Hyperfixation, intently or obsessively focusing on a particular interest, is a symptom of ADHD. A child can focus on a video game for hours on end, but can’t pay attention to important tasks like schoolwork. An adult has symptoms of ADHD but has no trouble focusing on things like social media or Netflix.
How is it possible to have ADHD if you can pay attention to areas of interest? Isn’t ADHD a problem with attention? Let’s dive into these questions that ask, “Is hyperfixation a symptom of ADHD?”
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Hyperfixation, Hyperfocus, and Perseveration
Alright, back to the question that asks if hyperfixation is a symptom of ADHD. The short answer is 100% yes! Hyperfixation is a symptom of ADHD. However, there’s a lot to it.
To start, let’s talk about three different terms that are closely related to one another.
- Hyperfixation
- Perseveration
- Hyperfocus (sometimes termed hyper-focus)
What is Hyperfixation?
Unfortunately, there’s not an official consensus on the term. So, for the sake of this conversation, let’s get a reasonable definition of hyperfixation (or hyper fixation). According to Merriam-Webster, the word “fixate” means,
- to focus or concentrate one’s gaze or attention intently or obsessively.
Further, the term “hyper” in its prefix form means,
- “above, beyond, excessively.”
Based on this, it follows that:
- Hyperfixation is intently or obsessively focusing on a particular interest or an object… excessively.
Wow! That’s an intense type of focus for sure.
Nuances of Hyperfixation
The term hyperfixation tends to have a negative connotation. And for some, hyperfixation on a single task can have negative consequences. The real problem with hyperfixation is when it prevents you from completing the essential tasks of everyday life.
Symptoms of hyperfixation that may have a poor impact on daily life include the following:
- When watching your favorite television show makes you lose track of time and you end up being late for work,
- You spend such a long time scrolling on a social networking site that you fail to remember to pick up your child from practice.
Additionally, some ADHD individuals may use hyperfixation as a coping mechanism.
For example, to shift attention off the stress of their daily lives, they may zone out on a particular TV show. If that session is moderated by time limits, the potentially detrimental effects are avoided. Thus, hyperfixation as a coping strategy can be a beneficial tool.
What is Perseveration?
Another example of hyperfixation is called perseveration. According to Understood.org, “Perseveration is when someone “gets stuck” on a topic or an idea.”
Sounds pretty similar to hyperfixation except that perseveration means doing something repetitively without the ability to stop.
Because the root cause of perseveration is often some form of anxiety, it can be highly distressing for both children and adults.
If you’re a parent or teacher, you’ve likely witnessed perseveration. Many children perseverate due to their developmental level. For example,
- Your child repeatedly asks for a third cookie even though you’ve definitively said no.
- A child continually recalls the time 4 years ago when the neighbor boy wouldn’t share his bicycle.
You can see from that last example that perseverating has the potential to cause trouble in social interactions.
OCD & Perseveration
It should be noted that perseveration is considered to be less severe than obsessions experienced by those with obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Obsessive compulsive disorder is a type of anxiety that leads to tremendous suffering as a result of negative thoughts and behaviors that are uncontrollable.
What is Hyperfocus?
Hyperfocus is the ability to spend long periods focused on an area of intense interest to the exclusion of everything else. Often the terms hyperfocus and hyperfixation are used interchangeably by experts.
However, I argue that there’s a difference based solely on language alone. Hyperfixation has an inherently negative connotation. Whereas, the term hyperfocus makes room for the possibility that it’s a strength of the ADHD brain.
When harnessed appropriately, the ability to demonstrate an intense focus on a specific task is a very good thing.
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Hyperfixation, Hyperfocus, and Flow State
For example, hyperfocus is often compared to what positive psychology refers to as a flow state.
Flow is a state of mind in which a person becomes fully immersed in an activity. This is often exactly what it feels like to be in various states of hyperfocus.
A hyperfocused person may experience:
- a state of intense concentration on a specific thing for an extended period of time without awareness of time or space
According to one research article, the most successful athletes, musicians, and artists seek to get into a flow state. This is because flow provides an intense state of concentration on their particular craft.
It’s described as becoming at “one” with the activity…in which they’re entirely absorbed by what is being undertaken.
Brain Imaging During Flow & Hyperfocus?
As early as 2004, brain imaging during flow states showed a reduction in brain activity related to higher-order thinking. Think of reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex (the part of the brain most impacted by ADHD).
More importantly, brain activity was greater in the lower brain areas responsible for memory, habits, and voluntary movement.
The point of this neuroscience overview is to get to this.
Those with childhood and adult ADHD have marked differences in the prefrontal cortex. Again, the area that is responsible for executive functions such as:
- decision-making,
- time management,
- impulsivity, etc.
The connection between hyperfixation, hyperfocus, and flow state is uncanny!
All three include some state of hyperfixation (intense focus) on an idea or object of fixation. And each in each state, the person experiences a lack of access to the concept of time.
ADHD, Autism, and Your Average Person
While hyperfocus is a common ADHD experience, it’s certainly not exclusive to it. Autistic people are often known to have intense areas of special interest. For example, you may know an autistic child to have a special interest or passion such as:
- a fictional character
- video games
- specific movie genre
- drawing or other forms of art
- music
- animals
Again, while autistic people are known to focus intently on special interests, they’re not the only ones.
