Understanding ADHD

Understanding
Written By Vanessa Phan - Guest author

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or previously known as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is a developmental condition that begins in early childhood. With persistent symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, it changes the way the brain manages concentration, emotions, impulses, organisation, and motivation.

  • Around 1 in 20 Australians have ADHD, making it one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions (Australian ADHD Professionals Association).

  • More than 3 in 4 children diagnosed with ADHD continue to experience symptoms into adulthood, with 7 in 10 still meeting criteria later in life (Australian ADHD Professionals Association; Better Help Channel Victoria).

  • Although ADHD is more commonly diagnosed in boys, it’s often underdiagnosed in girls and adults due to differences in how symptoms present and are recognised (Healthdirect Australia).

Many people spend years feeling misunderstood before receiving the right support, which is why understanding ADHD with compassion rather than judgement can make such a meaningful difference.

Symptoms

Symptoms will look different from person to person and may change with age. Indicators are divided into 3 categories:

Inattention

  • Easily distracted or daydream often

  • Forget instructions or lose belongings

  • Start tasks but forget to finish them

  • Difficulty organising time, tasks, or routines

  • Avoid tasks that require sustained mental effort

Hyperactivity

  • Fidgeting or feeling restless

  • Word vomit or talking excessively with little breaks

  • Struggling to stay still or in one spot

  • Difficulty relaxing or resting

  • Constantly ‘on the go’

  • Difficulty stopping or slowing conversations

Impulsivity

  • Interrupt conversations and finishing sentences

  • Act before thinking

  • Blurting out answers

  • Struggle with patience or waiting

  • React quickly without considering consequences

  • Seek stimulation or risky behaviour

ADHD is more likely to occur alongside other conditions such as anxiety, depression, autism, learning difficulties, sleep problems, and emotional regulation issues. This is partly because ADHD can make everyday tasks like focusing, coping with stress, and managing emotions feel much harder and exhausting over time. 

 

Diagnostic Criteria (DSM-5)

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th Edition; DSM-5), a person must show the following to receive an ADHD diagnosis:

  • At least 6 symptoms of inattention for children (or 5 for adolescents aged 17+ and adults) present OR

  • At least 6 symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity for children (or 5 for adolescents aged 17+ and adults) present

  • Symptoms lasting for at least 6 months

  • Symptoms causing significant difficulties in daily activity

  • Symptoms present before the age of 12

  • Symptoms occurring across multiple settings such as home, school, work, or social gatherings

  • Symptoms not better explained by another mental health, developmental, or medical condition

 

ADHD may present as:

  • Predominately inattention presentation

  • Predominately hyperactive/impulsive presentation

  • Combined presentation of both

 

A diagnosis isn’t about labelling someone. It’s about understanding how their brain works so they can receive the right support.

 

Misconceptions of ADHD and its Effect on Self-Esteem

ADHD is often misunderstood as laziness, bad behaviour, poor parenting, lack of intelligence, or someone ‘not trying hard enough’. Many people with ADHD spend years hearing comments like ‘Just focus’, ‘Try harder’, ‘You’re lazy’, ‘You have so much potential.’. Over time, this can negatively impact your self-esteem, confidence, and wellbeing. Some people may begin to feel ashamed, not good enough, frustrated with themselves, anxious about making mistakes, and worried about disappointing others. The constant pressure of this can become emotionally exhausting and deeply impact the way a person sees themselves.

 

Emotional Regulation and Burnout

ADHD isn’t only about attention and hyperactivity. Many people with ADHD also struggle with emotional regulation, making emotions feel bigger, faster, and harder to handle. Frustration, disappointment, rejection, or stress can feel more intense and harder to ‘switch off’. Many people with ADHD spend years trying to mask their struggles, stay organised, meet expectations, or avoid criticism. Over time, it can lead to burnout, self-esteem issues, anxiety, or emotional overwhelm if not addressed properly.

 

Playing to Your Strengths

While it’s easy to focus on the challenges, people with ADHD also have unique strengths and positive qualities too. With the right support and environments, these qualities can become real assets in everyday life, relationships, school, work, and home. Some common ADHD strengths are:

  • Being creative and thinking outside the box

  • Passionate and enthusiastic

  • Quick thinking and problem solving

  • Humour and strong personalities

  • High energy and curiosity

  • Hyperfocus on interests you enjoy

  • High drive and motivation

  • Takes risks and enjoys new challenges

  • Resilience and adaptability

Many people with ADHD thrive when they feel understood, seen, and heard. This helps them work with their brain instead of against it.

Strategies and Support

ADHD is not curable, but with the right strategies and support, many people learn ways to manage their symptoms and thrive. Support often works best with a whole, rounded approach that considers emotional wellbeing, relationships, routines, strengths, and daily functioning, not just the symptoms themselves. Treatment and support are specific to each person and may involve both medical and non-medical approaches. Helpful strategies include:

  • Psychological therapy or counselling

  • Positive parenting strategies and family support

  • School or workplace adjustments

  • Visual reminders, routines, and organisational strategies

  • Regular exercise, sleep, and healthy lifestyle habits

  • Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps

  • Emotional regulation and self-esteem support

  • Reducing distractions where possible

  • Allowing extra time for transitions

  • Medication support if necessary

Many people with ADHD benefit from calm communication, encouragement, predictable routines, and environments that embrace them instead of adding pressure. It’s important to focus on progression rather than perfection. Growth is not linear and setbacks don’t mean failure.

 

Helpful Resources

ADHD Australia (https://www.adhdaustralia.org.au)

Information, advocacy, and support groups for people with ADHD and their families.

Healthdirect Australia (https://www.healthdirect.gov.au)

Trusted Australian health information about ADHD symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and support.

ADHD Foundation Australia (https://adhdfoundation.org.au)

Resources, education, webinars, and support for children, adolescents, adults, and carers.

Raising Children Network ADHD Resources (https://raisingchildren.net.au/adhd)

Practical parenting strategies, school support ideas, and family guidance.

 

Vanessa Phan - Guest author