Attention Misled: Why ADHD Deserves a Rebrand
Rethinking “ADHD”
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a lifelong neurological condition affecting attention regulation, impulsivity, hyperactivity, and executive function. Like all mental health conditions, its name serves as a label to categorize a specific experience—one that can create challenges in daily life. But ADHD is more than just a clinical diagnosis; the way we name it shapes public perception, influences self-understanding, and perpetuates harmful myths.
As both a therapist and someone with lived experience of ADHD, I’ve seen firsthand how misconceptions about it persist. The words we use matter. Unfortunately, the term "ADHD" falls short, failing to capture the condition’s complexity, diversity, and adaptability. If given the chance, I’d advocate for a name that better reflects the dynamic reality of those who live with it.
Misconceptions and Misleading Terminology
Calling this condition ADHD is like calling a symphony just a bunch of noise. The name itself fuels misunderstandings that are difficult to shake.
What comes to mind when you think of ADHD? Have you ever heard—or even thought—something like this?
“Diane has ADHD? That doesn’t make sense—she can focus for hours on video games and fantasy books. She knows how to concentrate.”
I hear statements like this all the time. Many assume that ADHD means an inability to focus. And honestly, can you blame them? The term itself—attention deficit—implies a fundamental lack of attention. But this couldn’t be further from the truth.
The Reality of Attention Regulation
The dictionary defines deficit as a “lack or impairment in ability.” Synonyms include shortage, absence, inadequacy, and poverty. So, the term “attention deficit” naturally leads people who respect the English language to believe that ADHD equals an inability to focus.
But here’s the reality: people with ADHD do not lack attention. Instead, they struggle with regulating it—controlling when, how, and for how long they focus. ADHD is not about an absence of attention; it’s about difficulty managing it. Those with ADHD can hyperfocus intensely on tasks they enjoy, demonstrating that attention isn’t deficient—it’s just inconsistently directed.
The Symphony of ADHD
Using a symphony metaphor again, let’s imagine that an orchestra represents a person’s brain. Each musician is a cognitive skill or ability, such as attention, behavioral impulse control, cognitive impulse control, time management, emotional regulation, planning, working memory, etc. Both the person with ADHD and the person without it have the same number of musicians.
In the person with ADHD’s symphony, do any of the musicians lack anything? Are their musicians less skilled? No, just like in the neurotypical symphony, there is nothing wrong with the individual musicians; in fact, many of the ADHD musicians are incredibly talented, with some possessing unique traits and outstanding capabilities.
Dr. Edward M. Hallowell, a renowned psychiatrist, author, and speaker specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD says, “People with ADHD can be super-creative, intuitive, original, energetic, persistent, and full of ideas. These are traits we want to nurture and encourage.”
The only thing lacking in the symphony of ADHD is a consistently present conductor—the one responsible for directing the symphony. This conductor isn’t unreliable or unpredictable by choice, nor is it due to a lack of discipline. It’s just the nature of ADHD to have a flakey conductor like this. This intermittent presence causes confusion and inconsistency, making it challenging for the musicians to always play in harmony and maintain a cohesive performance.
When that conductor is engaged, though, the orchestra shines bright. They hit their stride, showcasing the brilliance and diversity of their talents. However, without the steady guidance of a consistent conductor, the musicians must often rely on their own instincts and external cues to navigate the symphony. How will they know when to change tempo, when to take the lead in a solo, or when to harmonize with the rest of the ensemble? It requires constant adaptation and effort. While the orchestra may continue playing, the lack of a steady hand can lead to moments where they seem out of sync or struggle to find their groove.
In contrast, the neurotypical conductors tend to provide steady leadership, guiding the musicians with clear, predictable signals. Is this consistency due to skill, effort, or discipline? No, just like in ADHD, this consistency is simply the nature of a neurotypical brain. This reliable conductor more easily allows the orchestra to perform smoothly and in sync, knowing when to shift, slow down, speed up, pause and when to shine individually in a solo or as part of the whole ensemble.
“Hyperactive” but not “Hyper”… What gives?
