Considering an adult ADHD test? : A Comprehensive Guide to ADHD

By NeuroSpark Health

When someone without a holistic understanding of ADHD thinks of the neurotype, they likely think of a hyperactive boy or someone jokingly saying “squirrel”. However, ADHD encompasses far more than just struggling to pay attention to things or having a lot of energy. Millions of people worldwide have an ADHD neurotype, so spreading awareness and a holistic understanding of the neurotype is beneficial for ADHDers and their loved ones, especially as an increasing number of adults are looking to pursue ADHD testing. 

ADHD is characterized by patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, executive dysfunction, emotional dysregulation, and impulsivity that can vary greatly between individuals. Despite being a widely recognized neurotype, ADHD is often misunderstood, particularly in women, girls, and genderqueer people. Many ADHDers struggle for years without a diagnosis or are misdiagnosed with other conditions. This article discusses the complexities of ADHD, including the official DSM-V criteria and how individuals are diagnosed with ADHD tests, more affirming and holistic ways to think about ADHD traits, and how ADHD presents differently across different gender identities.
 

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a neurotype that impacts the brain’s executive functioning skills such as organization, impulse control, time management, and attention regulation. While ADHD is often stereotypically associated with children, people of all ages can be ADHD. ADHD presents in a spectrum of ways, with individuals experiencing a wide range of traits that vary in intensity and expression. There are three primary subtypes of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined type.

One important thing to note is that ADHD isn’t solely about being inattentive or overly energetic—it’s about how the brain processes information and responds to the world. ADHD is a way of being, and when understood and supported, ADHDers can leverage their strengths to live fulfilling and passionate lives.
 

The Three Subtypes of ADHD

The DSM-V (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition) outlines three types of ADHD, each characterized by distinct patterns of behavior. However, these categories don’t capture the full lived experience of ADHD, so we will also discuss more affirming ways to think about ADHD after discussing the DSM-V criteria. Note: all of our assessments at NeuroSpark Health, including our ADHD tests, are neurodiversity-affirming.
 

1. Inattentive Type ADHD

People with inattentive type ADHD may struggle with focus, organization, and staying on task. Often referred to as “daydreamers” or “spacey,” individuals with this type may not exhibit overt hyperactivity, making it harder to recognize their ADHD, especially in settings that associate ADHD with hyperactivity. 

DSM-V Symptoms Checklist of Inattentive Type ADHD:

• Difficulty paying close attention to details or making careless mistakes in work or other activities.

• Trouble maintaining attention in tasks or play activities or “zoning out”.

• Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.

• Frequently does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish tasks (e.g., chores, homework). ADHDers can also struggle with task-switching.

• Difficulty organizing tasks and activities.

• Avoids or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (e.g., schoolwork, paperwork).

• Frequently loses items necessary for tasks and activities (e.g., keys, glasses, phone).

• Easily distracted by external stimuli.

• Often forgetful in daily activities.
   

Affirming Perspectives on Inattentive ADHD:
People with inattentive type ADHD are often highly creative and tend to think outside the box. They may have deep focus and attention to detail when engaged in tasks they find meaningful or interesting (a concept often referred to as “hyperfocus”). Inattentive ADHD doesn’t mean a lack of intelligence or interest—it means that the brain processes stimuli in a different way, often prioritizing stimuli that are seen as more urgent or rewarding.
 

2. Hyperactive-Impulsive Type ADHD

Individuals with hyperactive-impulsive type ADHD tend to exhibit traits of restlessness, impulsivity, and difficulty sitting still. This type of ADHD is more commonly recognized in boys and men because the behaviors are more overt and tend to fit traditional ideas of ADHD. Additionally, girls are more frequently socially conditioned to hide traits of hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, so they may become more likely to internalize hyperactivity and exhibit things like anxiety, social challenges, and more subtle actions like bouncing a leg. 

DSM-V Symptoms Checklist of Hyperactive-Impulsive Type ADHD:

• Fidgets with or taps hands or feet, or squirms in their seat. 

• Often leaves their seat in situations where remaining seated is expected (e.g., classroom, office).

• Runs or climbs in situations where it is inappropriate (in adolescents or adults, this may manifest as restlessness).

• Often unable to play or engage in activities quietly.

• Is often “on the go,” acting as if “driven by a motor.”

• Talks excessively.

• Blurts out answers before questions have been completed.

• Has difficulty waiting for their turn.

• Interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games).
   

Affirming Perspectives on Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD:
People with hyperactive-impulsive ADHD often have a lot of energy and drive. This energy, when channeled effectively, can be a tremendous asset. Hyperactive individuals may be action-oriented, quick thinkers, and full of ideas. While impulsivity is often viewed negatively, it can also be seen as spontaneity and the ability to act quickly on instincts, which can be beneficial in creative fields or in situations that require quick decision-making. These types of ADHDers can also often utilize their high levels of energy for things that may be demanding, like physical activity, sports, challenging jobs, and more.
 

3. Combined Type ADHD

As the name suggests, combined type ADHD includes traits of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive types. This is the most common form of ADHD, where individuals experience challenges related to both attention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.

DSM-V Criteria for Combined Type ADHD:
For combined type ADHD, individuals must meet six or more symptoms from both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive checklists outlined above. The combined type can present a more complex mix of behaviors, and people with this form may find themselves struggling to balance the need to focus with the drive to be active and engaged.

