What is ADHD?

ADHD, the basics.

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental difference in how you regulate attention, activity level, impulses and emotions. It isn't a lack of attention — it's difficulty directing attention where you choose, when you choose.

Often described as an interest-based nervous system.

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The guide, as designed. The same content is written out below.

What is ADHD?, page 1 of the handout as designed

See page 2

Importance vs. interest

What gets the engine going

Many brains run on: Importance

"It matters, so I'll do it" — even when it's dull.

vs.

Many ADHD brains run on:

Interest — It grabs you
Novelty — It's new or fresh
Challenge — It's a puzzle to crack
Urgency — A deadline is close
Passion — It means a lot to you

Low on all five? Starting can feel impossible. That's about fuel, not character.

Three ways it can show up

01 · Mostly inattentive

Drifting off mid-task or mid-conversation
Losing track of things, time or steps
Hard to start or finish dull tasks

02 · Mostly hyperactive-impulsive

Restless body, hard to stay still
Speaking or acting before thinking it through
Waiting feels really hard

03 · Combined

A mix of both patterns
Which side leads can shift over time
Often looks different at home vs. work or school

Hyperactivity can be internal.

For many people — especially adults — it looks less like bouncing off walls and more like a busy mind that won't switch off.

Myths vs. what's true

"It's just a kid thing." → For many people, ADHD continues into adulthood.

"People with ADHD can't focus." → Many can hyperfocus on whatever grabs their interest.

"They just need to try harder." → Effort isn't the gap — the right supports are.

Strengths

many describe…

Creativity
Energy & enthusiasm
Hyperfocus
Calm in a crisis
Big-picture ideas
Humor
Curiosity

Find your fuel.

Work through these alone, in session, or with someone you trust. Short answers count. Jump around — start with whichever one grabs you.

Think of a time you got lost in something for hours. Which of the five fuels — interest, novelty, challenge, urgency, passion — was running?
Pick one task that keeps stalling. Which fuel could you add to it — a timer, a twist, a partner, a reward?
Where does your restlessness show up — in your body, in your mind, or both? What helps it settle?
When have you been told to "just try harder"? What support would have actually helped in that moment?
Which ADHD strength do you see in yourself or someone close to you? Where does it get to shine?

Try this week

Pair one dull task with one fuel. What did you try, and how did it go?

For reflection and practice, not diagnosis. Bring it to your next session if you'd like to talk it through.