Unlocking Neurodiversity: Creativity and ADHD

WHO ARE ADHD ADULTS?

If you’ve found yourself here, searching for answers about creativity, ADHD, autism, or neurodivergence, you are already demonstrating incredible self-awareness and curiosity. Many creative and neurodivergent individuals have minds that move quickly, ideas that flow endlessly, and emotions that run deep. You might struggle with organization but thrive in spontaneous inspiration. You may find it hard to focus on mundane tasks but feel unstoppable when immersed in your passions. Seeking to understand yourself better is a testament to your insightfulness and action-oriented mindset. By learning more about neurodiversity, you are taking a vital step toward embracing your unique strengths and challenges.

NEURODIVERSITY AND CREATIVITY

Neurodiversity is a broad term that recognizes and respects the natural variations in human cognition and neurological functioning. It encompasses a range of brain differences, including ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), autism, AuDHD (a co-occurrence of ADHD and autism), and creative personality traits. Rather than viewing these differences as deficits, neurodiversity acknowledges them as valuable, inherent aspects of human diversity, each with its own strengths and challenges.

ADHD is characterized by differences in attention regulation, impulse control, and executive functioning. Individuals with ADHD often experience difficulty sustaining attention on tasks that do not interest them, hyperfocus on areas of deep passion, and struggle with organization, time management, and emotional regulation.

Autism is a spectrum condition associated with differences in social communication, sensory processing, and repetitive behaviors. Autistic individuals often possess deep, specialized interests, strong pattern recognition abilities, and unique ways of processing the world.

AuDHD refers to individuals who exhibit traits of both ADHD and autism. This intersection can lead to a blend of traits such as sensory sensitivities, hyperfocus, executive functioning challenges, and difficulties with routine changes, while also fostering deep creativity and innovative thinking.

A creative personality is characterized by strong imaginative abilities, deep emotional experiences, and an innate drive for self-expression. Creativity is often associated with divergent thinking, a preference for novelty, and a capacity to make unique connections between ideas. Many creative individuals display traits that overlap with neurodivergent profiles, such as unconventional problem-solving, sensory sensitivities, and fluctuating attention spans.

These presentations can manifest differently in children and adults. While the core traits remain, their expression evolves with age, experience, and coping strategies. Additionally, neurodivergent traits tend to be heritable, meaning they often run in families. Recognizing and understanding these traits across generations can lead to better support and appreciation of neurodivergent strengths.

NEURODIVERGENT TRAITS IN CREATIVE CHILDREN

We can further subdivide this group into what I (unofficially) call "dreamer" type and "builder" types:

"Dreamer" type ADHD symptoms look like "zoning out," distractibility, trouble concentrating, changing focus from one task to another, organizing logistics, and frustration when plans change. I call this type the "dreamer" type because this type is highly intuitive, creative, and invested in their own creative world, and is often highly intelligent in visual arts, reading, and writing.

"Builder" type ADHD symptoms look like difficulty concentrating also, but especially when not interested in the task at hand, while hyperfocus can occur with tasks they are interested in, as well as hyper motor functioning, both in sound (sound effects and/or chattiness), wiggliness, and problems sitting still. I call this type the "builder" type because this type is often highly intelligent in STEM subjects like math, science, and engineering.

Let's get this out of the way: just because a child shows characteristics of ADHD does NOT mean they have DIAGNOSABLE ADHD. Many, if not most, children who are highly creative will demonstrate characteristics of builder and/or dreamer-type ADHD. Certainly, it is important to recognize when a diagnosis of a clinical disorder is necessary, and I will provide supportive care to that end, but what I will also do is back you down when you are feeling overwhelmed and help you see when a creative child can be supported as such, so you can feel empowered with the skillset your kiddo was born with!

CREATIVE KIDS, ADHD, AND THE BRAIN

Why do creative kiddos have ADHD-like signs and symptoms? Let's talk about executive functioning. Executive functioning is the part of the brain responsible for multitasking—it’s the RAM of your brain. In children, like everything else, this function is still developing. We know that creative people, including children, feel things deeply and experience strong emotions. And where do emotions happen? In our executive functioning centers—at least initially! Imagine strong and powerful emotions flooding those still-developing executive functioning centers, taking up all of the available RAM. What might that look like? Difficulty engaging in a task they don't like? Struggling to switch gears when they are fully invested in a task? Challenges with emotional regulation? "Zoning out" when they are dreaming or fantasizing? Yep. All of these are common experiences.

