---
title: Understanding ADHD
description: "ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how the brain manages   \nattention, activity levels, and self-control. People with ADHD may find it difficult to focus on things that don’t capture their interest, while at the same time being able to hyper-focus on the things they love.  "
image: https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/hubfs/adhd-f.jpg
---

[![Gladney Center for Adoption](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/hubfs/Adoptionsbygladney_November2017/Images/gladney-logo.svg "Gladney Center for Adoption")](http://adoptionsbygladney.com)

- [I'm Pregnant](https://gladneyadoption.com)
- [I Want To Adopt](https://adoptionsbygladney.com/i-want-to-adopt)
- [Post Adoption Support](https://adoptionsbygladney.com/post-adoption-support)
- [About](https://adoptionsbygladney.com/about)
- [Resources](https://adoptionsbygladney.com/resources)
- [Contact](https://adoptionsbygladney.com/contact)

- [I'm Pregnant](https://gladneyadoption.com)
- [I Want To Adopt](https://adoptionsbygladney.com/i-want-to-adopt)
- [Post Adoption Support](https://adoptionsbygladney.com/post-adoption-support)
- [About](https://adoptionsbygladney.com/about)
- [Resources](https://adoptionsbygladney.com/resources)
- [Contact](https://adoptionsbygladney.com/contact)

# Gladney Blog

# Understanding ADHD

Posted by [Beth Edwards](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/author/beth-edwards) on 9/25/25, 9:43 AM

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

Understanding ADHD: Seeing the Brilliance Behind the Buzz    
“Why fit in when you were born to stand out?”    
\- Dr. Seuss  

What ADHD Really Is    
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how the brain manages     
attention, activity levels, and self-control. People with ADHD may find it difficult to focus on things that don’t capture their interest, while at the same time being able to hyper-focus on the things they love.  

There are three main types:  

- Inattentive type: often marked by daydreaming, forgetfulness, or losing     
  track of details.
- Hyperactive-impulsive type: often fidgety, energetic, and quick to act before     
  thinking.
- Combined type: a mix of both.

It’s important to remember that ADHD isn’t “bad behavior” or a lack of discipline—    
it’s simply a different wiring of the brain.  

Everyday Challenges    
“A person with ADHD has the power of a Ferrari engine but with bicycle-strength     
brakes.”    
—Edward M. Hallowell, ADHD 2.0  

Every child is unique, but parents may notice some common challenges:  

- Difficulty staying organized
- Forgetting directions (even after hearing them twice!)
- Interrupting without meaning to
- Feeling restless or impatient
- Becoming overwhelmed in noisy or busy environments

These challenges can lead to frustration, but with understanding and support,     
children with ADHD can truly thrive.

Strengths Kids with ADHD Often Have    
Here’s the part that often gets overlooked: ADHD brains are bursting with     
creativity, curiosity, and resilience. Many entrepreneurs, artists, comedians, and     
inventors credit their ADHD with helping them think outside the box.  

People with ADHD often:  

- Generate creative ideas
- Have endless energy
- Show big hearts and empathy
- Bring passion when interested
- Offer unique ways of thinking
- Spot patterns others miss
- Bring energy and enthusiasm to new ideas

That’s part of the beauty of neurodiversity—it reminds us there’s not just one way     
to be brilliant.  

How to Support Someone with ADHD    
Parenting is already full of challenges, and kids are geniuses at keeping us on our     
toes. But there are tried-and-true strategies to help you support your little Ferrari     
engine:  

- Break things into steps—small wins build confidence.
- Offer movement breaks—physical activity helps focus.
- Use visuals and reminders—calendars, timers, and checklists can be     
  lifesavers.
- Celebrate effort, not just results—praise goes a long way in boosting self  
  esteem.
- Follow the Nurtured Heart Approach.

And most importantly, remember: ADHD is not a flaw. It’s a difference.    
It is NOT:  

- bad parenting
- just being “hyper” or “lazy”
- something kids simply outgrow

The Future Is Bright (Really, Really Bright!)    
With understanding, support, and encouragement, children with ADHD can thrive.     
Many grow up to be leaders, artists, entrepreneurs, and innovators. What matters     
most is that they feel seen, supported, and celebrated for who they are.

Adoption Programs:

- [Domestic Infant Adoption](http://adoptionsbygladney.com/i-want-to-adopt/domestic-infant)
- [Foster Adoption (New Beginnings Program)](http://adoptionsbygladney.com/i-want-to-adopt/foster-adoption)
- [International Adoption](http://adoptionsbygladney.com/i-want-to-adopt/international)

