The Impact of Cognition in ADHD

 Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is not a lack of intelligence or motivation. 

 It reflects differences in cognitive regulation, particularly in how the brain manages attention, control, and effort. 

• Attention is variable rather than deficient
• Shifts between distractibility and hyperfocus
• Strongly influenced by interest, novelty, and environment

• Challenges with:
  • Planning and organisation
  • Time management
  • Task initiation and completion
• Difficulty holding goals in mind while managing distractions

• Reduced capacity to hold and manipulate information
• Instructions may be forgotten mid-task
• Impacts learning, conversation flow, and multi-step activities

• Faster emotional responses
• Difficulty pausing before reacting
• Frustration tolerance may be lower under cognitive load

•  Thinking may feel rushed or scattered
• Alternatively, slower output despite clear understanding
• Speed differences do not reflect intelligence

When cognitive demands exceed regulation capacity:

• Mental fatigue increases rapidly
• Focus collapses under pressure
• Behaviour may be misinterpreted as laziness or defiance

Supportive cognitive strategies reduce load — not capability.

 Individuals with ADHD often demonstrate:

• High creativity and innovation
• Strong problem-solving in areas of interest
• Visual, spatial, or systems-based thinking
• Energy, passion, and adaptability

 Targeted cognitive approaches support:

• Attention regulation
• Executive control
• Emotional modulation
• Learning efficiency
• Everyday functioning

ADHD is best understood as a difference in cognitive wiring, not a deficit.