Can You Have ADHD If You Do Well In School?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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It's common for ADHD not to be diagnosed until after high

. (Journalist Lisa Ling is a famous example.) That's especially true for kids who did well in school and who are not hyperactive. Kids often find ways to work around challenges, allowing them to do well or “get by” in high school.

Can people with ADHD be academically smart?

Share on Pinterest Research suggests that

there is no connection between ADHD and intelligence

. There are no confirmed links between ADHD and intelligence. However, some people continue to contest this. ADHD can affect a person's ability to function at work or at school.

Can you get good grades with ADHD?

Many students with ADHD are quite smart. They can often

pull a passing grade in high school

, or even a good one, just by cramming the night before the tests. Odds are that strategy won't work in college.

Who famous has ADHD?

  • Simone Biles. U.S. Olympic champion Simone Biles took to Twitter to let the world know she has ADHD. …
  • Michael Phelps. When this future Olympic champion was diagnosed with ADHD at age 9, his mom was his champion. …
  • Justin Timberlake. …
  • will.i.am. …
  • Adam Levine. …
  • Howie Mandel. …
  • James Carville. …
  • Ty Pennington.

Are people with ADHD messy?

They keep their things fairly organized and try to avoid making a mess. But many kids and adults with ADHD are the opposite —

they're messy most of the time

. And it can cause problems at home, school, and work. For example, kids might miss a field trip because the permission slip got lost in their overflowing backpack.

When Does ADHD peak?

At what age are symptoms of ADHD the worst? The symptoms of hyperactivity are typically most severe at

age 7 to 8

, gradually declining thereafter. Peak severity of impulsive behaviour is usually at age 7 or 8.

Is ADHD a form of autism?

Answer: Autism spectrum disorder and ADHD are related in several ways.

ADHD is not on the autism spectrum

, but they have some of the same symptoms. And having one of these conditions increases the chances of having the other.

What are people with ADHD good at?

  • Being energetic. Some individuals with ADHD often have seemingly endless amounts of energy that they're able to channel toward success on the playing field, in school, or at work.
  • Being spontaneous. …
  • Being creative and inventive. …
  • Being hyperfocused.

What worsens ADHD?

Common triggers include:

stress, poor sleep, certain foods and additives, overstimulation, and technology

. Once you recognize what triggers your ADHD symptoms, you can make the necessary lifestyle changes to better control episodes.

Can ADHD ruin your life?


Untreated ADHD can cause problems throughout life

. People with ADHD tend to be impulsive and have short attention spans, which can make it harder to succeed in school, at work, in relationships, and in other aspects of life.

Can ADHD go away?



ADHD doesn't disappear just because symptoms become less obvious

—its effect on the brain lingers.” Some adults who had milder symptom levels of ADHD as children may have developed coping skills that address their symptoms well enough to prevent ADHD from interfering with their daily lives.

What foods trigger ADHD?

Some of the common foods that can cause ADHD reactions include

milk, chocolate, soy, wheat, eggs, beans, corn, tomatoes, grapes, and oranges

. If you suspect a food sensitivity may be contributing to your child's ADHD symptoms, talk to your ADHD dietitian or doctor about trying an elimination diet.

Is ADHD inherited from the mother or father?

Genetics. ADHD tends to run in families and, in most cases, it's thought the genes you

inherit from your parents

are a significant factor in developing the condition. Research shows that parents and siblings of a child with ADHD are more likely to have ADHD themselves.

What do adults with ADHD struggle with?

Adults with ADHD may find it

difficult to focus and prioritize

, leading to missed deadlines and forgotten meetings or social plans. The inability to control impulses can range from impatience waiting in line or driving in traffic to mood swings and outbursts of anger.

Does ADHD improve with age?

The symptoms of

ADHD usually improve with age

, but many adults who were diagnosed with the condition at a young age continue to experience problems. People with ADHD may also have additional problems, such as sleep and anxiety disorders.

Is ADHD a disability?


ADHD is not considered to be a learning disability

. It can be determined to be a disability under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), making a student eligible to receive special education services.

Carlos Perez
Author
Carlos Perez
Carlos Perez is an education expert and teacher with over 20 years of experience working with youth. He holds a degree in education and has taught in both public and private schools, as well as in community-based organizations. Carlos is passionate about empowering young people and helping them reach their full potential through education and mentorship.