ADHD in Adults: Signs That Often Go Unnoticed
We all know the stereotype of ADHD: the little boy who is hyperactive, disruptive, and bouncing off the walls in the classroom. But what if your ADHD doesn’t look anything like this? Spoiler alert: for most adults with ADHD, it doesn’t.
The Stereotype Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story
If you’re wondering whether you might have ADHD in adulthood, but don’t fit the picture of being “hyperactive” or “out of control”, you’re not alone. Many adults, especially women and those diagnosed later in life, experience ADHD in ways that are less visible to others. These ADHD symptoms beyond hyperactivity are often overlooked, which is one reason why so many people go through life without answers until adulthood.
Signs of ADHD in Adults That Are Often Missed
Here are some common signs of adult ADHD that don’t always match the stereotypes:
You can focus intensely on areas of interest, but struggle to stay on task when something feels boring.
You’re easily distracted by your own thoughts or things happening around you.
You find it hard to concentrate during conversations, and it can seem like your mind is elsewhere.
Getting started on tasks feels overwhelming, particularly if they’re not engaging.
You often misplace important items needed for work, study, or daily life.
You might interrupt others or finish their sentences without meaning to.
You can be impulsive and may find it hard to regulate emotions.
Your mind feels restless, like it’s always switched on.
Sitting still for long periods can feel uncomfortable or agitating.
Late-Diagnosed ADHD: Why It Gets Missed
For many people, particularly women, AFAB folk, or those with an internalised presentation, ADHD often flies under the radar. Because these struggles aren’t always disruptive to others, they often go unnoticed or get mistaken for stress, anxiety, or personality quirks.
Another reason ADHD is missed is that people with above-average intelligence can often compensate for their challenges, finding creative strategies to work around difficulties with focus, organisation, or motivation. This means they may achieve highly in school or university, without teachers or professors recognising the effort and hidden struggle behind the scenes.
This is why late-diagnosed ADHD is so common: the challenges are real, but invisible.
Why an ADHD Assessment Can Help
If these signs resonate with you, it may be worth exploring an adult ADHD assessment. While some ADHD-related challenges are obvious to others, many are hidden, internal, and deeply personal. An assessment can help you understand whether ADHD plays a role in your experiences and guide you toward strategies and supports that actually fit your needs.
Working with a psychologist who understands neurodiversity-affirming, adult ADHD assessments can be especially helpful if you suspect your ADHD looks different from the stereotype.
** I offer comprehensive ADHD and autism assessments for adults via telehealth across Australia or in person in Melbourne. If you’d like to explore whether ADHD may be part of your story, get in touch to begin the process **