ADHD Explained: Why It Happens, Why It Matters, and Why Everyone’s Talking About It
By Lorren Wright, Clinical Psychologist
ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions, but it is also one of the most misunderstood. If you or someone you love has ever wondered whether ADHD might explain struggles with focus, energy, or organisation, you’re not alone. Awareness of ADHD has grown rapidly in Australia, and with that comes more questions (and sometimes confusion).
At Insightful Minds Psychology in East Gosford, we often meet clients who say things like:
“I try so hard to focus but my brain just wanders off.”
“My child can build Lego for hours but can’t sit still in class for five minutes.”
“I make lists and then lose the list!”
“I feel like I’m always playing catch up while everyone else seems organised.”
So, let’s break down the big questions about ADHD in a way that’s clear, practical, and maybe even a little reassuring.
Why ADHD happens
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition, which means it starts in the way the brain develops and works. It isn’t caused by laziness, sugar, or parenting styles – and you certainly can’t “try harder” to make it go away.
What the science shows us:
Brain differences: Parts of the brain that help us focus, plan, and manage impulses work a little differently in people with ADHD.
Brain chemistry: Dopamine, a key brain chemical linked to motivation and reward, behaves differently. That’s why starting a boring task can feel like climbing a mountain, but starting a fun one feels like flying.
Family history: ADHD often runs in families, which is why you might see patterns across generations.
Other influences: Early health, pregnancy factors, and general environment can all play a role.
In short, ADHD happens because the brain is wired differently – not wrongly, just differently.
Why ADHD is important
ADHD can affect everyday life in big ways if it isn’t recognised and supported. Without the right help, people often describe feeling:
Burnt out from trying to keep up
Overwhelmed by small daily tasks
Misunderstood by teachers, colleagues, or family members
Like they are “not reaching their potential”
Left unsupported, ADHD can increase the risk of mental health difficulties such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. In children, it can lead to academic struggles and social difficulties.
But here’s the flip side: with support and strategies, people with ADHD thrive. They can do incredibly well in careers, relationships, and creative pursuits. ADHD is important because recognising it early makes the difference between years of frustration and a path towards success and wellbeing.
Why ADHD is often missed in adults
Many adults reach their 30s, 40s, or beyond before realising they have ADHD. Why? Because it doesn’t always look the way people expect.
In childhood, teachers may notice the child who blurts out answers or can’t sit still. But in adults, ADHD can look like:
Constantly losing track of time or being late
Forgetting appointments or misplacing important items (like your keys, wallet, or phone… again)
Starting lots of projects but struggling to finish them
Feeling restless or needing constant stimulation
Struggling to manage money or plan ahead
Women are particularly underdiagnosed, often because their ADHD shows up as daydreaming, overwhelm, or emotional ups and downs, rather than classic hyperactivity.
Many adults compensate by developing clever workarounds – diaries, alarms, sticky notes everywhere – but eventually the mental load becomes exhausting.
Why ADHD can be a superpower
It’s not all about struggles. People with ADHD often shine in ways that others don’t. Some of the common ADHD “superpowers” include:
Creativity: The ability to think outside the box and generate original ideas. Many artists, entrepreneurs, and innovators credit their ADHD brain for their success.
Problem-solving: ADHD minds can connect dots others miss, leading to fresh and inventive solutions.
Passion and focus: When something is interesting, ADHDers can hyperfocus, achieving in hours what might take others days.
Energy: Yes, it can be hard to sit still, but that same energy can drive careers in fast-paced, hands-on, or high-pressure environments.
Compassion: Many people with ADHD know what it feels like to be misunderstood, which often makes them empathetic and caring towards others.
As one client once said, “My brain can be noisy, but it’s also the reason I come up with the best ideas at work.”
Why ADHD seems so common now
It feels like everyone is talking about ADHD – kids, adults, celebrities, even TikTok influencers. But does that mean more people suddenly have it? Not quite.
Here’s why it seems so common today:
Better awareness: We understand ADHD more than ever before, so more people are being recognised and diagnosed.
Social media and community: People are sharing their experiences online, and others are realising “that sounds just like me”.
High demands of modern life: Juggling work, school, devices, and constant notifications makes focus harder for everyone. For people with ADHD, it highlights challenges even more.
Less stigma: More people are willing to seek help now, rather than hiding their struggles.
So, ADHD isn’t necessarily “more common” than before – but our awareness, expectations, and lifestyles mean it’s more visible than ever.
Moving forward
ADHD is a complex condition, but it doesn’t define a person. With understanding, support, and sometimes therapy or medication, people with ADHD can harness their strengths and manage their challenges.
At Insightful Minds Psychology in East Gosford, we have capacity to offer both ADHD assessments and therapy for children, adolescents, and adults. If you or someone you care about is wondering whether ADHD might be part of the picture, we are here to help.
You may also find it helpful to read our earlier article, Who is qualified to diagnose ADHD in Australia?
ADHD support on the Central Coast
If you are looking for ADHD assessment in East Gosford or would like to speak with a Central Coast psychologist about therapy for ADHD, our team at Insightful Minds is available to help. We provide professional, compassionate care for children, adolescents, and adults. Contact us today to find out how we can support you or your family.