From Playground to Professional: How ADHD Changes with Age

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) isn’t just a childhood condition. It’s a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that affects how your executive functioning skills work. These are skills that help you plan, stay organized, manage time, and regulate emotions.

ADHD can evolve as you move through different stages of life. While hyperactivity might stand out on the playground, adult ADHD often looks more like racing thoughts, disorganization, or constant mental fatigue.

Understanding how ADHD changes with age can help you or your loved one find strategies that truly fit your needs at every stage. That’s why our team at Body & Mind Consulting, led by psychologists Dr. Lisa Webb and Dr. Ken Robins are here to help guide you (or your loved one) through the stages.

What ADHD looks like in Childhood

In children, ADHD often shows up as boundless energy, impulsivity, and difficulty sitting still or focusing in class. Some children may struggle more with hyperactivity, while others struggle more with inattention. 

Common signs of ADHD in kids include:

• Trouble following directions 
• Difficulty finishing homework
• Acting without thinking
• Interrupting or talking excessively
• Struggling with transitions or waiting their turn

Kids with ADHD don’t lack intelligence or motivation. They just process information differently. Children can learn tools to manage their attention and emotions effectively.

ADHD in Teens

According to research published in the Italian Journal of Pediatrics, children with ADHD worldwide are diagnosed with the three main types (inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined) at nearly equal rates. 

However, inattentive-type ADHD becomes slightly more common during the teen years, as hyperactive symptoms often lessen with age.

The teenage years bring more independence and more pressure. Academic demands increase, and so do social expectations. Teens with ADHD may find it harder to stay organized, meet more rigid deadlines in high school, or regulate their emotions.

Many also begin to internalize their challenges and start to feel frustrated or self-critical if they’re told they’re “lazy” or “not trying.”

This is a crucial time to offer emotional support to your teen. Executive function coaching, therapy, or medication management can help build their confidence and resilience.

ADHD in Adults

Adult ADHD can look very different from what you’d expect. The hyperactivity of childhood often shifts into mental restlessness. You might struggle with a racing mind, multitasking that leads to burnout, or difficulty sustaining focus on routine tasks.

Adults with ADHD may struggle with:

• Time management and organization
• Procrastination or perfectionism
• Impulsive spending or decision-making
• Relationships due to forgetfulness or distraction
• Work stress from juggling deadlines 

On the positive side, adults with ADHD often bring creativity, energy, and problem-solving skills to their work and relationships.

The key is learning how to channel those strengths while managing challenges through executive function coaching strategies.

Learning you have ADHD in midlife

For many, ADHD remains undiagnosed until midlife, especially in women, who are often overlooked in childhood. As responsibilities multiply and memory or focus naturally change with age, your symptoms may become more noticeable.

The good news: it’s never too late to get help. Our team offers assessments at our ADHD testing center, so if you suspect you have undiagnosed adult ADHD, don’t hesitate to reach out.

How therapy can help at every stage

At Body & Mind Consulting, our team understands that ADHD doesn’t look the same from person to person, and treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our therapists work with children, teens, and adults to:

• Identify ADHD patterns and their unique strengths
• Develop personalized coping tools  
• Improve communication skills
• Build confidence and self-compassion

Comprehensive ADHD care in Murfreesboro, Tennessee

ADHD doesn’t disappear with age; it grows and changes with you. 

If you or your child may be struggling with focus, organization, or emotional regulation, the Body & Mind Consulting team can help you navigate ADHD with clarity and confidence.

Reach out today to schedule an appointment at our Murfreesboro office and learn strategies that work for your life, wherever you are on the journey. You can also reach us by phone at  615-310-1491.