Why Explaining ADHD Can Be Like Explaining a Rainbow to the Color Blind

Have you ever tried to explain a rainbow to someone who is entirely color blind?

Or music to someone who can't hear?

Or the meaning of a Japanese word or phrase to someone who only speaks English and there is no equivalent word or phrase in English?

Or the vastness of the ocean to someone who has only ever seen rivers or small lakes?

Each of these situations is similar to explaining ADHD to someone who has a neurotypical brain. The ADHD brain works in a fundamentally different way than a neurotypical brain. We can only experience how our own brain works and often it does not occur to us that someone else's brain might work differently. This is why many people go through life not realizing they have ADHD or any other neurological difference.

The Complexity of Neurological Differences

For example, I know someone who cannot mentally visualize things. He realized only in his 40s that other people's phrase "picture an apple in your mind" meant they wanted him to visualize it literally. This is a clear example of how different experiences can be, even when they have a similar name.

Similarly, my friend who is color blind can't distinguish between red and green. Although I can imagine being entirely blind or seeing only in grayscale, I am unable to understand or imagine how he sees the world. Many neurotypical people find it challenging to comprehend how individuals with ADHD experience the world, particularly when it comes to the significant gap between making a decision and taking action.

Challenges of Explaining ADHD

The gap between “deciding to do the thing” and “actually starting/doing the thing” is a fundamental experience for those with ADHD. This difficulty does not stem from a lack of willpower, motivation, or effort. It is a very different experience and way of being that looks the same to an outside observer.

Two Main Reasons for Difficulty in Explanation

1. Invisible Nature of ADHD

For many people, ADHD is invisible because they only believe what they see. Therefore, when someone with ADHD appears to be inattentive, it is often mistaken for a lack of interest or intelligence.

2. Confusion Between Inattentive and Hyper-focused Behaviors

ADHD often involves a disconnect between inattentive behavior and hyper-focusing. A person with ADHD might forget to complete tasks due to hyper-focused periods, which can be misinterpreted as inattentiveness.

3. Incorrect Explanations and Misunderstandings

Many behaviors associated with ADHD are often misunderstood or misinterpreted:

Daydreaming and inattentiveness led one of my third-grade teachers to believe I was intellectually impaired. Some of us may seem bright but forgetful, leading others to think we are simply absent-minded. We can be disorganized and sometimes freeze or get stuck when overwhelmed, which often leads people to believe we are lazy.

These examples highlight the complexity of explaining ADHD to those who do not experience it. While it is important to be clear and patient, understanding and acceptance from the neurotypical community can significantly help individuals with ADHD.

Conclusion

Explaining ADHD to those who do not experience it is akin to explaining a phenomenon that they cannot perceive. It requires empathetic understanding and a recognition of differences in brain function. By fostering a more inclusive and educated society, we can better support individuals with ADHD and reduce the stigma associated with it.