Can You Develop ADHD as an Adult?

By NeuroSpark Health

The question of whether someone can develop ADHD as an adult is more nuanced than it might initially appear. ADHD is considered a neurodevelopmental condition in the DSM-V and a neurotype in neurodiversity-affirming spaces, meaning it originates in brain development and is present in childhood. However, for various reasons, adults may only notice or be diagnosed with ADHD later in life, leading individuals to ask can you develop ADHD as an adult. However, in reality, ADHDers who are diagnosed in adulthood exhibited traits of ADHD in childhood, they were just often overlooked, masked, or disguised by other mental health issues, neurodivergences, learning difficulties or giftedness, and more. Understanding ADHD as a neurotype requires us to recognize that ADHDers are born, not made. 
 

ADHD Begins in Childhood

The diagnostic criteria for ADHD in the DSM-5 specify that traits must be present before age 12 to confirm a diagnosis. This requirement underscores ADHD as a lifelong neurotype rather than something acquired later. However, societal pressures, coping mechanisms, and lack of awareness can cause these traits and symptoms to go unnoticed in childhood, particularly in cases of inattentive-type ADHD, which may not exhibit overt hyperactivity.

For many, the challenges of adulthood, such as managing complex tasks at work or balancing personal responsibilities, can exacerbate ADHD traits, making them more apparent. Although they may become more apparent in adulthood, it doesn’t mean you can develop ADHD as an adult. It's common for individuals to connect the dots only when seeking an explanation for their struggles in adulthood. Because so many adults discover their ADHD later in life, people may falsely assume that you can develop ADHD as an adult. However, reflecting on early life and childhood and recognizing traits in the past is crucial to receiving an accurate diagnosis of ADHD.
 

Why Adults Seek ADHD Diagnoses

Many adults pursue ADHD evaluations due to increased visibility of traits in specific contexts where they previously could be masked or ignored. 
 

• Life transitions: Shifting from structured environments (like school) to unstructured ones (like the workforce) can make ADHD traits more apparent. Many ADHDers could “fake it til they made it” in school, effectively masking their struggles or relying on systems and self-accommodations to get by. However, in the workplace, those tactics can become ineffective or impractical, resulting in the person needing to seek out support and explore their ADHD.
   

• Increased demands: Complex tasks requiring sustained focus, organization, and emotional regulation may overwhelm undiagnosed ADHDers. Adulthood is full of ever-increasing demands that can feel entirely dysregulating to an unsupported and undiagnosed ADHDer. Even “small” tasks like getting your oil changed or mowing the lawn can feel insurmountable. ADHDers benefit when they have accurate information about themselves and their neurotype.
   

• Genetic awareness: Some adults seek diagnoses after learning their child has ADHD, as the neurotype is genetic. Sometimes, seeing yourself in your child or family member can be very helpful in uncovering information about yourself. 
   

What ADHD Looks Like in Adulthood

ADHD traits often evolve over time. While hyperactivity in children may diminish, adult ADHDers can experience a wide range of traits and challenges. Many ADHDers have difficulty staying organized, whether that be with tasks, items, or events. Some ADHDers adapt by creating elaborate systems to stay organized, but, as previously mentioned, sometimes those systems don’t work or end up backfiring. It is also common for ADHDers to experience forgetfulness, even in daily tasks and activities. Routines and habits are experienced differently for ADHDers in that just because they do something in the same order everyday does not mean that it happens automatically. Autopilot for habits, like brushing teeth, is not a common experience for ADHDers. Often, they have to actively choose to engage in certain habits, which makes forgetfulness all the more of a challenge. Many ADHDers also experience impulsivity in conversations or decision-making. This can make it seem like the ADHDer is “self-centered” or “irresponsible,” when, in reality, that is just the way their brain naturally works. Often, speaking over someone and interrupting a conversation is out of the necessity to get the words out before they forget them! Time management and procrastination are also hugely common among ADHDers. Similarly to struggles with organization, this is another area where people may create systems or accommodations for themselves that work for certain scenarios, but begin to fail as they grow up. Procrastination might work well enough for them during school because they can use the extra motivation of the impending deadline to hyperfocus, but it might not work so well in a job setting. Finally, emotional dysregulation and rejection sensitivity are two areas that are not stereotypically associated with ADHD, but are incredibly common all the same. Many ADHDers experience intense anxiety, depression, mood swings, and overstimulation in relation to their neurotype. However, without understanding their neurotype, they may seek out insufficient or ineffective treatments that leave them wondering if there is something “wrong” with them. Thus, it is incredibly important for ADHDers to have an accurate understanding of their neurotype and what does and doesn’t work for their individual needs. 
 