Now let’s talk about the H in ADHD—hyperactivity. This word suggests constant movement and overactivity, but that’s not always the case. Many people with ADHD experience the opposite: a sense of “stuckness,” spacing out in dullness, or difficulty shifting out of low-energy states.
Another surprise to many is that one’s hyperactivity is often not observable to the naked eye. In ADHD, hyperactivity can manifest as mental restlessness. It can be that endless song loop stuck in your head, or repeated words, phrases and sound residues that stick throughout the day (or, if you’re like me, for DAYS), or simply a sense of non-stop thinking. This can result in someone appearing dreamy or spaced out. Many with ADHD, especially those assigned female at birth, are often missed, misunderstood, or misdiagnosed because their internal hyperactivity isn't recognized. Many of these folks, as children, are labeled as shy, a daydreamer, or sensitive and left at that.
Additionally, the over-focus on hyperactivity can overshadow the significant challenges related to impulsivity and other executive function issues. People with ADHD often also struggle with organizing tasks, managing time, and regulating their emotions. For some, emotional regulation is the hardest part of ADHD, impacting relationships, work, and self-esteem.
Appreciating the Strengths of ADHD
“You might describe many with ADD as having a ‘special something,’ a hard-to-pin-down yet undeniable potential. If that potential can be tapped, the results can be spectacular.”
- Edward M. Hallowell, MD
What I love about the work of Dr. Hallowell is his strengths-based approach to conceptualizing and treating ADHD. Understanding this condition as a collection of traits and emphasizing the positive aspects and potential advantages of the ADHD brain, he only sees it as a “disorder” if these traits negatively impact one’s life. Which to me, makes sense: it’s only a disorder if it causes disorder. Simple as that.
Let’s talk about the positive traits those with ADHD tend to have. Many people with ADHD exhibit remarkable creativity, often offering unconventional solutions and fresh perspectives to challenges. Their strong interests can spark a fire for projects they are passionate about, inspiring both themselves and those around them to achieve remarkable feats or to simply have fun. They tend to be resilient, flexible, and resourceful, thriving in fast-paced environments that demand quick thinking and adaptability. Moreover, their contagious enthusiasm and strong sense of justice and fairness have the power to inspire and uplift those around them. With the right support, these strengths not only lead to personal achievements but also bring innovative and valuable contributions to their communities. I see it as a special kind of neurospicy magic.
A Call for Rebranding
Well, let’s take it from the expert himself. Dr. Hallowell has suggested renaming ADHD to better reflect its nature. He proposed the term "VAST" which stands for "Variable Attention Stimulus Trait." This name aims to capture the variability and intensity of attention and stimulus response in people with ADHD, emphasizing that it is a trait with both positive and challenging aspects.
In his own words, Dr. Hallowell explained, "VAST acknowledges that people with this condition have a different kind of attention and that their attention can be their greatest asset or their worst liability, depending on how it is managed."
As for me? I’d go with something fun—maybe Dynamic Dancing Mind Magic, with specifiers like Predominantly Wiggly or Jazzy Brain Rhythm types. But unfortunately, we do not live in my super awesome fantasy, so I’ll settle for advocating for something more accurate and affirming.
Conclusion
The name Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is misleading and outdated. It suggests a simple lack of attention and an overabundance of activity, ignoring the nuanced and varied experiences of those with ADHD. A more accurate term could help reduce stigma, improve understanding, and ensure that individuals receive the support they need.
It’s time to move away from a deficit-based framework and toward one that recognizes the complexity, variability, and unique strengths of those with ADHD magic.
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Free Online Resources for Adult ADHD
Living with ADHD as an adult can be challenging, but support is available to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Here are some valuable free online resources to get you started:
CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)
Offers information, resources, and support groups for adults with ADHD, including webinars, articles, and access to local chapters.
ADDA (Attention Deficit Disorder Association)
Provides resources specifically for adults with ADHD, including virtual peer support groups, webinars, and a wealth of educational materials.
A comprehensive online magazine offering articles, expert advice, webinars, and downloadable resources for managing ADHD.
Offers a variety of resources, including articles, tips, and tools to help adults with ADHD manage their condition and improve their daily lives.
