Krishna Vora Therapy

Photo Credit: Marvin Meyer

Understanding ADHD Beyond the Myths

When you hear the word ADHD, you might picture a child who can’t sit still or focus in class. But the truth is, ADHD doesn’t disappear in adulthood — it simply looks different. Many adults spend years blaming themselves for being “lazy,” “forgetful,” or “unmotivated,” without realizing their brain is just wired differently.

Adult ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) affects attention, organization, emotional regulation, and energy levels. It’s not a lack of effort — it’s a neurodevelopmental difference that impacts how you process information, manage time, and respond to stress.

Unfortunately, most early research focused on young boys, which means women and people of colour have often been overlooked, misdiagnosed, or dismissed.

Common Signs of ADHD in Adults

ADHD in adults often hides behind coping strategies, burnout, or perfectionism. Instead of hyperactivity, it may appear as chronic overwhelm or mental exhaustion. Here are some signs you might recognize:

• Feeling easily distracted or mentally “all over the place”
• Struggling to start or finish tasks, even ones that matter to you
• Forgetting appointments, deadlines, or daily responsibilities
• Feeling restless or needing constant stimulation
• Experiencing intense emotions that feel hard to regulate
• Overthinking or replaying conversations
• Hyperfocusing on certain interests for hours at a time
• Feeling guilty for not being “productive enough”

Many adults describe it as living with a brain that has too many tabs open all the time.

Why ADHD Is Often Missed in Women and People of Colour

ADHD tends to be underdiagnosed in women and racialized adults due to gender and cultural biases.

• Women often internalize symptoms, turning their energy toward perfectionism, people-pleasing, or anxiety. They might appear “high-functioning” while silently struggling to keep up.
• People of colour may encounter cultural stigma or stereotypes that dismiss their challenges as stress or poor discipline. These experiences can lead to shame, self-doubt, and emotional exhaustion.

Because of this, many adults don’t receive a diagnosis until later in life — often after years of feeling misunderstood or “not good enough.”

Reframing ADHD: Strengths and Self-Acceptance

A neurodiversity-affirming perspective views ADHD not as a flaw but as a different way of thinking and experiencing the world.

Yes, ADHD can create difficulties with organization, focus, and emotional regulation — but it also brings incredible strengths. Many ADHDers are creative, intuitive, empathetic, and innovative thinkers who thrive in dynamic, flexible environments.

Therapy can help you:

• Understand your ADHD patterns with compassion
• Unlearn shame and perfectionism
• Build routines that match your energy levels
• Develop emotional regulation and self-advocacy skills

How Therapy Can Help Adults with ADHD

Working with a neurodiversity-affirming therapist can be life-changing. Instead of trying to “fix” you, therapy focuses on building understanding and strategies that truly fit your brain.

At Krishna Vora Therapy, I offer online psychotherapy across Ontario, supporting adults navigating ADHD, learning disabilities, and related challenges. My approach is affirming, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive, recognizing the unique experiences of women, immigrants, and people of colour.

If you see yourself in this description, know that ADHD doesn’t define your worth — and you’re not alone in learning how to thrive with it.

🌼 Understanding your brain is not about changing who you are — it’s about finding ways to honour how you naturally move through the world.

Ready to take the next step?

If you are in Ontario, book a free 15 minute virtual consultation. You can use the contact page or write to me at krishnavoratherapy@gmail.com.