ADHD GLOSSARY
Hyperfocus
When someone with ADHD becomes deeply immersed in a task they enjoy, sometimes losing track of time, hunger, or surroundings.
Executive Dysfunction
Difficulty managing tasks, planning, organizing, or regulating attention — common with ADHD brains.
Doom Pile
The mountain of stuff (papers, laundry, projects) avoided until it becomes a stress monster.
Body Doubling
Working alongside someone else to stay focused — even virtually. Helps with task initiation and accountability.
Task Paralysis
The overwhelming freeze response when a to-do list feels like too much. Brain just… stalls.
Time Blindness
Difficulty sensing how much time has passed or estimating how long things take.
Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD)
Extreme emotional response to perceived criticism or rejection — even if it wasn’t meant that way.
Emotional Dysregulation
Struggles with managing emotional intensity — common in both children and adults with ADHD.
Object Permanence (ADHD Style)
If it’s out of sight… it’s gone. Forgotten. Dead to the world. (Which is why clear bins are magic.)
Sensory Overload
When too much input (noise, lights, textures) fries your brain and you need to hide under a hoodie.
Working Memory
The part of your brain that holds info while using it. ADHD brains often struggle to juggle too much at once.
Spicy Brain
Slang for an ADHD brain — fast, unpredictable, a little chaotic, but brilliant in the right conditions.
Because we can’t define it all…
We gave you the glossary — but for 134 real ADHD hacks to make life smoother, check this out:
👉 Explore The ADHD Playbook