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ADHD Signs & Traits
ADHD doesn’t look the same for everyone. Learn how its traits appear across ages and types — inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined.
Recognising ADHD Traits
ADHD traits fall into two main groups — inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. Some people show more of one type, others a mix of both.
Inattention
Easily distracted, forgets details, loses track of time or items, daydreams, struggles to complete long tasks.
Hyperactivity
Fidgeting, tapping, talking a lot, difficulty sitting still, always “on the go.”
Impulsivity
Interrupts, blurts answers, acts before thinking, struggles with waiting, quick emotional reactions.
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ADHD Presentations
Inattentive Type
- Appears quiet or withdrawn
- Misses instructions
- Dislikes long mental effort
- Often mistaken for anxiety or daydreaming
Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
- Moves or talks constantly
- Acts without thinking
- Interrupts conversations
- Has difficulty waiting turns
Combined Type
- Shows both inattentive and hyperactive traits
- Appears inconsistent day-to-day
- Often misunderstood as unmotivated
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How ADHD Appears Across Ages
Children
- Active, talkative, curious
- Forgets homework or chores
- Needs reminders to stay on task
- Big emotional responses
Teens
- Disorganisation and procrastination
- Masking to fit in socially
- Emotional impulsivity
- Difficulty managing deadlines
Adults
- Time blindness / late starts
- Difficulty prioritising tasks
- “All-or-nothing” motivation
- Chronic overwhelm or burnout
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ADHD in Girls & AFAB Individuals
ADHD is under-diagnosed in girls and AFAB people because it can appear less outwardly hyperactive.
- Quiet daydreaming or zoning out
- Masking or people-pleasing to avoid criticism
- Perfectionism to hide disorganisation
- Emotional sensitivity and fatigue after socialising