### Subscribe to Email Updates

### Recent Posts

### Posts by Topic

- [Superkids (824)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/superkids)
- [Taiwan Adoption (347)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/taiwan-adoption)
- [Waiting Child (340)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/waiting-child)
- [China Adoption (226)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/china-adoption)
- [Waiting Children (225)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/waiting-children)
- [Uncategorized (224)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/uncategorized)
- [Adoption Stories (211)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/adoption-stories)
- [Gladney Adoptee (182)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/gladney-adoptee)
- [Bright Futures Publication (177)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/bright-futures-publication)
- [Gladney Graduate (176)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/gladney-graduate)
- [China (142)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/china)
- [Taiwan (120)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/taiwan)
- [International Adoption (85)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/international-adoption)
- [Intercountry Adoption (36)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/intercountry-adoption)
- [Support (28)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/support)
- [Gladney Leadership (27)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/gladney-leadership)
- [Advocacy (23)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/advocacy)
- [Adoption (22)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/adoption)
- [Gladney University (22)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/gladney-university)
- [Adoption Finance (20)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/adoption-finance)
- [Gladney Intern Blog (20)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/gladney-intern-blog)
- [A Day in the Life of a Gladney Intern (17)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-gladney-intern)
- ["Ambassadors of Love" (16)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/ambassadors-of-love)
- [reFRAMED Podcast (16)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/reframed-podcast)
- [China & Taiwan Newsletter (15)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/china-taiwan-newsletter)
- [Insider (15)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/insider)
- [Domestic Infant (14)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/domestic-infant)
- [Counseling Services (13)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/counseling-services)
- [Development (13)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/development)
- [Foster Adoption (13)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/foster-adoption)
- [Gladney Culture & History (13)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/gladney-culture-history)
- [Legislative (13)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/legislative)
- [New York Marathon (13)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/new-york-marathon)
- [Suggested Reading (13)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/suggested-reading)
- [130th Anniversary (12)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/130th-anniversary)
- [Adoption Advice (12)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/adoption-advice)
- [Colombia Adoption (12)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/colombia-adoption)
- [DS Grant (12)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/ds-grant)
- [Foster Care System (11)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/foster-care-system)
- [Testimonials (11)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/testimonials)
- [Education (10)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/education)
- [Gladney Home (10)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/gladney-home)
- [New Beginnings (10)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/new-beginnings)
- [Advocacy Camp (9)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/advocacy-camp)
- [Featured (9)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/featured)
- [Gladney Event (9)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/gladney-event)
- [Mindful Parenting (9)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/mindful-parenting)
- [National Adoption Month (9)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/national-adoption-month)
- [Special Needs (9)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/special-needs)
- [Texas Foster Children (9)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/texas-foster-children)
- [Volunteer Opportunity (9)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/volunteer-opportunity)
- [matched (9)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/matched)
- [AdoptED (7)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/adopted)
- [Post Adoption Support (7)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/post-adoption-support)
- [Social Distancing (7)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/social-distancing)
- [Adoption Advocate (6)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/adoption-advocate)
- [Community Partner (6)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/community-partner)
- [Community Support (6)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/community-support)
- [Down Syndrome (6)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/down-syndrome)
- [Hosting International Children (6)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/hosting-international-children)
- [#iamgladney (5)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/iamgladney)
- [Gladney Birth Parent (5)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/gladney-birth-parent)
- [Gladney Family Association (5)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/gladney-family-association)
- [Holiday (5)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/holiday)
- [Siblings (5)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/siblings)
- [Transracial Adoption (5)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/transracial-adoption)
- [Unplanned Pregnancy (5)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/unplanned-pregnancy)
- [family story (5)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/family-story)
- [#wearegladney (4)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/wearegladney)
- [Adoption Education Program (4)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/adoption-education-program)
- [Clinical Support (4)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/clinical-support)
- [FSL Project (4)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/fsl-project)
- [Older Child Adoption (4)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/older-child-adoption)
- [Post Adoption (4)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/post-adoption)
- [Press Release (4)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/press-release)
- [#NAM2017 (3)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/nam2017)
- [#NationAdoptionMonth (3)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/nationadoptionmonth)
- [#allIwantforChristmas (3)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/alliwantforchristmas)
- [Adult Adoptee (3)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/adult-adoptee)
- [Annual Report (3)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/annual-report)
- [Birthday Pledge (3)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/birthday-pledge)
- [Brain Development (3)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/brain-development)
- [Edna Gladney (3)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/edna-gladney)
- [Faces of Gladney (3)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/faces-of-gladney)
- [Gladney Friend (3)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/gladney-friend)
- [Grief & Loss (3)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/grief-loss)
- [Holiday Card (3)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/holiday-card)
- [Mark Melson (3)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/mark-melson)
- [Parenting (3)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/parenting)
- [Team Gladney (3)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/team-gladney)
- [Tips (3)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/tips)
- [Tools & Resources (3)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/tools-resources)
- [Trauma (3)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/trauma)
- [Wordless Wednesday (3)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/wordless-wednesday)
- [#makingadifferencetogether (2)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/makingadifferencetogether)
- [Adoption Finalization (2)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/adoption-finalization)
- [Adoption Fundraiser (2)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/adoption-fundraiser)
- [Adoption Services (2)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/adoption-services)
- [Artwork Contest (2)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/artwork-contest)
- [Attachment (2)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/attachment)
- [Camp Forge (2)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/camp-forge)
- [Child Abuse Prevention (2)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/child-abuse-prevention)
- [Culture & History (2)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/culture-history)
- [Diversity Resources (2)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/diversity-resources)
- [Ecuador Adoption (2)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/ecuador-adoption)
- [FAQ (2)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/faq)
- [Hong Kong Adoption (2)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/hong-kong-adoption)
- [Hosting Program (2)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/hosting-program)
- [Lunar New Year (2)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/lunar-new-year)
- [Open Adoption (2)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/open-adoption)
- [Pathways Training (2)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/pathways-training)
- [Success Stories (2)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/success-stories)
- [Travel to China (2)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/travel-to-china)
- [picture post (2)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/picture-post)
- [#DSAM2017 (1)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/dsam2017)
- [#SKTaiwanNov17 (1)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/sktaiwannov17)
- [Adoptee (1)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/adoptee)
- [Adoption Agency Reviews (1)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/adoption-agency-reviews)
- [Adoption Education (1)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/adoption-education)
- [Adoptive Parent (1)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/adoptive-parent)
- [Aging Out (1)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/aging-out)
- [Ask A Pro (1)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/ask-a-pro)
- [Birth Mother (1)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/birth-mother)
- [Birth Mother Support (1)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/birth-mother-support)
- [Birth Mother's Day (1)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/birth-mothers-day)
- [Coloring Sheets (1)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/coloring-sheets)
- [Dominican Republic Adoption (1)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/dominican-republic-adoption)
- [Donations (1)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/donations)
- [Expectant Parent (1)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/expectant-parent)
- [FSL Grant (1)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/fsl-grant)
- [Father's Day (1)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/fathers-day)
- [Gladney Adoption Day (1)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/gladney-adoption-day)
- [Gladney Adoptive Parent (1)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/gladney-adoptive-parent)
- [Gladney Campus (1)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/gladney-campus)
- [Gladney Family Mentorship (1)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/gladney-family-mentorship)
- [Gladney Impact (1)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/gladney-impact)
- [Gladney Night At Six Flags (1)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/gladney-night-at-six-flags)
- [Humanitarian Aid (1)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/humanitarian-aid)
- [Mother's Day (1)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/mothers-day)
- [NB Info Sessions (1)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/nb-info-sessions)
- [Next Steps Program (1)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/next-steps-program)
- [Podcast (1)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/podcast)
- [Russia Adoption (1)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/russia-adoption)
- [Sensory Integration (1)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/sensory-integration)
- [Summertime Series (1)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/summertime-series)
- [Teenager Brain (1)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/teenager-brain)
- [Thailand Adoption (1)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/thailand-adoption)
- [Transitional Care (1)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/transitional-care)
- [Ukraine Adoption (1)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/ukraine-adoption)
- [Webinars (1)](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/webinars)

