There are many stereotypes that surround ADHD, one of them being that successful, hard-working, and high-achieving individuals couldn’t possibly have it. This is in fact, a myth. There are a great many individuals with ADHD who are high achievers, gaining advanced degrees, building thriving careers, and launching successful businesses, all whilst functioning with, often undiagnosed, high-functioning ADHD. 

What is High-Functioning ADHD? 

ADHD impacts individuals differently. Some may find that it severely impacts their daily lives, making holding down jobs, arranging appointments, remembering deadlines, sitting through meetings, and keeping focus extremely difficult. Others may find that it doesn’t affect their lives at all. These individuals have what we would call High-Functioning ADHD, where people with (undiagnosed) ADHD continue with their day-to-day activities, seemingly unaffected by their ADHD traits. 

People with high-functioning ADHD often find very effective coping mechanisms that allow them to carry on with their busy lives and careers, finding compensating strategies that help them overcome their symptoms. Others may find that their symptoms are very mild and don’t affect their daily activities and it is also possible that specific ADHD symptoms are experienced by an individual, meaning that they only struggle in certain areas and are unaffected or excel in others. 

Having high-functioning ADHD can get confusing, especially when the stereotypes of ADHD paint a very different picture. Feeling different to others and having to work twice as hard compared to someone who is seemingly sailing through life can be tough. Not knowing that you have high-functioning ADHD but striving to appear “normal” can be extremely overwhelming. 

Symptoms of High-Functioning ADHD

Although people with high-functioning ADHD tend to be undiagnosed, it does involve symptoms that are comparable to clinical ADHD. Common symptoms include: 

• Difficulty managing time, and continuously running late. 

• Missing appointments and deadlines. 

• Struggling with focus and concentration and constantly procrastinating.

• Interrupting other’s conversations. 

• Trouble sitting still for long periods of time. 

• Starting projects and not finishing them.

Characteristics and Unlocking the Full Potential of High-Functioning ADHD (AKA Your Superpowers!) 

ADHD often gets negative coverage, proclaiming that an individual is deficient is something that “normal” people are not, meaning that they potentially cannot function in society. This is also a myth. ADHD symptoms can undoubtedly be likened to superpowers, allowing life to be interesting, abundant, and outright remarkable all at the same time. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of having high-functioning ADHD and just how to unlock the full potential of them. 

Hyperfocus 

An intense fixation on an interest or activity for an extended period is how we would describe the superpower of hyperfocus. An individual with ADHD who is passionate about something can find that they become engrossed in it and often block out the world around them. Hyperfocus can be used to your full advantage to achieve dreams, career goals or personal aspirations. 

Innovative Thinking 

Individuals with ADHD can often be great problem solvers. Their ADHD brains allows them to think outside the box and try different methods that others with non-ADHD brains would not. This superpower can be extremely effective when brainstorming for projects or big business meetings where unique solutions to problems are required. 

Creativity 

There is a very strong link between ADHD and creativity, and this could be attributed to many other ADHD symptoms. Qualities like impulsivity and innovation can promote creative thinking and the likelihood of taking creative risks. Possessing the superpower of creativity could mean that you could potentially excel in artistic, entrepreneurial, or tech-driven fields. 

Energy and Enthusiasm 

The ability to keep going is a trait many with ADHD possess and this can be an extremely positive superpower to possess in all aspects of life, allowing an individual to be bold, adventurous, take risks, seize opportunities, and feel like they can achieve anything and be abundantly capable. 

Empathy and Sensitivity 

People with ADHD often possess vast amounts of empathy and can experience hypersensitivity, leading to feelings of overwhelm and exhaustion. Alternatively, it can make them the greatest friends and caregivers, with the ability to truly understand how a person is feeling and ultimately help them feel better. 

Resilience and Perseverance 

Often, individuals with ADHD have had to work twice as hard to get where they want to be and to achieve what they desire, facing more knockbacks and hurdles than those without it. Facing continuous challenges like this builds an enormous sense of resilience and perseverance. 

How to Navigate the Challenges of High-Functioning ADHD

It is likely that a person with high-functioning ADHD has already created a handful of coping strategies to enable them to function like others without the condition. Getting an ADHD assessment and diagnosis are so much harder with high-functioning ADHD’ers because of the mask (coping mechanism) that has been created to hide the underlying symptoms. 

However, developing coping strategies can be extremely beneficial and help to unlock the true potential of high-functioning ADHD: 

• Identify your strengths and explore interests and passions, harnessing their power, potentially leading to exceptional achievements. 

• Structure your own support by implementing effective strategies for organisation, time management, and focus. Utilise your phone alarm and reminders, leave notes in the most used areas of your house, set your clock 10 minutes fast, write schedules the night before and create solid routines that are easily repeatable. 

• Ask for accommodations to be made where possible. In the workplace and educational settings, asking for extended deadlines or alternative workspaces can help individuals with ADHD thrive. 

• Practice mindfulness and self-care routines regularly such as exercise, adequate sleep, and a balanced diet to aid focus and overall well-being. 

Treatment: ADHD Assessment and Diagnosis

ADHD is in no way a limitation, but rather a different way of experiencing the world. Here at Beyond, a specialist, private ADHD clinic in Manchester, we truly believe that your ADHD is your superpower. Whether you're undiagnosed, high-functioning or have a clinical ADHD diagnosis, Beyond can provide you with an expert ADHD assessment and treatment that is entirely focused on you. 

To start your journey today, contact one of our experienced mental health specialists at our private ADHD clinic in Manchester.