Are ADHD individuals less empathetic toward peers?

PostedSeptember 30, 2025

UpdatedSeptember 30, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Harriet Winslow, BSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

The idea that people with ADHD are less caring or unaware of others’ feelings is a common misconception. In reality, ADHD empathy issues are more about how emotions are processed and expressed. Many individuals with ADHD feel deeply, but difficulties with social cognition and emotional intelligence can make it harder to read or respond to social cues in the moment.

People with ADHD empathy issues might miss subtle signs like tone shifts, body language, or facial expressions, which can cause peers to interpret their reactions as indifferent or self-centred. However, this isn’t about lacking empathy, but about how it’s accessed and shown in real time. These challenges can complicate ADHD friendships, especially when misunderstandings pile up without being talked through.

Signs of Empathy Challenges

Trouble reading social cues

Someone may not notice when a friend is upset or uncomfortable, simply because their focus is elsewhere. This can create emotional distance unintentionally.

Delayed emotional responses

It might take longer to fully grasp the emotional weight of a situation. The empathy is there, but it comes through after some processing time.

Overwhelming emotional intensity

Sometimes, emotional reactions are so strong that they overpower the ability to step into another person’s perspective. This can also mask genuine empathy.

Recognising ADHD empathy issues helps to reframe what might seem like a lack of care. With better tools and awareness, people with ADHD can maintain strong, emotionally intelligent connections.

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert advice tailored to your needs.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Social Relationships.

Harriet Winslow, BSc

Author

Harriet Winslow is a clinical psychologist with a Bachelor’s in Clinical Psychology and extensive experience in behaviour therapy and developmental disorders. She has worked with children and adolescents with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), learning disabilities, and behavioural challenges, providing individual and group therapy using evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT. Dr. Winslow has developed and implemented personalised treatment plans, conducted formal and informal assessments, and delivered crisis intervention for clients in need of urgent mental health care. Her expertise spans assessment, treatment planning, and behavioural intervention for both neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.