The Role of Gender and Masking

Many adults, particularly women and nonbinary individuals, are diagnosed later in life because their ADHD traits were masked or misunderstood in childhood. Societal expectations and gender norms may lead to internalized coping strategies, like perfectionism or overcompensation, which can hide ADHD traits. Masking takes an extraordinary amount of energy and focus, which can be exhausting and downright painful. These individuals may later experience burnout, which is frequently misdiagnosed as depression or anxiety​. Often, burnout leads to an inability to mask, skill regression, depression, anxiety, and, in severe cases, suicidality or self-harm. Unmasking is a healthy process for all neurodivergent individuals to take on, but it can be incredibly difficult if they don’t have a clear understanding of their neurotype or the ways in which they mask in the first place! Having a neuroaffirming provider work with you on unmasking can be an invaluable resource. 
 

Online ADHD Tests: Are They Useful?

Online ADHD quizzes for adults can provide a helpful starting point for self-reflection. These tests often focus on common traits like distractibility, hyperactivity, or impulsivity. However, only a professional evaluation can confirm a diagnosis. Trained professionals have more insight into various presentations of ADHD and what to look for in terms of masking. A neurodiversity-affirming provider will be able to recognize lesser-known traits of ADHD that may have been previously missed or written off as something else. If you suspect you have ADHD, consulting a psychologist, psychiatrist, or neurodivergent-affirming healthcare provider is a great next step following online tests and personal reflection. 
 

Benefits of Diagnosing ADHD in Adulthood

A formal adult ADHD test in adulthood can be transformative. It allows individuals to understand themselves and their life experiences in new and informative ways. They can reflect on their experiences with new grace for themselves and take some of the blame and pressure off of how they “should” act and instead focus on what feels right and helpful for their individual needs. An ADHD diagnosis can also open doors for work and academic accommodations, providing new opportunities for growth, success, and capability. When accommodated, ADHDers can reach levels of success they may have previously thought impossible. Additionally, an ADHD diagnosis provides the ADHDer with options for medications that can vastly improve their quality of life. While medication is not a “cure” for ADHD, many people find it life-changing and helpful in their ability to cope with the way the world is. Understanding their neurotype can also help ADHDers find therapists, coaches, and other professionals to help support them on their journey. Neurodiversity-affirming professionals can support the ADHDer in a new, neuroaffirming way that may have been previously lacking. Finally, understanding one’s neurotype can create more opportunities to connect with wider neurodivergent communities, whether in person or online. It can be hugely beneficial for neurodivergent adults to finally connect with people who deeply and truly understand them and their experiences. 
 

Can you Develop ADHD as an Adult? Unpacking Some myths

Although ADHD symptoms must originate in childhood, it is common to misinterpret their late-life discovery. This is especially true for those whose traits were mild in childhood, heavily masked, compensated for, or misdiagnosed earlier. The idea of "developing" ADHD may also arise from changes in lifestyle, health, or environmental stressors that exacerbate preexisting traits​. Adulthood can bring about a whole host of changes and challenges that many ADHD children don’t have to deal with. If a child has parents who are very supportive and helpful, they may be able to make it through childhood without many challenges. However, once they get to adulthood and they no longer have the accommodations and support they are used to or need, they may begin to suffer greatly and develop self-blame and shame. Thus, those who are late diagnosed may benefit from reflecting on the kinds of support they had earlier in life and figuring out ways to accommodate themselves in adulthood. 
 

Supporting ADHDers in Adulthood

Whether newly diagnosed or self-identifying as neurodivergent, adults with ADHD can benefit from many types of accommodations, therapies, and medications. 
 

1. ADHD Accommodations at Work: Tools like planners, reminders, or ADHD-friendly apps can help manage day-to-day tasks. Sensory regulation tools like stim toys, ear defenders, and frequent movement breaks are also helpful. 
    

2. Therapies: Neuroaffirming therapy and ADHD coaching can improve emotional regulation, self-esteem. and understanding of self. Additionally, medication can be a huge benefit for many people, and there are lots of different types of medications out there. However, it’s important to note that medication does not work for everyone and everyone will have different reactions to different medications.
    

3. Workplace adjustments: Employers can implement flexible work arrangements, noise-canceling headphones, and clear deadlines to support ADHD employees​. It is crucial to remember that accommodations are not “special treatment” or a way for employees to “be lazy.” Accommodations actually make ADHD employees far more productive and self-assured workers. 
    

NeuroSpark Health specializes in assessments for late-diagnosed ADHDers

While adults cannot develop ADHD, late diagnoses are increasingly common due to the evolving understanding of neurodivergence, masking, misdiagnoses, and more. ADHD is genetic and lifelong, but life circumstances, environmental factors, or co-occurring conditions may intensify traits in adulthood. If you’re interested in getting a formal assessment for adult ADHD, we can help you make sense of your experiences and gain clarity about your childhood, too.