see all

##### Other links

- [I'm Pregnant](http://pregnancyhotline.org)
- [I Am Gladney](https://iamgladney.org/)
- [Adopt*Ed*](http://adoption-education.com)
- [Gladney University](https://iamgladney.org/gladneyuniversity)

- [Like Us On Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/gladneycenter)
- [Follow Us On Twitter](https://twitter.com/gladney_center)
- [Join Us On Google+](https://plus.google.com/+GladneyOrg)
- [Follow Us On Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/gladneycenter/)
- [See Us On YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/gladneycenter)
- [Follow Us On Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/gladneycenter/pins/)
- [Join Us On LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/359887/)

##### [Upcoming Events](https://iamgladney.org/all-upcoming-events)

### Gladney Blog

### Stay Connected with Us

[![Childrens Home Society Of America Logo](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/hubfs/Adoptionsbygladney_November2017/Images/childrens-home-society-of-america.png)](http://www.chsamerica.org) [![National Council For Adoption Logo](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/hubfs/Adoptionsbygladney_November2017/Images/national-council-for-adoption.png)](https://www.adoptioncouncil.org) [![Texas Alliance of Child & Family Services Logo](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/hubfs/Adoptionsbygladney_November2017/Images/tacfs.png)![IAAME-logo](https://adoptionsbygladney.com/uploads/IAAME-logo.png)![Guide-Star-2019-Logo\_recolored\_52](https://adoptionsbygladney.com/uploads/Guide-Star-2019-Logo_recolored_52.png) ![recolored-logo\_52\_EIG](https://adoptionsbygladney.com/uploads/recolored-logo_52_EIG.png)](https://analytics.excellenceingiving.com/overview/gladney-center-for-adoption/)

 

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Beth Edwards",
    "url" : "https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/author/beth-edwards"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2025-09-25T17:30:05.788Z",
  "datePublished" : "2025-09-25T14:43:18.000Z",
  "headline" : "Understanding ADHD",
  "image" : [ "https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/hubfs/adhd-f.jpg" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/understanding-adhd",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/hubfs/Logos/Gladney-Logo_Stacked-2Color-Navy_CMYK.png"
    },
    "name" : "Gladney Center for Adoption"
  }
}
```