Two Stories That Prove Attention #ADHD
When people struggle with attention, the first thought is often: “That must be ADHD.”
It makes sense—after all, “attention” is right in the name of the diagnosis. But attention challenges do not always mean ADHD.
That’s because attention itself is also an executive function skill—one of the brain-based abilities that live in the prefrontal cortex and help us manage tasks, stay organized, regulate our focus, and shift between activities. Everyone has strengths and challenges with executive functions, and attention is no exception.
Let me share two stories of young adults that show just how differently attention can work, and why we can’t always equate attention difficulties with ADHD.
Want to learn more about ADHD and Executive Function? Come to our workshop.
Let me share two stories of young adults that show just how differently attention can work. One of them did have ADHD—but can you guess which one?
Story One: The Student Who Needed Noise
One young adult told me about their childhood homework routine. Sitting in silence to complete assignments? Impossible. Their brain would wander, restlessness would creep in, and focusing felt out of reach.
But when the TV or radio was on in the background, something shifted. The background noise gave their brain just the right amount of stimulation. Suddenly, focus was possible. The work got done.
Unfortunately, their parents didn’t see it this way. They thought the TV was a distraction, not realizing it was actually the tool that allowed their child to engage.
Story Two: The Student Who Needed a Change of Scenery
Another young adult found himself constantly frustrated when trying to read at home. No matter how determined he was, he’d end up scrolling his phone, wandering into the kitchen, or starting unrelated tasks.
Through coaching, we experimented with different environments. He discovered that the library gave him the structure and quiet he needed for deep-focus reading. On the other hand, if the assignment didn’t require full concentration, a café worked beautifully—the background buzz added just enough energy without pulling him off task.
In other words, it wasn’t that he couldn’t pay attention—it was that his environment wasn’t giving him what his brain needed to succeed.
The Bigger Picture: Attention as an Executive Function
These stories remind us of something important:
Not all attention struggles mean ADHD. Anyone can experience attention challenges, especially when executive function skills are taxed.
Attention interacts with other EF skills. Working memory, flexibility, and regulation all play a role in how attention shows up.
Attention can be supported. Whether someone has ADHD or not, strategies like changing the environment, adding background sound, or adjusting expectations can help.
Practical Takeaways
Noise can help. For some brains, silence is harder than background sound.
Environment matters. A library, café, or outdoor space may shift focus dramatically.
Different tasks require different attention levels. Deep work and light work aren’t the same.
Compassion first. What looks like a “bad habit” may actually be a strategy.
Pause for an EF Fact
Attention is an executive function rooted in the prefrontal cortex. Like other EF skills, it develops into adulthood and can be strengthened with awareness and strategies. And while many with ADHD struggle with attention, not all attention struggles mean ADHD.
👉 Want to explore more about attention as an executive function—and gain practical strategies for supporting it, attend the workshop tonight at 7pm EST.
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