADHD in Daily Life

Time Management

Chronic lateness, underestimating time needed for tasks, and difficulty prioritizing.

Organization

Cluttered spaces, difficulty maintaining systems, and losing important items.

Focus at Work/School

Difficulty with boring tasks, zoning out during meetings, or procrastination.

Relationships

Forgetting commitments, interrupting others, or emotional dysregulation.

Sleep Issues

Difficulty falling asleep due to racing thoughts or irregular sleep patterns.

Self-Esteem

Years of underachieving or criticism can lead to negative self-image.

ADHD Superpowers

Creativity

Making unique connections and thinking outside the box.

Energy

High levels of enthusiasm and passion for interests.

Intuition

Strong ability to read situations and people quickly.

Crisis Management

Thriving in high-pressure, fast-paced situations.

"ADHD isn't a deficit of attention, but rather a difference in attention regulation."

Resources & Help

Books

  • Driven to Distraction by Edward Hallowell
  • ADHD 2.0 by Edward Hallowell
  • You Mean I'm Not Lazy, Stupid or Crazy?! by Kate Kelly

Websites

  • CHADD.org
  • ADDitudeMag.com
  • ADHDawarenessmonth.org

Support

  • Find a specialist
  • Join support groups
  • Therapy options

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