5 Surprising ADHD Traits—Do You Recognize These?

Written By Brittany Smith

There are some things “everyone” seems to know about ADHD. Here are some more, sometimes lesser known, common traits* of ADHD (and possibly other flavors of neurodiversity). This is far from a complete list of lesser-known ADHD Traits, but here are 5 with their own little videos:

1. ADHD Sees Connections

Those with ADHD can be amazing at noticing connections between things others might not see. We can see how seemingly disconnected elements are related, craft rich creative works, or be members of a professional team that finds a different way to solve a problem.

But seeing so many connections can also present challenges:

  • We tend to have more decision fatigue because we see more options to choose from
  • We struggle to know where to start on a seemingly simple project because all the different elements are so interrelated
  • We struggle to give concise answers to others

2. ADHD Expansive Thinking

Have you experienced a time when a project grew, mutated, and seemed to multiply faster than your brain could keep up, even if you were the only person working on it? Yeah, so have we.

Expansive thinking is related to seeing so many connections. ADHD has an incredible ability to think… more. We think bigger, in exponential facets, and with complexity in abundance. It’s part of why we sometimes struggle with “simple” tasks when we make them too big. Another phrase for this, in projects, is “scope creep,” and it can be a real pain. It can be a struggle, but it’s essential to identify when projects are becoming so unwieldy they endanger their completion. And then, what do we do about it to bring it back under control? Coworking? Map out the minimum viable version? Coaching?

3. ADHD Love of Learning

Though many of us struggle in academia and formal education, we also thirst for knowledge and find joy in discovery and learning. Curiosity is a frequent companion of ADHD and can enrich our lives in a multitude of ways.

Curious about your curiosity:

  • What are you curious about?
    • How do you nurture that?
  • Do you need to give yourself permission to explore something you’re curious about?
  • Do you need to put up guardrails (like setting a timer) to prevent yourself from going too far down a research rabbit hole?
    • Or, if it’s for someone else's project, to ensure you’re still researching the right topic?

4. We’re Natural Helpers

Many of us with ADHD absolutely love helping others. We derive great satisfaction from assisting and uplifting those around us. You'll find a slightly higher percentage of people with ADHD in helping professions than in the general population.

In fact, it can be a lot easier to help others than to care for ourselves. This concept is called social motivation and can be a key component in ADHD support through accountability. That social motivation is why telling our ADHD coach we’ll do something can be better than telling ourselves. It’s also why coworking or body doubling can be easier than getting ourselves geared up to work independently.

5. ADHD Gift of Gab

Those of us with ADHD often love talking… a lot. We may also speak faster than others. In fact, in some folks with ADHD, their hyperactivity can show up only in fast talking and might be otherwise missed!

While talking can be an asset in many settings, not being able to turn it off in a school or work setting or pause to listen to someone else can be very problematic.

As with all things, balance is key, which, unfortunately, is also something folks with ADHD struggle with. 🤦‍♀️

Final Thoughts

ADHD traits can be a double-edged sword—each strength often comes with its own challenge. Understanding your personal traits is the first step to working with your brain instead of against it. When you navigate expansive thinking, manage decision fatigue, or balance curiosity or social motivation, remember that you are not alone.

Explore your unique brain to leverage your traits to your advantage, find effective strategies, and foster self-compassion. After all, the goal isn’t to change who you are—it’s to celebrate and support the incredible ways your specific neurodiverse brain thrives.

—Brittany and Ollie

*Note that I call these “traits” and not “symptoms,” which one might use for diagnostic or research purposes. Not everyone with ADHD will have all of these traits. But, to be fair, that’s also true of actual ADHD “symptoms” in the DSM or ICD.

Brittany Smith
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