ADHD isn’t about “being distracted.” It’s a complex brain wiring—full of strengths most people overlook. Here are 8 truths about ADHD that change everything (especially if you or someone you love has it): 🧵

People with ADHD often perceive time in “now” vs “not now” chunks. Functional MRI studies show reduced activity in brain regions that estimate intervals, which is why 5 minutes can feel like 5 seconds—or 5 hours. Time blindness isn’t laziness, it’s neurology.

Looks like ADHD highly heritable. Twin studies show roughly 70-80% of ADHD traits come from genetics—about the same range as height or eye color. If you have it, chances are someone in your family tree does too, diagnosed or not.

PSA from a Neuropsychologist: Your worth is NOT tied to your executive functioning. You. Are. Enough. XO, Dr. Jen

"You're Lazy!" "You're Useless!" No You're just ADHD.

I often think living with #adhd in the modern world is akin to being given a lifetime free for all ticket to a dopamine theme park, great for a day but for life?Check out my article with the great project from DeeDee - ADHD Helper on how to navigate the park at adhdhelp.app/en/blog/welcom…

Productivity gurus: “Eat the frog.” Me, ADHD: named the frog Bartholomew, crocheted him a hoodie, scheduled his TED Talk. Task still pending.

You don’t have to earn rest. Rest now—before burnout forces you to. But we were taught to work, not to heal. I’m working on a little guide for ADHD burnout. What’s been the hardest part for you?

I heard an entrepreneur say, "burnout comes from neglect." He said whether that's your health, diet, time with loved ones, doing things you enjoy, etc. neglecting something hurts your ability to function. That's true for me. I never let myself rest. What about you?

A recent large-scale study found adult women with ADHD are significantly more likely to be misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression due to different symptom presentation and masking behaviors. Representation matters—especially in mental health. (BMC Psychiatry, 2023)

ADHD fact: People with ADHD typically experience stronger emotional intensity (positive and negative), making everyday experiences feel incredibly vivid. Your big feelings are literally hardwired into your brain chemistry. (Front Psychiatry, 2021)

The Autistic/ADHD desperation to hold a thought until you can action it or write it down, because if you stop thinking about it for even a *second*, it may vanish, never to return.

“I think I have a little ADHD today!” No, you’re probably just tired or unmotivated. I have ADHD today… and yesterday… and tomorrow… and the rest of my life

Some mornings I wake up feeling like my brain ran a marathon last night—full of halfway-started thoughts and zero cool-down. And somehow I’m still expected to adult.

ADHD isn’t laziness. It’s inconsistent access to your abilities. One day you crush a 6-hour task in 30 minutes; the next you can’t answer a simple email. That whiplash isn’t a moral failing, it’s neurobiology. Celebrate the wins. Drop the shame on the rest.

I am repeatedly astounded by the traumatic toll of NOT being seen, understood, and believed. I want to remind you: YOUR pain, suffering, and loss is REAL even if people are minimizing it or trying to quantify it in relation to another’s pain. I believe you. -Dr. Jen I