
Rethinking the ADHD brain: appreciating the spark.
Clinical psychologist Dr Sally Clifford writes for ADHD Awareness month.
October marks many things, including the blooming of Jacarandas, longer day light hours and spooky Halloween, but it also marks Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Awareness Month; a campaign for educating, advocating for, recognising the challenges and strengths of, and empowering individuals with ADHD.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental brain difference that affects attention span, impulse control and executive functioning (mental) skills. Symptoms include inattentiveness, distractibility, hyperactivity and impulsivity or a combination of these, which impact daily functioning. Contrary to common misconceptions, both children and adults are affected by ADHD and are affected, on some level, for life.
ADHD can present quite differently in girls and women, with this presentation being more internalised (e.g., day dreaming inattentive features) and associated with anxiety and depression, so girls are often missed or diagnosed later in comparison to boys who often present with the more stereotypical behaviour. Genes are the biggest contributor to ADHD, but there is not only one “ADHD gene,” there are multiple. ADHD runs in families.

Some of the world’s most important creations and inventions have come from ADHD brains (think Microsoft, Walt Disney and Simone Biles’ talent)

A common ADHD experience
People with ADHD are far more likely to have experienced negative judgements and interactions from people in society. For example, ADHDers who have trouble following through on tasks can be mis-labelled as ‘lazy’ or those having trouble starting tasks may be labelled as ‘non-compliant’ and, sadly, may even come to believe this themselves. You can help them by understanding their way of thinking and by acknowledging the unique strengths of the ADHD brain.
Strengths of the ADHD brain
In recent time we’ve begun to see anecdotal and research evidence for the many strengths that neurodivergent people have and offer our society. Studies show that ADHD brains typically have lower levels of Dopamine, so are more likely to prioritise rewarding tasks that will generate Dopamine in the brain. ADHDers are born to break ground and innovate; in fact, some of the world’s most important creations and inventions have come from ADHD brains (think Microsoft, Walt Disney and Simone Biles’ talent). ADHDers are also highly adaptive to new settings and generally thrive in different settings, having a more open mind and greater tolerance and acceptance of diversity.
Coupled with an ability to hyperfocus on things that interest and drive them, ADHDers can drill down to details and can get things done, often outside the box! This might mean losing track of time and forgetting to pay attention to other details, but doing a deep dive into something you love or are an expert in can bring greatness.
So, in October, rethink the ADHD brain and appreciate it for its spark, passion, risk taking, optimism and creativity and remember ADHD brains are “different, not less“ (quote and book title of Chloe Hayden, lived experience author).
Important links This article was written by clincial psychologist Dr Sally Clifford.
Dr Sally is a psychologist for Hey Lemonade and works clinically in her private practice
Marvellous Minds Psychology. She is dedicated to helping individuals lead fulfilling lives.
This article was written by clincial psychologist Dr Sally Clifford.
Dr Sally is a psychologist for Hey Lemonade and works clinically in her private practice
Marvellous Minds Psychology. She is dedicated to helping individuals lead fulfilling lives.