What is ADHD? 🤔
Let's learn about your super-cool brain!
Your Brain is Like a Supercomputer
Imagine having 100 browser tabs open at once! That's what your ADHD brain feels like. You notice EVERYTHING, think super fast, and have tons of ideas all at the same time. It's amazing... but sometimes it can feel overwhelming!
A Race Car with Bicycle Brakes
Your brain is super fast and powerful (like a race car!), but sometimes the "brakes" that help you slow down or focus don't work quite as fast. That's totally normal for ADHD brains!
The Butterfly Brain
Your attention flutters from flower to flower like a butterfly! You notice colors, sounds, and interesting things that others might miss. This makes you creative and fun, even if sitting still feels really hard.
You're NOT Broken!
ADHD is just a different way your brain works. It's like being left-handed or having curly hair — it's part of what makes YOU special! Lots of amazing people have ADHD, including artists, athletes, and inventors.
Your Superpowers! 💪
These are things your ADHD brain does REALLY well!
Super Creativity
You come up with amazing ideas that no one else thinks of! Your imagination is like a rocket ship that can go anywhere.
Tons of Energy
You have SO much energy and enthusiasm! When you're excited about something, you can work on it for hours without getting bored.
Noticing Things
You see details that others miss! Maybe you notice when someone seems sad, or you spot a cool bug no one else saw.
Asking Great Questions
You're super curious! You wonder about how things work and aren't afraid to ask "Why?" or "What if?"
Being Fun & Funny
You make people laugh and have fun ideas for games! Your energy makes things more exciting for everyone around you.
Hyperfocus Rocket
When something matters to you, you can lock in and blast through challenges. That deep focus helps you learn fast and make big things happen.
Things That Feel Hard (And That's OK!) 💙
Everyone has things that are tricky — here are some common ones for ADHD brains
🪑 Sitting Still
Your body wants to MOVE! Sitting at a desk for a long time can feel impossible. Your legs bounce, your hands fidget, and you just want to jump up!
⏰ Waiting Your Turn
When you have something to say, it feels like it might burst out of you! Waiting to be called on is SO hard. Sometimes you interrupt without meaning to.
🧠 Remembering Stuff
You might forget your homework, lose your jacket, or forget what you were supposed to do. Your brain is so busy with other thoughts!
😢 When Feelings Get BIG
Sometimes feelings feel HUGE — like your mad is REALLY mad, or your sad is SUPER sad. It can feel like your emotions have a volume knob stuck on HIGH.
👭 Making Friends Who Understand
Sometimes other kids don't understand why you interrupt, fidget, or have so much energy. Finding friends who "get you" can take time.
Cool Tools Just For You! 🛠️
These tools help your ADHD brain work even better!
Visual Timers
These are timers you can SEE! They show you how much time is left in a colorful way, so you're not surprised when time is up.
- Time Timer (shows red disappearing)
- Sand timers (fun to watch!)
- Kitchen timer shaped like animals
- Phone apps with animations
Feelings Chart
A chart with faces showing different feelings! Point to how you feel when words are hard to find. This helps grownups understand what you need.
- Learn to name your feelings
- Show others how you feel
- Track patterns (sad on Mondays?)
- Ask for what you need
Morning Routine Chart
Pictures showing each step of getting ready! No more forgetting to brush teeth or pack your backpack.
- Wake up & get dressed
- Brush teeth & wash face
- Eat breakfast
- Pack backpack & shoes on
Fidget Toys
These are toys that help your hands stay busy so your brain can focus! Squish, twist, or spin them while you listen or work.
- Stress balls (squish!)
- Fidget spinners or cubes
- Silly putty or slime
- Tangles or pop-its
Talking About ADHD 💬
What to say when friends or teachers ask questions
How to Explain to Friends
"My brain works a little differently. It's like having a superpower that makes me super creative and full of energy, but sometimes it's hard for me to sit still or wait my turn. It's called ADHD and it's just part of who I am!"
"You know how you can focus easily? My brain is like having 100 TV channels playing at once! It makes me really good at noticing things, but sometimes I need fidget toys or movement breaks to help me focus."
What to Tell Teachers
"I learn better when I can move." Could I stand at my desk sometimes, or sit on a wiggle cushion? It helps my brain focus!
"I sometimes forget things." Can you help me write down homework assignments or give me a checklist? It really helps me remember!
"I'm trying really hard." Even when it looks like I'm not paying attention, I am! My brain just needs to fidget or move to focus better.
Fun Downloads! 🎨
Print these out and make them your own!
You Are AMAZING! 🎉
Remember: Your ADHD brain is special, creative, and full of possibilities!