Do people with ADHD process information differently?
Yes, individuals with ADHD or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) process data differently than individuals without these disorders.
This is because ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how a person's brain is organized. This change in brain structure affects how an individual reacts to environmental shocks, understands social intelligence, and handles tasks. For a person with ADHD, completing a task and moving on to the next can be extremely challenging. They may approach tasks in a non-linear manner, for example, starting with Task 1, then moving to Task 2, then to Task 3, and possibly Task 4 and 5. Then returning to Task 2, or sometimes Task 3, 4, or 5. This depends on where their focus and attention is. For a person with ADHD, their ability to process and retain data may be directly related to their level of interest in the activity.
A person with ADHD may process data too quickly, potentially overlooking important information. This can occur in a variety of areas.
ADHD also impairs short-term working memory and managerial abilities. In addition to working memory, managerial abilities are related to developmental planning, time management, impulse control, cognitive thinking, and cognitive abilities. People with ADHD and excessive introversion may experience disorganized thinking patterns, limiting their ability to process different types of data simultaneously.