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Do you have difficulty focusing? Misplace everyday items? Often find you’re running late? Have trouble staying on topic? Feel full of nervous energy? Get easily distracted? 

 

 

These are common signs of ADHD, which affects more than one million Australians. We’ll explore what ADHD is, how it impacts day-to-day life, share some tips and tricks to support an ADHD brain, and draw on some of the amazing strengths that can come with ADHD.  

What is ADHD? 

 

ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The name is in itself can be a bit misleading. People with ADHD don’t necessarily have a deficit of attention, in fact, they might pay attention to too many things at once, which can make it hard to focus on just one. We’ll discuss this idea a bit more later.  

 

ADHD is a form a neurodivergence which means the brain is wired differently from what’s considered “neurotypical” (referring to people without ADHD or autism). These differences can affect how a person experiences and responds to the world around them.   

 

One important difference is that the ADHD brain may have lower levels of dopamine, a chemical that helps us feel motivated, rewarded, and experience pleasure when we do something enjoyable. Because of this, tasks that don’t feel that interesting or exciting (like doing dishes or homework) can be especially hard to start or finish, even if the person wants to get them done. It’s not laziness or lack of care; the brain simply finds it harder to engage with tasks that don’t give an immediate sense of reward. 

 

ADHD also affects something called executive functioning - the brain's management system that helps us plan, organise, prioritise, manage time, remember things, and control impulses. This can make it harder for people with ADHD to filter out distractions, stay on track, and make decisions. It’s like their brain is constantly receiving input from multiple channels at once, which makes focusing in the moment very tough. 

 

On top of all that, people with ADHD may feel misunderstood or be criticised for doing things differently, like interrupting, moving around a lot, forgetting things, or seeming “disorganised.” Over time, this can lead to feelings of shame, self-doubt, or believing something is "wrong" with them. They may feel overwhelmed, inadequate, or sad, especially when comparing themselves to others who don’t experience these challenges. 

 

Understanding how the ADHD brain works can help reduce this shame and stigma, because these struggles aren’t about effort or laziness. They’re about how the brain is wired. With support and understanding, people with ADHD can learn to work with their brains, not against them. 

 

 

Signs of ADHD 

While signs of ADHD must have been present in childhood, diagnosis can happen at any age, and in any gender. ADHD has a neurological and genetic basis, which means it often runs in families. 

 

You might have noticed more people being diagnosed with ADHD or you’re hearing about it more recently. One reason could be that we’re learning a lot more about ADHD as a society. That means individuals and health professionals are getting better at spotting signs, especially in groups like young women who may have been overlooked in the past. This is the reason a lot of people are receiving diagnoses later in life.  

 

It’s important to remember that one size does not fit all with ADHD! ADHD looks different for everyone and can affect day-to-day life in a range of ways. There are three main types: 

Hyperactive-Impulsive type – often full of energy, may blurt out thoughts or act before thinking 

Inattentive type – often daydreaming, easily distracted, or forgetful 

Combined type – a blend of both hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive traits 

 

 

Amazing strengths associated with ADHD

While having an ADHD brain can bring challenges - especially in a world designed for neurotypical brains - it can also come with incredible strengths. People with ADHD can be the most incredibly creative and enthusiastic people you’ll ever come across. These strengths might take time to harness or may not be helpful in every situation (for example, hyperfocus or high energy can be both a strength and a difficulty). Let’s have a look at how some of these potential strengths.   

 

Here are just a few potential strengths: 

• High energy – Great for active roles like athletes or jobs that require movement. This energy can also help with everyday tasks like studying, working, or walking the dog. 
• Creative problem-solving – People with ADHD often think outside the box and notice things others may miss. This can help them find unique solutions and connect ideas in original ways. 
• Hyperfocus – Some people with ADHD can experience periods of “flow state” where they become fully absorbed and focused on an activity and give it their full attention. This can be amazingly useful in helping them learn more about a topic, practice a hobby, or create something.   
• Willingness to try new things – Research shows people with ADHD are sometimes less afraid to take risks, meaning they can more easily step outside their comfort zones, face fears with bravery, and encourage others to do the same.  
• People skills and a good sense of humour - People with ADHD are often bright, optimistic, energetic and possess skills to get conversations going. This can be useful in a context with less talkative people, to help them feel more at ease.  
• Creativity – Research has found that ADHD is associated with higher levels of creative thinking and artistic expression. 
• Resilience and empathy – People with ADHD often develop strong empathy and the ability to bounce back from setbacks. They may relate deeply to others who are struggling and show strong emotional insight.  

 

 

Supporting ADHD

Strong scientific research shows us that there are some treatments and strategies that can be incredibly helpful to manage symptoms of ADHD and make day-to-day life easier for people with ADHD and their loved ones. These include: 

• Psychological therapy – Working with a psychologist can help develop tools for emotional regulation, focus, and understanding yourself and your brain  
• Medication – Medication can support attention, impulsivity, and energy levels when prescribed by a psychiatrist or paediatrician 
• Mindfulness and relaxation techniques – These can help calm the nervous system, improve attention, and reduce stress 
• Self-compassion – Learning to treat yourself with kindness in tough moments can help counter shame and help you cope 
• Regular exercise – Physical activity can help manage energy, mood, sleep, and attention 
• Fidget tools – Can be helpful for self-regulation and improving focus during tasks 
• Reward systems – Celebrating small achievements can increase motivation  
• Healthy routines – Getting enough sleep and eating regular, nutritious meals can have a big impact on our focus, energy levels, and wellbeing 

 

 

Getting diagnosed and accessing appropriate supports can make a big difference in the lives of people with ADHD. At Willow Tree, we are dedicated to supporting neurodivergent individuals. We offer ADHD and autism assessments for people 17 years or older and have clinicians that specialise in ADHD. Please get in touch if you are interested in an assessment (info@willowtreepsychology.com.au).  

 

Take care, and stay tuned for our next blog!