ADHD Therapy
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a distinctive way of perceiving, attending, and interacting with the world. Clinically, ADHD is defined by the DSM‑5‑TR as a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity‑impulsivity that interferes with functioning and development across multiple settings, beginning in childhood (American Psychiatric Association, 2022).
The DSM criteria are used for diagnosis, treatment, and accommodations, but they describe outcomes or consequences of an ADHD identity in a particular environment. They reflect the observable behaviors and reported experiences of ADHD people but they are not ADHD itself.
ADHD as Neurodevelopmental Identity
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental identity, not merely a set of symptoms (Norman et al., 2024). Behaviors such as inattention, distractibility, and sensitivity to immediate rewards reflect how the ADHD brain is organized (Aster et al., 2024).
ADHD people often experience heightened sensory processing and bottom-up attention, drawing them to novel or salient information rather than filtering it out (Smith et al., 2024). Reduced top-down control makes it harder to ignore irrelevant stimuli, but it also expands the range of information available for creative thinking, open mindedness, and problem-solving (Doe et al., 2024). This attentional style supports out-of-the-box ideas, associative thinking, and novelty seeking, consistent with reports that individuals with ADHD take in a great deal of information, not too little (Fang et al., 2025).
CAFFEINE!!
Hyperfocus, Depth, and Strengths
States of hyperfocus and deep engagement are natural attentional patterns that support learning, creativity, and problem-solving, highlighting strengths inherent to ADHD cognition (Steenhuis et al., 2020). An appreciation for depth and thorough understanding further reinforces ADHD as a consistent, adaptive neurodevelopmental identity. These cognitive and attentional strengths show that ADHD is not a collection of deficits, but a distinct way of perceiving, engaging with, and connecting to the world and to others (Lin et al., 2025).
Gender and Sexual Identity
A bottom‑up cognitive processing style may also shape ADHD people’s intersecting gender and sexual identities, reflecting a cognitive approach that emphasizes internal experience and personal meaning over externally imposed social norms (Warrier et al., 2025). ADHD adults report significantly greater diversity in sexual experiences and orientation patterns compared to non-ADHD adults (Hertz et al., 2022).
Relational Style and Social Interaction
Traits like emotional intensity, rapid engagement, and directness in social interactions are often part of an ADHD individual’s relational style. Many prioritize authenticity, acceptance of others differences, and responsiveness in communication over small talk and social niceties (Dziemian et al., 2025). This relational orientation shapes how individuals approach friendships and intimate connections, with ADHD people often favoring meaningful interactions and collaborative engagement over conventional social scripts.
ADHD Beyond Pathology
Understanding ADHD as an identity does not minimize real challenges experienced by ADHD people. Many individuals experience stress, exhaustion from masking, and shame, particularly in environments that demand extended attention without engagement. Diagnosis remains essential for accessing accommodations, differentiating ADHD from other conditions, and guiding effective supports. At the same time, ADHD is not a collection of deficits. Rather, symptoms are the visible expressions of a distinct neurodevelopmental identity, marked by unique strengths and ways of being in the world.