Celebrating Different Brains
When people think about ADHD, they often picture a child who “can’t sit still” or “doesn’t pay attention.” But ADHD isn’t a lack of discipline or effort—it’s a difference in how the brain manages attention, energy, and focus. ADHD brains bring creativity, passion, and unique problem-solving skills. They also benefit from environments and tools that recognize those differences.
Let’s look at a few myths, the truth behind them, and what helps ADHD brains shine.
Myth: ADHD means you can’t pay attention.
Fact: People with ADHD can pay deep attention—sometimes for hours—when something is interesting or meaningful. The challenge isn’t about being unable to focus, but about regulating where attention goes. Shifting between tasks, or staying with something that feels dull, can be especially tough.
What helps:
- Offer choices that connect tasks to their interests.
- Use visuals, timers, or gentle reminders to support transitions.
- Break large tasks into smaller steps so success feels possible.
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Myth: ADHD looks the same in everyone.
Fact: Anyone can have an ADHD brain. Some may show their energy outwardly—through movement, excitement, or impulsivity. Others may mask their struggles. Girls, in particular, are often overlooked. Instead of being seen as “hyperactive,” many girls with ADHD push themselves to appear perfect and may feel overwhelmed inside. Because this can look like being “just responsible” or “daydreamy,” their ADHD is often missed, and they may not receive support until much later.
What helps:
- Notice hidden signs like perfectionism, over-apologizing, or burnout.
- Encourage breaks, self-compassion, and spaces where mistakes are safe.
- Affirm that effort and worth aren’t tied to doing everything “just right.”
- Value different learning and relational styles as part of a neurodiverse community.
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Myth: ADHD and Autism can’t occur together.
Fact: For many years, a person couldn’t be diagnosed with both ADHD and autism—but now AuDHD (having both) is much more widely recognized and understood. These brain differences can overlap in unique ways: some people may find transitions extra challenging, need more sensory regulation, or hyperfocus deeply on areas of interest. Recognizing AuDHD helps families and providers offer the right kinds of support without forcing kids into one “box” or another.
What helps:
- Use sensory tools and supports that meet the body’s needs (headphones, fidgets, movement breaks).
- Create environments that are flexible enough to honor both attention differences and sensory needs.
- Celebrate areas of deep focus and passion as strengths, not “symptoms.”
Ideas of things that can help:
- Use tools like checklists, planners, or color-coded systems to boost dopamine and motivation—making tasks more interesting and easier to stick with.
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- Build in movement and sensory breaks to restore focus and energy.
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- Keep routines predictable while leaving room for creativity and flexibility.
- Explore resources like The Anti-Planner by Dani Donovan or the How to ADHD community for practical strategies.
Note for parents: These resources are geared toward children, but many parents discover their own ADHD when supporting their child’s diagnosis. If you’re thinking this might be you, parent coaching can be a powerful way to explore your own brain and learn how to support both yourself and your child.
The bottom line: ADHD isn’t about deficits—it’s about differences. When we shift from “fixing” to supporting and celebrating, we create space where all kids (and adults) feel seen, capable, and proud of who they are.
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