Living with Attention-Deficit /Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- CRC
- 12 minutes ago
- 3 min read
When most people hear “ADHD,” they picture a child bouncing off the walls or an adult who can’t sit still in meetings. But the truth is, ADHD is so much more than being “distracted” or “hyper.” It’s a different way of experiencing the world. It's one that comes with challenges, but also a surprising number of strengths.
It’s Not Just About Attention
ADHD isn’t simply a matter of “paying attention.” It’s about how the brain is wired to process information, regulate emotions, and stay motivated. For many of us, that means:
Starting a task with the best intentions, only to get lost halfway through.
Misplacing keys, phones, or bags… daily.
Feeling restless when we’re supposed to sit still.
Talking too much (and then realizing we interrupted someone).
Forgetting things that are important, while remembering the most random details.
ADHD shows up differently for everyone. Some people struggle more with inattention, others with hyperactivity, and some with both.
What Science Says
ADHD is neuro-developmental. That means it’s not about laziness or lack of discipline, it’s about how the brain develops. The prefrontal cortex often matures more slowly, impacting executive planning, focus, and self-control. Certain areas of the brain, such as the hippocampus and amygdala volume may be smaller thereby impacting emotional and behavioral regulation as well as impairment in memory. The reward system in the brain does not always respond the way it does for others, also making motivation tricky.
Many people also live with coexisting conditions like anxiety, depression, behavioral challenges for children or learning disorders.
ADHD by the Numbers
Here are a few statistics that might surprise you:
Among children in the US: 11% are diagnosed with ADHD (14.5% of boys, 8% of girls)
Among adults in the US: Nearly 7% (almost 60% were not diagnosed until adulthood)
It is estimated that 50-75% of US women are undiagnosed with ADHD
50% of people with ADHD report sleep problems
The Overlap with Trauma
Trauma and ADHD often look very similar. Symptoms like distractibility, restlessness, or emotional outbursts can come from either, or both.
In fact, research shows:
Trauma can trigger ADHD symptoms in people already genetically predisposed.
The more Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) someone has, the higher their risk of ADHD.
By age 12, kids with ADHD hear about 20,000 more negative messages than their peers, creating a lasting emotional impact.
Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria can also be a sign of trauma from ADHD.
The Hidden Strengths
ADHD often also comes with incredible strengths. Friends often describe people with ADHD as generous, compassionate, and empathetic.
Many are also:
Exceptionally creative
Natural problem-solvers
Curious and innovative
Deep feelers who connect strongly with others
Some even fall into the twice-exceptional "2e” category, intellectually gifted kids that have one or more specific learning or developmental challenges. They may be gifted in areas like leadership, art, or critical thinking, while also navigating ADHD or learning differences.
Learning to Thrive
Living with ADHD means learning to work with your brain, not against it. That might include therapy, medication, coaching, mindfulness, exercise, or even something as simple as building systems that fit your style (hello, sticky notes and reminders!).
We know it can challenge focus, organization, relationships, and emotional balance. We also know it often brings creativity, empathy, resilience, and unique ways of seeing the world. At CRC, we can walk alongside of you, helping you understand how your brain works, building tools that align with you, and discover strengths you might not have realized you had.