They are not broken. They are highly creative. And just as ADHD is genetic, so is creativity. That means if your child is highly creative, chances are you are too. Parents, by understanding your own creative mind and learning how to support it, you can better help your child navigate their own unique neurodivergence.

NEURODIVERGENT TRAITS IN CREATIVE ADULTS

So you’ve spent your life feeling overwhelmed, struggling to make schedules and to-do lists, and finding organization and decision-making challenging. Emotional regulation has never come easily. Maybe you’ve wondered about ADHD, but you felt embarrassed. Perhaps you were diagnosed as a child and hoped things would improve with age. Or maybe a medical professional has suggested testing. What if I told you that your creative brain might be the reason you experience these difficulties? What if your challenges are actually strengths in disguise?

Many symptoms of ADHD and traits of a creative personality overlap. Do you have ADHD? A creative personality? Maybe both? Perhaps you’ve been misdiagnosed and what you really needed was support for your creative mind all along! It all comes back to that ever-important executive functioning center.

CREATIVE ADULTS, ADHD, AND THE BRAIN

Your executive functioning acts as the RAM of your brain, processing what is happening in the moment. But this function has limited capacity—only so much can be processed at once. Now, consider what we know about creative personalities: You live large. You experience intense emotions, seek deep meaning, and strive for authenticity. When one of these experiences is "online," it takes up most of your RAM. If we apply this understanding to ADHD, the picture becomes clearer.

Think about the last time you were completely immersed in something you loved. How difficult was it to stop? Conversely, how hard was it to focus on something that didn’t interest you? While both of these experiences could be attributed to ADHD, they are also hallmarks of a creative personality with intense emotions. These strong investments fill executive functioning capacity, making it hard to disengage. Conversely, strong aversions can fill executive functioning, making it difficult to engage. Understanding how to navigate your creative mind can transform feelings of confusion and overwhelm into empowerment and flow.

The same principles apply to neurodiverse traits, such as those seen in autism. Like ADHD, autism often involves intense focus and emotional investment, which can make it difficult to disengage from something deeply engaging. This is similar to creativity, where individuals may experience difficulty in switching off their concentration on a creative project they are passionate about. Conversely, just as creative people may struggle to focus on things that don’t capture their interest, individuals with autism may also experience challenges when faced with tasks that do not align with their passions or sensory preferences. Both neurodiverse behaviors—whether through the lens of ADHD, autism, or creativity—share the challenge of managing executive functioning capacity when intense engagement or aversion occurs. Understanding how to navigate these thought patterns and behaviors can empower individuals, turning overwhelm into productive flow.

CREATIVITY COUNSELING FOR CREATIVE PEOPLE AND ADHD

When you find yourself questioning symptoms of ADHD or have struggled with executive functioning challenges, it’s important to recognize that understanding your creative brain can unlock a whole new level of self-awareness. By learning how to support and nurture your unique creative personality, you can embrace the natural strengths that come with it, rather than constantly battling against them. This process allows you to create an environment where your creative flow thrives, leading to a life of ease, focus, and productivity. Understanding your creative tendencies—whether they are shaped by ADHD, neurodivergence, or simply the nature of your creativity—can transform struggles into opportunities for growth and success. If you are ready to stop fighting the inherent challenges you face and begin living in alignment with your authentic strengths, creativity counseling can help you tap into your fullest potential, guiding you toward a life of meaningful, effortless flow.

While the specific diagnosis may vary due to other related factors, the treatment and management of neurodiverse behaviors often share many commonalities. For instance, strategies for supporting focus, improving executive functioning, and managing emotional intensity can be similar, whether the behaviors are linked to ADHD, autism, or a creative personality. When working with creative individuals, this overlap can be especially beneficial. Focusing on the universal aspects of neurodiverse behaviors—such as optimizing the environment, establishing routines, and leveraging strengths—often yields the most significant results. By honing in on these shared approaches, creative people can experience improved mental clarity, enhanced productivity, and a greater sense of flow, regardless of their specific neurodiverse traits.

