What is High-Functioning ADHD?

Author: Dr. Tony Ebel, DC, CPPFC, CCWP

Thank God for My ADHD: Why It’s One of the Greatest Gifts I’ve Ever Been Given

I know that may sound crazy to some – but I mean it. I thank God that I have ADHD, because when it’s firing right, it’s one of my absolute greatest strengths! While most of us have been programmed by the medical and pharmaceutical world to think of ADHD as a “deficit” or “disorder” only, for those of us who have learned to harness and optimize it – it’s truly a superpower.

It’s what has helped me get through chiropractic school, where we had to take 30 or more credits per trimester (90+ per year), pass all our board exams, and get through clinic. Then it really found its stride in my life when I became a father, doctor, and practice owner all within a matter of one month.

My High-Functioning ADHD allows me to build a movement, run at a pace most wouldn’t dare, lead my family with commitment and passion, and serve thousands of families through our mission. It’s what gives me energy, creativity, vision, and resilience like nothing else.

But that wasn’t always the case. Like so many others, I used to feel like I had to fix it or calm it down. The world kept telling me I was too much – too fast, too scattered, too intense, too distracted. But once I stopped trying to fight it, and started learning how to harness it… everything changed.

The most pivotal moment was when I discovered how critical the nervous system is in regulating and optimizing that superpower. With Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care and a daily routine built around God, grit, and growth – I now see my ADHD as one of the clearest ways God wired me to fulfill my purpose!

I’m starting off this article all about the neuroscience behind High-Functioning ADHD with my story, because I want you to know that this can absolutely be the future for your child, or for yourself as well. You can turn struggles into superpowers when you turn an overloaded, disconnected brain and nervous system into a fully functioning, wildly efficient Ford Raptor (really fast truck with great handling and performance for you car people) that changes not only your life – but can improve and impact the lives of so many others around you as well!

If you’ve ever felt like your brain works differently — maybe even chaotically — but deep down you know there’s brilliance in it… you’re not alone. And you’re not broken. You’re actually blessed. ADHD isn’t a dysfunction; it’s a different design. And when we understand how to support and optimize that design — especially through the lens of nervous system health and nervous system regulation — we can unlock a level of productivity, purpose, and power that’s just flat out awesome.

Stories like mine are all over the world. Will Smith, Richard Branson, Michael Phelps, and even Justin Timberlake have all spoken about their ADHD being a superpower that has fueled their energy, creativity, and performance. And heck, back in college when I had a full head of curly hair, a few people (key word – few) even thought I looked like Justin Timberlake… so maybe curly hair is one more superpower for us select few!

Is High-Functioning ADHD Good or Bad?

It depends. ADHD affects millions of children and adults worldwide, but not everyone presents with the same classic symptoms. High-functioning ADHD is a term used to describe individuals who have ADHD but can mask or compensate for their symptoms in certain settings.

However, just because someone is high-functioning doesn’t mean their ADHD isn’t impacting their life. In fact, the constant effort to keep up and appear “normal” can lead to intense stress, anxiety, and burnout over time. That’s why it’s so important to understand the natural root causes of ADHD, which lie not in laziness or lack of willpower but in the intricate dance of the nervous system.

Once again, I can relate personally to how being wired in this way can lead to an individual “riding the line” a bit and being more susceptible to overworking, anxiety, and burnout. That’s why the action steps and strategies listed at the end of this episode are so important for those with High-Functioning ADHD. Those action steps will work to help improve focus, energy, and regulation for anyone – but they are essential habits to stick to for those with ADHD.

In this article, we’ll explore the neurological origins, signs and symptoms, and transformative power of a drug-free, brain-based approach to the care of high-functioning ADHD.

What is High-Functioning ADHD?

High-functioning ADHD is a term used to describe individuals who have ADHD but can manage their symptoms well enough to succeed in certain areas of life, such as work or school. It’s important to note that there isn’t a high-functioning ADHD test to determine a formal medical diagnosis. Instead, this condition refers to a subset of adults with ADHD who have developed coping strategies to mask or compensate for their traits.

While the presentation of high-functioning ADHD can vary from person to person, there are some common signs of high-functioning ADHD to look out for. In children, you may notice:

Difficulty paying attention to details or making careless mistakes in schoolwork
Trouble following through on instructions or finishing tasks
Seeming not to listen when spoken to directly
Losing things necessary for tasks or activities
Being easily distracted by external stimuli
Fidgeting or squirming in their seat
Interrupting or intruding on others’ conversations or activities

Conversely, signs of high-functioning ADHD in adults may manifest as:

Difficulty prioritizing and managing time effectively
Frequently running late or forgetting appointments
Trouble multitasking and feeling overwhelmed by responsibilities
Impulsively blurting out thoughts or interrupting others
Losing essential items like keys or wallets
Feeling restless or struggling to relax

It’s crucial to understand that even if someone is considered high-functioning, their ADHD signs can still significantly impact their daily life. They may struggle with anxiety, low self-esteem, and burnout from the constant effort required to keep up appearances. It can also negatively impact their sleep, digestive health, and manifest in other physical or biological signs.

The Neurological Origins of High-Functioning ADHD

To truly understand high-functioning ADHD, we must explore the intricate world of the nervous system. The brain and sensory nervous system work together to regulate various functions, including attention, impulse control, and hyperactivity. When this delicate system is imbalanced or disrupted, symptoms of ADHD can emerge.

At PX Docs, we recognize three key factors that contribute to the development of ADHD: subluxation, dysautonomia, and a phenomenon we call “The Perfect Storm.”

We specifically focus on subluxation and nervous system dysregulation. Subluxation creates interference and stress in the nervous system, leading to dysregulation that makes ADHD symptoms like inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity far harder to manage and control.

