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How do I handle being told I’m “too high functioning” for ADHD? 

PostedOctober 16, 2025
UpdatedOctober 16, 2025
ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Harriet Winslow, BSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Being told you’re too high functioning ADHD to have the condition can be frustrating and dismissive. This response often reflects a misunderstanding of how ADHD shows up in different individuals. 

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How It Helps to Understand the Misconception 

Knowing where this belief comes from can help you navigate conversations with healthcare providers more confidently. 

Masking and Compensation 

Many people with high functioning ADHD develop coping strategies to manage their symptoms. These can include working long hours, over-planning or relying heavily on reminders. The ability to “function” on the outside does not mean the struggle is not real internally. 

Stereotypes and Surface Judgement 

Some professionals may rely on outdated stereotypes ADHD, assuming the condition always appears as disruptive behaviour or academic failure. This overlooks adults who are organised in one area but overwhelmed in others. 

Staying Firm in Your Advocacy 

Explain the energy it takes to manage daily tasks and how symptoms affect your quality of life, even if you appear capable. Correcting misconceptions ADHD with personal examples can guide the conversation toward better understanding. 

You deserve to be heard, regardless of how well you “appear” to be functioning. Stay persistent, and don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion if needed. 

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 How to talk to doctors or get assessed. 

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Harriet Winslow, BSc - My patient advice author - mypatientadvice.co.uk
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, author and a reviewer for my patient advice - mypatientadvice.co.uk
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.