ADHD is a lifelong condition; meaning that while symptoms can and do change with age, therapy, and medication, the neurodevelopmental disorder itself does not disappear. It impacts work, school, relationships, organization, emotional regulation, routines, and decision-making.
There are two important ADHD myths we want to dispel right off the bat:
- ADHD is not caused by laziness, poor parenting, or lack of effort.
- ADHD can present very differently for different people.
Unmasking the Three Faces of ADHD
Let’s explore the three types or “faces” of ADHD according to the DSM-5-TR. When someone has ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Presentation, they’re likely to have…
- Difficulty sustaining attention
- Forgetfulness
- Losing things
- Distractibility
- Trouble finishing tasks
If someone has ADHD, Predominantly Hyperactive/Impulsive Presentation, they’re likely to experience…
- Restlessness
- Fidgeting
- Talking over others
- Difficulty waiting
- Constant movement or “on the go”
- Impulsive decisions or comments
If someone has ADHD, Combined Presentation, they’re likely to have a mix of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. This is the most common clinical presentation.
Common Signs
There are many common signs of ADHD to be aware of, whether within yourself or, if you’re a parent, within your child.
Adult Check-In for Yourself:
- Chronic disorganization
- Poor time management
- Hyperfocus on certain interests, but difficulty with tasks that feel boring
- Trouble prioritizing
- Feeling overwhelmed easily
- Interrupting in conversation
- Difficulty managing work or household routines
- Emotional sensitivity or rejection sensitivity
Parent Check-In for Your Child:
- Trouble sitting still
- Difficulty following multi-step directions
- Emotional outbursts
- Forgetting homework/materials
- Acting without thinking
- Daydreaming
- Trouble playing quietly
If you notice these patterns within yourself or your child, and they are longstanding, it may be ADHD.
While ADHD can negatively impact one’s self-esteem, school/work performance, and ability to organize, plan, emotionally regulate, make decisions, and manage time… therapy can help reduce shame, build understanding, and teach the strategies you need to help you with your daily tasks and achieve your dreams.
When it comes to ADHD, there is no “just try harder.” You just need the right tools! Thriving with ADHD is totally possible. Reach out today to begin discovering how!
Written by Katy Sullivan
References
CHADD. General prevalence of ADHD in children. Retrieved November 28, 2025, from https://chadd.org/about-adhd/general-prevalence-children/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, November 19). Data and statistics on ADHD. Retrieved November 28, 2025, from https://www.cdc.gov/adhd/data/index.html