Understanding ADHD: Beyond Childhood

Written By Sarah Tumbers

When most people think of ADHD, they picture a hyperactive child bouncing off the walls or someone who can't sit still in class. But ADHD (Attention-Deficit-Hyperactivity-Disorder) isn’t just a childhood condition. It's a neurodevelopmental difference that can affect people across their entire lives, and it shows up in adults in ways that are often misunderstood or missed altogether.

Let’s break it down.

 
 

What Is ADHD, Really?

ADHD is a natural variation in brain wiring. It impacts how a person manages attention, energy levels, organization, memory, and emotion regulation. It’s not about being lazy or lacking discipline—it’s about having a brain that processes information differently.

There are three main types of ADHD:

  1. Predominantly Inattentive Type – Difficulty sustaining attention, staying organized, following through on tasks.

  2. Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type – High energy, restlessness, impulsivity, acting without thinking.

  3. Combined Type – A mix of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive traits.

It’s also important to note that every individual will experience ADHD in a unique way.

ADHD in Adults: The Invisible Struggle

For many individuals ADHD doesn't go away with age—it just looks different.

In adults, hyperactivity often turns inward. Instead of running around the room, adults might feel mentally restless or overwhelmed by daily tasks. Instead of interrupting the class, they might interrupt conversations or struggle with impulsive decision-making.

Here are some common ways ADHD shows up in adults:

  • Ongoing disorganization (losing things, messy spaces, difficulty starting or finishing tasks)

  • Time blindness (difficulty estimating time or arriving on time)

  • Forgetfulness (missing appointments, forgetting tasks even with reminders)

  • Emotional intensity (big feelings, difficulty managing frustration or rejection)

  • Executive dysfunction (struggling to plan, organise, prioritize, and follow through)

Many adults with ADHD feel like they’re always playing catch-up or living in “crisis mode,” even if they’re high-achieving or outwardly successful. To note, these challenges must cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning to warrant diagnosis.

 
 

How ADHD in Adults Differs from ADHD in Children

While the core traits remain the same, here’s how ADHD often shifts with age:

In children:

  • Physical hyperactivity (running, climbing, fidgeting)

  • Impulsivity in behaviour (blurting out answers, trouble waiting their turn)

  • School challenges (not paying attention, disruptive in class)

  • Parent/teacher-led routines

 

In adults:

  • Internal restlessness (racing thoughts, tapping, needing constant stimulation)

  • Impulsive decisions (shopping sprees, quitting jobs, risky behaviours)

  • Work and relationship challenges (missing deadlines, burnout, communication struggles)

  • Self-managed structure (which can be much harder to maintain)

Also, children are often supported by adult structures—teachers, parents, school schedules—while adults are expected to “just manage.” That can be especially difficult when ADHD has gone undiagnosed or misunderstood for years.

Why It’s Often Missed in Adults

Many ADHDers grew up being told they were “lazy,” “too sensitive,” or “just not trying hard enough,” and even developed a trauma-response to such accusations. Some may have learned to mask or overcompensate for their struggles—especially women, who are often underdiagnosed.

Because ADHD in adults doesn’t always look like what people expect, it can be mistaken for anxiety, depression, or even a personality flaw. Seeking support can feel like things finally make sense—and it can open the door to self-understanding, better strategies, and self-compassion.

ADHD Is a Difference, Not a Defect

While ADHD can be challenging—especially in a world built for neurotypical brains—it’s not a flaw. People are often creative, empathetic, quick-thinking, and great at spotting connections others miss.

The issue isn’t the ADHD itself—it’s the mismatch between the brain and an environment that doesn’t support how it works. If you have been diagnosed with ADHD, this might just part of the journey, know this: you're not alone, and support is out there. See below for links to helpful information.

 
 


Resources

  • Education & Information

    • ADHD Australia – adhdaustralia.org.au
      A national advocacy and information hub with tools for navigating diagnosis, treatment, and support options across Australia.

    • HealthDirect Australia (ADHD Overview) – healthdirect.gov.au/adhd
      Government-backed medical info including symptoms, pathways to diagnosis, and local treatment options.

  • Community & Peer Support in Queensland

  • Diagnosis & Professional Help in QLD

    • GPs
      Your GP is your first stop for ADHD assessment or referral. You can:

      • Ask for a referral for a formal assessment of ADHD or Autism by a psychiatrist or psychologist specialising in that area of assessment.

      • Ask for a referral to see a psychologist that can assist with functional and mental health challenges.

  • Global ADHD Resources (Also Helpful!)

Sarah Tumbers
Previous

Understanding Masking in Autism and ADHD: A Deep Dive into Its Impacts and Implications
Next

Understanding Autism