Affirming Perspectives on Combined ADHD:
Combined type ADHD offers the potential for a dynamic way of engaging with the world. Individuals with this type may be both creative and energetic, able to shift between periods of intense focus and bursts of action. While this can be exhausting at times, it can also lead to a rich, varied life experience. These ADHDers may find that, given the right amount of stimuli and ADHD accommodations, they can utilize their energy and hyperfocus in extremely positive ways, such as in advocacy, problem solving, entrepreneurship, and more.
 

ADHD in Women, Girls, and Genderqueer People

ADHD has historically been underdiagnosed in women, girls, and genderqueer individuals. This is due, in part, to societal expectations and the fact that many diagnostic tools and research studies have focused on boys. As a result, many women, girls, and gender-diverse ADHDers may not receive a diagnosis until later in life.
 

ADHD in Women and Girls

Women and girls often present ADHD traits differently than men and boys. In general, they are more likely to have inattentive type ADHD, which can manifest as daydreaming, trouble staying organized, or difficulty paying attention. However, this statistic is likely impacted by the fact that girls are often socialized to be more compliant, docile, and quiet, which can mask traits of hyperactivity or impulsivity. This means that many girls with ADHD are labeled as “spacey” or “lazy” rather than being recognized as neurodivergent.

Additionally, girls with ADHD are more likely to internalize their struggles, leading to co-occurring issues such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Hyperactivity that is masked can instead appear as a hyperactivity of the mind, leading to increased anxiety or even OCD-like symptoms. This can create difficulty determining what the root cause of a person’s experiences is. They may also feel ashamed of their comorbid experiences, further prompting them to push down their challenges and work harder to meet the same expectations as their neurotypical peers, leading to burnout or feelings of inadequacy. 
 

ADHD in Genderqueer People

For genderqueer individuals, ADHD can also present differently, particularly because traditional gender norms don’t always apply. Genderqueer people may experience a mix of traits associated with both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive types, and their experience of ADHD may be further complicated by the challenges of navigating a world that isn’t designed for neurodivergence or non-binary gender identities.

Genderqueer individuals with ADHD may experience additional challenges related to sensory sensitivities, social pressures, and emotional regulation, all of which can contribute to masking or camouflaging ADHD traits. This can make it harder for them to seek help or receive a diagnosis, leading to greater emotional and mental health challenges over time. Because there is still a huge stigma surrounding genderqueer, trans, and nonbinary individuals, providers may also be uneducated on the importance of gender-affirming care. They may determine that they are mentally ill rather than neurodivergent and genderqueer. It is crucial to find a provider that is well-versed in neuroaffirming and gender-affirming care. 
 

More Holistic ADHD Traits: Beyond the DSM-V

While the DSM-V criteria provide a medical framework for diagnosing ADHD, they do not fully capture the lived experience of ADHD, nor do they acknowledge the strengths and positive aspects of the neurotype. ADHDers have a lot to offer the world, and many of their struggles and the disabling aspects of their neurotype are more due to living in our productivity-obsessed, capitalistic society rather than an intrinsic issue. 

• Hyperfocus: The ability to intensely focus on tasks or interests for extended periods of time, especially when they are personally engaging or rewarding.
   

• Creativity and Innovation: Many individuals with ADHD have unique problem-solving abilities and are highly creative, often thinking outside the box.
   

• Resilience: Due to years of navigating a world that doesn’t accommodate their needs, ADHDers often develop remarkable resilience and persistence.
   

• Curiosity and Enthusiasm: People with ADHD tend to have a deep curiosity about the world and may pursue a wide variety of interests and hobbies with enthusiasm.
   

• Empathy and Intuition: Some individuals with ADHD are highly empathetic and emotionally attuned to the feelings of others.
   

ADHD Tests for Adults

If you’re an ADHDer, or you suspect that you might have ADHD, ADHD tests (also known as ADHD assessments) can be something that can help you along the way! ADHD tests can help ND folks explore their neurotype, receive psychoeducation, and discover and request ADHD accommodations at work. After an ADHD test, autistic adults can pursue support options like coaching to  integrate their identity, process the emotions of discovering their neurodivergence, and so much more! ADHDers can benefit from ADHD tests, ADHD-affirming therapy, and ADHD coaching because it can help them create better structures in their lives that work with their neurotype rather than against it. It can help with executive functioning, setting up systems, and creating habits that stick. Plus, it’s always great to have someone to talk to who deeply understands and relates to your experience! Whether you’re just now beginning the process of uncovering your ADHD, or you’ve known that you’re an ADHDer for a while, NeuroSpark can help you and provide a support system that can benefit you for the rest of your life. 
 

Conclusion

ADHD is a complex neurotype that manifests in a variety of ways, depending on the individual. Understanding the full range of ADHD traits, as well as the differences in how ADHD presents across genders and age groups, is crucial for promoting self-acceptance and advocacy. By embracing the strengths of ADHD and providing the necessary support, ADHDers can thrive in ways that honor their unique needs and abilities. Whether through self-identification or formal diagnosis, recognizing the traits of ADHD can empower people to seek out the resources, strategies, and communities that allow them to lead fulfilling and authentic lives.