Dysautonomia is an imbalance in the Autonomic Nervous System, which controls involuntary functions like heart rate, digestion, and blood pressure. When the Autonomic Nervous System is out of balance, it can contribute to the hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention seen in ADHD, since the autonomic system also controls our mood, energy, focus, concentration, and cognitive type functions.

The “Perfect Storm” concept describes a combination of factors that can set the stage for neurological dysfunction and, consequently, ADHD symptoms. These factors include:

Prenatal stress and maternal anxiety, which have been shown to impact fetal brain development
Birth trauma and interventions like C-sections, forceps, and vacuum extractions can cause physical stress and injury to the delicate brainstem and upper cervical regions, which help process sensory information and regulate autonomic function through the vagus nerve
Early life stressors, such as emotional trauma, environmental toxins, and nutritional deficiencies, can further impair nervous system function

Fortunately, by understanding the neurological origins of high-functioning ADHD, we can begin to approach this complex condition from a more drug-free and practical perspective. Rather than simply masking symptoms with medication, we can work to address the underlying imbalances and restore optimal nervous system function.

Challenges and Potential Negative Impacts of High-Functioning ADHD

While individuals with high-functioning ADHD may appear to be managing well on the surface, the reality is often far more complex. The constant effort required to mask signs and meet the demands of daily life can take a significant toll on mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

One of the most common challenges faced by those with high-functioning ADHD is emotional exhaustion and burnout. The pressure to maintain a facade of “normalcy” can be overwhelming, leading to chronic stress and fatigue. Over time, this can erode self-esteem and contribute to feelings of inadequacy or self-doubt.

Another major hurdle for individuals with high-functioning ADHD is difficulty with time management and organization. Despite their best efforts, they may struggle to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and keep track of important documents or belongings. This challenge can lead to missed opportunities, strained relationships, and a sense of constantly playing catch-up.

In social situations, high-functioning ADHD can present its own set of challenges. Impulsivity, interrupting, and difficulty reading social cues can make it hard to connect with others and maintain friendships. These challenges can be harrowing for children and adolescents who may feel isolated or misunderstood by their peers.

It’s also important to recognize that individuals with high-functioning ADHD are at increased risk for coexisting conditions like anxiety and depression. The chronic stress and self-doubt associated with masking signs can take a significant toll on mental health, leading to feelings of hopelessness or despair.

Some other potential negative impacts of high-functioning ADHD include:

Difficulty maintaining employment or advancing in one’s career
Impulse spending and financial instability
Substance abuse as a means of self-medicating signs
Chronic procrastination and difficulty completing projects
Low frustration tolerance and emotional dysregulation

It’s crucial for individuals with high-functioning ADHD, as well as their loved ones and healthcare providers, to recognize these challenges and seek appropriate support. By acknowledging the reality of their struggles, they can work towards solutions that honor their unique needs and strengths.

The PX Docs Approach to High-Functioning ADHD

At PX Docs, we take a different approach to managing high-functioning ADHD. Rather than trying to run a high-functioning ADHD test or simply treating symptoms, we focus on addressing the root cause of the condition: neurological dysfunction and dysregulation

Through specific Neurologically-Tonal Chiropractic Adjustments, we restore balance to the nervous system, targeting areas of subluxation and promoting optimal function of the vagus nerve and the autonomic nervous system. Our care plans are highly customized, taking into account each individual’s specific INSiGHT Scan results, symptoms, and goals.

We’ve seen countless success stories of individuals with high-functioning ADHD who have experienced profound improvements in focus, emotional regulation, and overall quality of life through this neurologically-focused, drug-free approach. By addressing the underlying imbalances, we help unlock the incredible potential within each unique brain and nervous system.

Complementary Strategies for Managing High-Functioning ADHD

While Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care is at the heart of our approach, we also recognize the importance of a drug-free, multi-faceted care plan. In addition to chiropractic adjustments, we often recommend a range of effective strategies to support individuals with high-functioning ADHD.

These may include:

Lifestyle modifications: Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, quality sleep, and stress management techniques can help regulate mood, energy, and focus. Enough restorative sleep is crucial.
Targeted supplement plans: Specific nutrients help cognition and nervous system regulation. A doctor’s guidance ensures safety.
Time management and productivity systems: Practical tools such as color-coded calendars, task batching, single-tasking instead of multitasking, and structured routines help channel energy into focused, productive action rather than scattered distraction.
Educational accommodations and support: Collaborating with schools to implement accommodations like extra time on tests, quiet workspaces, and assistive technology can make a world of difference academically.
Mindfulness and stress-reduction practices: Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help calm the nervous system and improve emotional regulation.

The key is developing a personalized plan that considers each individual’s strengths, challenges, and goals. By combining Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care with these complementary approaches, we can help individuals with high-functioning ADHD thrive in all areas of life.

Thriving with High-Functioning ADHD: A Path Forward

At PX Docs, we’re committed to changing the narrative around ADHD and providing the most cutting-edge, neurologically-focused care available. Our approach centers on identifying and addressing the underlying imbalances in the brain and nervous system, allowing adults and children with ADHD to unlock their incredible potential.

If you suspect that you or your child may be struggling with ADHD, we invite you to visit our directory and find a qualified PX Doc in your area today. With compassionate support, customized care plans, and a focus on the latest research and technology, we can confidently help you navigate the path forward.

Remember, ADHD is not a limitation—it is a unique way of being in the world, with its gifts and possibilities. By embracing your unique wiring and seeking the care needed, you can help write a story of success and fulfilled potential. The journey may not always be easy, but it can be incredibly rewarding with the proper support.

Article from P X Docs - https://pxdocs.com/adhd/high-functioning-adhd/

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