People with ADHD tend to do things that might seem odd to neurotypical people, but when you break them down, they actually serve a purpose.
Of course, you only realise that when you understand how neurodivergent brains work. Because people with ADHD tend to think and process a bit differently, patterns of behaviour that seem a bit strange to other people make perfect sense to them. Not only that, but these ways of operating even serve as a coping mechanism or just a way to make their lives a bit easier and more streamlined. Once you know how they operate, these things are a lot easier to comprehend.
1. Forgetting something the moment it’s out of sight
People with ADHD often rely on “out of sight, out of mind” thinking. If something isn’t physically visible, it can feel like it no longer exists, which is why important papers might be left on the table or reminders are plastered on sticky notes everywhere. While it may look disorganised, it’s actually a smart way to work with an ADHD brain rather than against it. Keeping things visible helps prevent them from being completely forgotten.
2. Needing background noise to focus
Many people with this form of neurodivergence struggle to work in complete silence, which can actually feel distracting rather than calming. The right amount of background noise — whether it’s music, a TV show, or a coffee shop hum — can help with focus. It works because the extra stimulation helps prevent the brain from looking or distractions, making it easier to stay engaged with the task at hand. That doesn’t mean they don’t get distracted, but this definitely helps them zone in a bit better.
3. Hyperfocusing on something for hours
While ADHD is known for causing distractibility, it also comes with hyperfocus, where someone gets so absorbed in an activity that they lose track of time. That might mean spending hours on a hobby, deep-diving into a new interest (or, let’s be honest, obsession), or forgetting to eat because they’re so engaged. Hyperfocus happens when the brain locks onto something stimulating. It’s not a lack of attention; it’s an extreme form of it, just directed at what the brain finds most interesting.
4. Interrupting during conversations
Some people assume interrupting is rude, but for those with ADHD, it’s often about trying to keep a thought from disappearing. Their brain moves fast, and if they don’t say something immediately, they might forget it completely. That doesn’t mean they’re not listening, but they are trying to manage their working memory. Many people with this condition find techniques like jotting down notes or repeating key phrases in their head can help with this.
5. Struggling to start tasks, even ones they actually want to do
It’s not laziness — actually getting started with tasks is a real challenge for people with ADHD. Sometimes, even if someone genuinely wants to do something, the mental roadblock can make starting feel impossible. This happens because this condition affects executive function, making it harder to transition from intention to action. Breaking tasks into tiny steps or using timers can help trick the brain into getting started.
6. Forgetting what was just said in a conversation
It’s not that they’re not paying attention; it’s that their brain might have jumped ahead to a different thought while the other person was still talking. This can make it frustrating to keep up with conversations, especially when they actually do find it engaging and want to stay tuned in. Repetition, asking clarifying questions, or taking notes during important discussions can help reinforce what was said before the brain moves on to something else.
7. Needing movement to concentrate
Fidgeting, doodling, or pacing might seem like distractions, but for someone with ADHD, these movements actually help with focus. Physical activity can keep the brain engaged and prevent it from drifting. This is why fidget toys, standing desks, and even walking meetings can be incredibly effective for them — they provide an outlet for excess energy while keeping attention on the task at hand.
8. Procrastinating until the last minute — then working at super speed
Some people with ADHD struggle with motivation until a deadline creates enough urgency to kick their brain into gear. The rush of adrenaline helps override executive function difficulties, making it suddenly much easier to focus. While this method isn’t ideal for everything, many people find ways to create artificial deadlines or use timers to replicate the last-minute pressure without the stress.
9. Starting a million projects but struggling to finish them
The excitement of a new idea can be thrilling, but maintaining that energy over time can be difficult. Many people with ADHD crave novelty, which means they start tasks with enthusiasm but lose interest once the initial excitement wears off. One way to manage this is by setting smaller checkpoints for progress or rotating between multiple projects to keep things feeling fresh.
10. Re-reading the same paragraph over and over
Sometimes, even if they’re actively trying to read, their mind keeps wandering. They might read the same sentence multiple times before realising they have no idea what they just read. This happens because ADHD affects working memory and sustained attention. Reading aloud, using audiobooks, or following along with a finger or a pen can help keep focus on the words.
11. Feeling overwhelmed by small decisions
Something as simple as picking what to eat for lunch or choosing a new shirt can feel mentally exhausting for someone with ADHD. Decision fatigue happens when the brain has to process too many options at once. To make things easier, some people create routines, like eating the same breakfast every day or limiting choices to reduce the mental load. Knowing what they’re doing every day and at what point helps keep them focused and organised — as much as possible, anyway.
12. Zoning out in important conversations
Even when someone with ADHD really wants to pay attention, their brain might drift without them even realising. That can be frustrating, especially in work meetings or personal conversations. People end up thinking they’re being rude or that they’re unintelligent or incapable, neither of which is true. Using active listening techniques like summarising what was just said or making eye contact can help keep focus on the discussion.
13. Keeping everything in “organised chaos”
What looks like a mess to others often makes perfect sense to someone with ADHD. While their desk might seem cluttered, they often know exactly where everything is. Traditional organisation methods don’t always work for them, but finding a system that feels natural, such as using visual reminders, colour-coding, or keeping important items in designated “drop zones,” can make a huge difference.
