ADHD – Hyperfocus

ADHD is usually viewed as being a difficulty of concentration, attention and focus. However, rather than an individual with ADHD lacking the skills of attention, the difficulty is more one of an inability to regulate their attention. 

The concentration of individuals with ADHD will improve if a piece of work interests them; if it is novel, has a tight deadline and combines some degree of competition and challenge. When engaged in such an activity, the individual will focus exceptionally well. This high level of concentration is known as hyper-focusing. When someone is hyper-focusing, they become completely absorbed in a task, paying little attention to anything else that is going on around them. 

Many scientists, writers, sportsmen and women, musicians and artists have successful careers because of this ability to hyperfocus. Some of the greatest discoveries and inventions result from a person concentrating on an activity for hour after hour, long after others have given up. The task will not seem like work because the individual is so involved in it.

When a child with ADHD is able to hyper-focus on a favourite activity, (Lego, tennis, chess, playing the drums, gymnastics, gaming, etc), they will develop their skills in that area, which in turn will boost their self-esteem. Hyper-focusing on a favourite hobby is the perfect way to increase a child’s confidence, develop friendships, raise their profile among their peers, in addition to giving opportunities for relaxation and pleasure. 

For a parent or teacher of a child with ADHD, their particular area of interest will be the perfect motivator. For example, a child may find the process of reading tedious, but will enjoy reading texts that centre around, for example: golf, Formula One, a specific band, collectable figures, Greek myths or a favourite TV programme. 

One of the best examples of using hyperfocus to advantage is in sport: –

Individuals with ADHD can excel at sport because of their seemingly endless amounts of energy. At the same time, sport will benefit them by providing structure, social interaction, physical exercise, fun, support with emotional regulation and a socially acceptable way to burn off excessive energy.

When the individual with ADHD is able to bring the ability to hyperfocus to a sport, additional advantages will come into play. They will be able to keep practising long after other members of their team have finished, and focus on refining small points of technique vital for improvement. To be ‘in the moment’, totally focussed on the game, ignoring the distraction of the crowd or needling from the opposition.

Examples of well-known sports men and women with ADHD include: Michael Phelps, (swimmer). Michael is the most decorated Olympian of all time having won a total of 28 medals. Simone Bile, the most decorated American gymnast in history, and Nicola Adams. In May 2016 Nicola was the reigning flyweight Olympic, World and European Games female boxing champion. 

‘I think about what I’m doing right now; just being lost in the moment.’ Ryan Hall, (Marathon runner)

‘Maintaining focus is all important.’ Jack Nicklaus, (Golfer)

‘Preparation is everything and focus is the key.’ Eric Cantona, (Footballer)