A NOTE ABOUT CREATIVITY, ADHD & ANALYSIS PARALYSIS

One of the most difficult things ADHD and creative personalities have in common is "AP" or "Analysis Paralysis"—the difficulty in making decisions. You find yourself doing all the research, weighing all the outcomes, and still getting stuck between choices, afraid to take the leap. There are two main drivers in your creative personality, also featured in ADHD, that can account for your struggle:

PERFECTIONISM AND ADHD

1. Perfectionism. You have visions and/or standards for particular outcomes. Your inner critic is loud. You believe only certain levels of achievement are acceptable. In short, you put a lot of pressure on yourself and your choices! The healthy reset? Teach your brain that "mistakes" are important and necessary parts of life and learning, and give yourself permission to make them. Realize that you can go back to "fix" or change your mind!

STRONG EMOTIONS AND ADHD

2. Strong Emotions. You have weighed pros and cons. You have done all the research. Twice. In short, your choice is important, and you are invested! When strong emotions (and for creative people, emotions are strong!) are online, your executive functioning center is pretty full, and your decision-making ability doesn’t have much room left to operate. The result? Analysis paralysis and overwhelm. The healthy reset? Using skills like mindfulness, you can learn to work with your strong emotions rather than against them, freeing up space to make important decisions!

TREATMENT FOR CREATIVE PEOPLE WITH ADHD

When analysis paralysis sets in, there are practical strategies you can use to redirect your energy and work with your strengths instead of against them. By gaining a clear understanding of your creative personality, you can leverage your natural skills to take decisive action, reduce overwhelm, and move forward with confidence and efficiency.

BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION

Take the first step toward unlocking your natural neurodiverse strengths. Schedule a 15-minute complimentary consultation where we’ll discuss your unique needs and explore how I can help you leverage your creative abilities for success. Let’s identify the best path forward together.

MORE ARTICLES LIKE ADHD AND CREATIVITY

Boundaries for Creative People,  The Creative-prenuer Revolution,  The Nurturer Trap,  When Family Hurts, A Creative Hierarchy of Needs, Creative People,  Psychology of Creativity, Crisis of Meaning, Coaching Creative People, Mental Health and Creativity, Creative People, Creative Personality and Anxiety, Make Time for Art, A Creative Personality Snapshot

(c)  updated 02/04/25 Creatively, LLC, Cindy Cisneros, LCPC-S, LPC, Creativity Coach
www.creativelyllc.com

References:

1. Anderson, D. A., & Williams, R. J. (2019). *Creativity and executive function: Exploring the link between ADHD, creativity, and executive functioning*. Journal of Attention Disorders, 23(4), 312-320. https://doi.org/10.1177/1087054718763434

2. Armstrong, T. (2010). *Neurodiversity: Discovering the extraordinary gifts of autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other brain differences*. Da Capo Lifelong Books.

3. Ashby, J. S., & Rice, K. G. (2002). *Creativity and mental health: Neurocognitive implications*. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 58(12), 1469-1479. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.10043

4. Baron-Cohen, S., & Scott, F. J. (2013). *Autism and creativity: Is there a link?* *Psychiatry*, 76(2), 114-121. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psych.2012.05.004

5. Carson, S. H., & Herring, P. (2012). *Neuropsychological aspects of creativity and cognitive development*. In C. R. Maddux & C. A. Kaufman (Eds.), *The Cambridge handbook of creativity* (pp. 441-455). Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511763205.027

6. Chouinard, M. L., & Wylie, E. (2018). *The neurodiverse brain: A guide to understanding the ADHD, autism, and creative personality connection*. Journal of Cognitive Enhancement, 2(3), 228-237. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41465-018-0032-4

7. Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1996). *Flow: The psychology of optimal experience*. HarperCollins Publishers.

8. Dawson, M., & Guare, R. (2018). *Executive skills in children and adolescents: A practical guide to assessment and intervention*. Guilford Press.

9. Kaufman, J. C., & Sternberg, R. J. (2010). *The Cambridge handbook of creativity*. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511763205

10. Sacks, O. (2010). *The mind's eye: What the brain sees and how it sees*. Vintage.