DHD: A Misunderstood Attention Challenge

When people hear “ADHD” (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), they often assume it means a lack of attention. But that’s not quite right. ADHD isn’t about having too little attention—it’s about struggling to control it.

People with ADHD don’t just have trouble focusing; they often hyperfocus on things they find interesting while completely zoning out on tasks they find boring or difficult. It’s like having a spotlight that shines intensely on some things but refuses to turn on for others. This isn’t a deficit—it’s a challenge in directing attention where it needs to go.

This difficulty in regulating attention can affect school, work, and daily life. A person with ADHD may get lost in a book for hours but forget to do their homework. They may struggle to follow a lecture but recall obscure facts about their favorite topic in perfect detail.

Understanding that ADHD is about attention control—not a lack of attention—helps shift the perspective. Instead of assuming someone with ADHD is lazy or careless, we should recognize that they often need strategies, like timers, structured routines, or movement breaks, to help manage their focus.

By reframing ADHD as a regulation issue rather than a deficit, we can move away from stigma and toward better support. ADHD brains work differently, not wrongly—they just need the right tools to thrive.

Cristina Newell, M.Ed., NCED