Living with ADHD: Real Symptoms, Everyday Struggles, and How ADHD Testing and Diagnosis Work
Many people come to me for an attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) assessment with a simple statement, “something is wrong.” They can’t put their finger on it, they can’t define it, the only thing they can say is that they don’t feel the same as people around them. As human beings, comparing our experience to others is the most used tool that we have and, intuitively, we can tell when others’ experience is not like our own. When these people come to me, I often start by exploring common ADHD symptoms and how these might align with criteria for ADHD testing or diagnosis.
What Are the Common Symptoms of ADHD?
Common ADHD symptoms can include a range of behaviors and experiences that interfere with daily functioning at home, work, or school. Understanding these ADHD symptoms is the first step in deciding whether ADHD testing might be helpful. As a starting point, one type of ADHD is called predominantly inattentive presentation. Individuals with this ADHD presentation often struggle most with executive function skills such as organization, planning, and memory. Here is a brief list of some of the symptoms found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V):
Challenges maintaining attention on tasks
Being easily distracted
Difficulty with organization
Forgetting things easily
Difficulty following multistep instructions
Procrastinates nonpreferred tasks
Consistently loses important things (glasses, wallet, keys, phone, etc.)
When it comes to ADHD, there is a second type called predominantly hyperactive presentation. This is the type that most people think of when they think of ADHD. These are the kids in school who had tons of energy and could never slow down. When it comes to this presentation, these are the symptoms that I consider:
Being fidgety
Challenges remaining seated
Running or climbing excessively
Feelings of restlessness
Difficulty engaging in quiet, leisurely activities
Excessive energy
Talking excessively
Trouble waiting for turn
Interrupting others’ conversations
Here, I’ve listed criteria for two different presentations of ADHD according to the DSM-5. But, if you meet criteria for both then you can be diagnosed with a third presentation of ADHD called combined presentation which is the most common form seen in ADHD evaluations.
What Does ADHD Feel Like Day to Day?
These are the criteria that I use to diagnose ADHD. However, these criteria can be departed from people’s lived experience. No one comes into my office and says, “I’m having trouble maintaining attention on tasks.” Instead they may tell me about how they rush around the house on the weekends starting one project after another until they are cleaning three different rooms, dusting four different surfaces, folding laundry, and changing the sheets all at the same time but then nothing gets done because they tried to do too much. Another common narrative I hear is how difficult it is to remember things. People often tell me “I have to use multiple calendar apps” or that they have to write everything down and, if they don’t, then they forget important appointments and events. Here is a list of other things that I hear commonly:
“I can’t pay attention to anything.”
“People tell me it seems like I’m not listening to them.”
“Am I organized? Yeah, no.”
“It takes forever for me to start my homework.”
“If I don’t put my keys in the same place every day, I will lose them.”
“Don’t trust me to remember anything.”
“I can’t sit still. I always have to be doing something.”
“If I have to sit for a long time, I lose my mind.”
“I’m worried if I don’t say something, I’ll forget it.”
These real-life experiences show that ADHD is more than difficulty paying attention — it affects memory, organization, and emotional regulation.
Why Living with ADHD Can Be So Difficult
Living with ADHD can be a difficult experience. It’s easy for people who experience these symptoms to feel different or alienated from those around them. Feeling different can be a terrible experience that makes it difficult to connect with others. These symptoms can also result in far-reaching and long-lasting effects.
Take, for example, a child who has inattentive ADHD and challenges starting their homework. Because they start their homework late, they don’t have enough time to finish it and get a bad grade. Because of the bad grade, they are grounded by their parents and now can’t hang out with their friends this weekend. This creates anxiety that they're missing out on something fun. When they get to school on Monday they hear about something fun they missed out on which then adds pressure to the next time they do their homework because, now if they can’t get their homework done, it’s more likely they will miss out on a bonding experience with their friends.
Now, someone could argue that this situation would create more motivation for someone to finish their homework. However, ADHD is not a matter of will, it’s a matter of skill. This means it's not that people living with ADHD don’t want to pay attention to others, it means the organic structures in their brain don’t allow them to have the same capabilities that others have. People with ADHD often have to learn alternative methods and skills to maintain their attention and focus on tasks as well as manage hyperactivity and impulsivity. When we tell people with ADHD that it is their fault that they can’t perform at the same level as us, we fail to take into account that they don’t have the same opportunities as neurotypical people.
One illustration that may be helpful in explaining this is to think of paying attention to something (or other ADHD symptom) as climbing a ladder. Paying attention for someone with ADHD can be like climbing a ladder with uneven rungs. A neurotypical brain might move up smoothly, while someone with ADHD has to adapt and find different ways to climb, pausing to regain balance, or using tools for support. It’s not that they can’t reach the top; it just takes more effort and creative problem-solving. That’s why ADHD testing and treatment focus on identifying strengths and developing adaptive strategies that make the climb easier.
How ADHD Testing and Diagnosis Work
If any of what I’ve described sounds familiar, you may benefit from an ADHD evaluation. The testing process is much less intimidating than it sounds, and some parts are even enjoyable. We begin by assessing your overall cognitive abilities, which helps us understand your verbal reasoning, visual-spatial skills, and problem-solving abilities. We then look at how efficiently your brain processes information through measures of working memory and processing speed. Next, we explore your executive functioning skills, including your ability to plan ahead, stay flexible in your thinking, and maintain attention. Finally, we gather a detailed history to understand how these symptoms have affected your daily life and overall functioning.
ADHD is a very treatable condition through both medication and skill building. Many people go on to live important and meaningful lives with an ADHD diagnosis and there are an abundance of support options for children and adults. If you recognize these challenges in yourself or your child, consider scheduling a professional ADHD evaluation in Denver. Understanding your mind is the first step to living well with ADHD.
Frequently asked questions about ADHD testing in Denver, Colorado
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Common signs of ADHD include trouble focusing, losing track of tasks, restlessness, or impulsive decisions. Children might seem easily distracted or have difficulty following directions. Adults often notice chronic disorganization, forgetfulness, or mental clutter. If these symptoms interfere with work, school, or relationships, it may be time to consider ADHD testing.
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ADHD testing in Denver typically starts with an intake appointment with a licensed psychologist or clinician who specializes in ADHD assessment. The process usually includes an interview, behavioral rating scales, and standardized cognitive testing. Some clinics offer both in-person and telehealth options to make the process more convenient.
If you’re searching for “ADHD testing near me,” look for a provider who evaluates both children and adults and provides a full written report with treatment recommendations.
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Yes. Many adults are only recently being diagnosed with ADHD, often after years of struggling with focus, time management, or self-esteem. ADHD doesn’t develop in adulthood—it’s typically lifelong—but becoming aware of it later can help people make sense of past challenges and find new strategies that work.
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Getting tested for ADHD in Denver can bring clarity and relief. A formal diagnosis can help you or your child access treatment options, accommodations, and support that improve daily functioning. It also helps separate personality or motivation issues from genuine neurological differences—allowing for more effective, compassionate self-understanding.
