If you have ADHD or think you might:
The A.D.D. Resource Center can help!

Communication

Why Your ADHD Might Make Others Uncomfortable (And Why It’s Okay)

by

If you have ADHD, you’ve likely seen “the look”—the flash of impatience, confusion, or discomfort in someone’s eyes when your symptoms show up. This article explores why common ADHD traits like interrupting, fidgeting, and emotional intensity can challenge social norms and make others feel uncomfortable. More importantly, it reframes this dynamic. You’ll learn how to differentiate your responsibility to manage your symptoms from the impossible burden of managing other people’s feelings. We’ll cover practical strategies for self-advocacy, setting boundaries, and, ultimately, releasing the “shame” that comes from being told you’re “too much” or “not enough.” This is about understanding the friction so you can navigate it with confidence.

Every Vote Counts: Why Your Participation in Democracy Matters

by

Choosing not to vote doesn’t mean you’re staying neutral. In practice, not voting can effectively become a vote for the candidate you least want to win. When you stay home, you’re not just withholding support from your preferred candidate – you’re making it easier for their opponent to win. If the candidate you oppose wins by a small margin, every non-voter who opposed them but didn’t cast a ballot contributed to that outcome. Your absence at the polls strengthens the relative power of those who do show up, including those supporting candidates or policies you may strongly oppose.

How to Break Your Phone Addiction: An ADHD-Friendly Guide

by

You know the pattern: you pick up your phone to check one thing, and suddenly an hour has vanished into a digital void. You feel frustrated, ashamed, and stuck in a cycle you can’t seem to break. But here’s what you need to understand: this isn’t a character flaw or a lack of discipline. Your ADHD brain is wired to seek dopamine—a neurotransmitter critical for pleasure, motivation, and focus—and your smartphone is engineered to exploit that vulnerability. Each notification, like, and swipe delivers a small dopamine hit that feels irresistible in the moment but leaves you depleted, anxious, and unable to focus on what truly matters. Breaking this cycle isn’t about willpower; it’s about understanding your brain’s needs and working with your neurology, not against it.

AI Dating Responses Are Everywhere: How to Find Authentic Connections (Especially with ADHD)

by

Dating apps have become flooded with AI-generated responses, leaving many people frustrated and disconnected. This guide explores how to identify AI-crafted messages, why this trend is particularly challenging for individuals with ADHD, and what alternatives exist for finding genuine connections. You’ll learn practical strategies to spot inauthentic communication, understand the psychological impact of AI in dating, and discover real-world alternatives that prioritize authenticity over algorithms.

When Your Other Child Asks: “Why Does My Sibling Get All the Attention?”

by

The sibling who doesn’t have ADHD is watching—and forming conclusions. When you need to redirect your ADHD child for the third time during dinner, when you’re helping them find shoes that were “right there a second ago,” when bedtime takes an extra 45 minutes of regulation support—your other child is drawing conclusions about what this means. Without your guidance, they might conclude that their sibling is careless, isn’t trying hard enough, or gets away with things they wouldn’t be allowed to do. These misunderstandings can harden into lifelong stigma. But here’s the opportunity: this question is actually a gift. It means your neurotypical child trusts you enough to voice their confusion, and it gives you the chance to shape how they understand human difference. The language you use now will influence not just their relationship with their sibling, but how they think about disability, neurodiversity, and what it means to be “smart” or “capable” for the rest of their lives.

Truth vs. Tact: An ADHD Guide to Strategic Honesty

by

Your ADHD brain races ahead—words spill out before filters kick in. That raw honesty? It’s powerful when used wisely, but can damage relationships if mistimed. The answer isn’t suppressing yourself; it’s learning when to refine with PC and when to let your truth shine.

The Hidden Language: Understanding Body Language and Verbal Cues for Better Communication

by

Communication extends far beyond the words we speak. In fact, research suggests that a significant portion of human communication is nonverbal, transmitted through body language and vocal elements that accompany our speech. For individuals with ADHD, autism, and developmental disabilities, understanding and recognizing these nonverbal signals can be particularly challenging yet incredibly valuable for social interaction and relationship building.

Shyness vs. Social Anxiety: Understanding the Key Differences

by

Recognizing the difference between shyness and social anxiety can be life-changing. If you’ve been struggling with intense social fears that interfere with your work, relationships, or daily activities, you might be dealing with social anxiety disorder rather than simple shyness. This distinction matters because social anxiety is treatable through therapy, medication, or both, while shyness typically doesn’t require professional intervention. For individuals with ADHD, social challenges can be particularly complex, as attention difficulties may compound social uncertainties. Understanding these differences empowers you to seek appropriate support and develop effective strategies for managing social situations.

How to Make the Most of Your Telehealth Visit: A Guide for ADHD Patients and Caregivers

by

Telehealth visits have revolutionized healthcare access, offering convenience and flexibility that can be particularly beneficial for individuals with ADHD. This comprehensive guide provides practical strategies to maximize the effectiveness of your virtual medical appointments, from pre-visit preparation to follow-up care. You’ll discover how to overcome common telehealth challenges, create an optimal environment for your consultation, and ensure clear communication with your healthcare provider. Whether you’re managing ADHD symptoms, coordinating care, or supporting a loved one, these evidence-based tips will help you navigate telehealth successfully and achieve better health outcomes.

ADD Resource Center
/* Clarify tracking https://clarity.microsoft.com/ */