Neurotypical Hyperfixation
The average person has and will experience a type of hyperfixation at times.
For example, you don’t need a diagnosis to spend way too much time hyperfixated on your favorite TV series. When that particular show sucks you in, it’s easy for 5 hours to go by without even realizing it.
Also, we all know what it feels like to work with intense passion on specific activities of personal interest. You or someone you know may have an intense fixation that makes time and space disappear.
- Knitting
- Working on a puzzle
- Painting
- Writing
- Reading
- Researching an article for your blog (oh… maybe that’s just me.)
- Online window shopping
- Perusing the latest homeschool curriculum options
You get the point.
Quick Hyperfocus Tutorial Video
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How to Harness the Power of the ADHD Brain?
Alright. We’ve explored terms related to “hyperfixation”. Namely, hyperfocus, flow state, and perseveration.
Now, it’s a good idea to consolidate our vocabulary into one that can improve the ADHD person’s life. For the rest of this article, we’ll use the term hyperfocus because it lends itself to a strengths-based view.
An Automobile vs. Hyperfocus
Here’s what I mean.
A car is a tool that can cause devastation when used without caution. However, when used appropriately, a car is a valuable and powerful tool.
This same principle applies to the ADHD brain in a hyperfocus state. When used well, it can be the most powerful learning tool for both ADHD kids and adults.
Is Hyperfocus Good or Bad?
If you’ve been following me for some time, you know that I’m passionate about changing the narrative for neurodiverse children.
Specifically, one of the most important things we can do is to set kids up for success. How do we do this? Embrace who they are by embracing their wiring.
In other words, it’s essential to lean into the strengths of the ADHD brain when we’re teaching anything to anyone.
“Teaching” doesn’t simply mean teaching children academic content. That’s a dismal and archaic view of learning that hurts kids. No. I’m referring to teaching ADHD kids:
- behavior,
- social-emotional skills,
- how to treat people,
- chores,
- how to take responsibility,
- manage emotions,
- take care of their physical health
The thing is that whether we’re talking about adults or children, we’re all always learning something.
If our goal is to teach a child a particular subject, whatever it is, the first step is to use a child’s strengths to improve learning outcomes. For children and adults with ADHD, that strength is hyperfocus.
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How to Harness the Power of Hyperfocus for Good
The best way to lean into hyperfocus as a powerful tool is to use it to accomplish good. Here are some different ways to reap the benefits of hyperfocus for yourself and your child.
Hyperfocus, ADHD Kids, and Dopamine
For an ADHD or autistic child, pair their area of intense interest with the lessons you long to teach them. Whether you homeschool and are teaching…
- academic concepts,
- or if you’re trying to get your child to learn how to clean their bedroom
It doesn’t matter. Make it fun and interesting. Fun leads to dopamine. Dopamine increases attention. Increased dopamine in the brain increases the chances your child will learn the lesson you desire to teach.
Hyperfocus and Adult ADHD
If you have Adult ADHD, leaning into your hyperfocus can get tricky.
It’s one thing to be on the outside of your child’s hyperfocused state. In that case, you can support your child with reminders of the passage of time.
However, when you’re the one in the zone of hyperfocus, you’ll need to be intentional with outside support to help.
Ways to Manage Your ADHD Hyperfocus
Some simple strategies can help you manage your hyperfocus as a healthy tool.
- When engaging in screen time, set a timer on your phone to keep you notified of the passage of time.
- Create a rhythm or schedule (ugh… the ADHD kryptonite)
- Where hyperfocus-inducing activities are scheduled after responsibilities are completed.
- For example, don’t sit on the couch or turn on Netflix until your chores are done.
- Ask for support from those who love you.
- Create a signal that your loved ones can use to help you break out of “the zone”. A simple hug or squish of the shoulders is often all that’s needed to help you break your focus and become aware of time.
- Develop a habit of deep breathing.
- Simple deep breathing exercises are a way to help calm the fight-or-flight response that chronic stress can cause.
- Create a habit of mindfulness to tune into your internal world.
- This is very challenging for many of us who’ve grown up in a culture that says to “suck it up”. However, this is one of the most important things you can do to release stress that may be leading you to choose activities to “zone out.”
If your hyperfixation or hyperfocus becomes a detriment, seek outside support. Professional support can help you get to root issues that may be triggering your need for escape.
Do You Need Outside Support?
Diagnosis or not, we all have bad mental health days at times. However, when days turn into weeks or months, you need to prioritize yourself. You matter, Friend.
Some signs that indicate it’s time for professional help include:
- Relationships are suffering.
- Unable to keep up with responsibilities such as:
- caring for children,
- paying bills,
- or maintain personal hygiene.
- Distressing physical symptoms common to anxiety attacks:
- rapid heartbeat,
- increased blood pressure,
- sleep problems or sleep disorders
- Depression
- Social Isolation
In the end, when anxiety symptoms hurt daily functioning, consider seeking professional help. You matter, Friend.
Therapy Options for ADHD
Outside treatment options include:
- Therapists who specialize in:
- ADHD, Autism, and neurodiversity
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- EMDR (a highly effective trauma-informed therapy that helps with deep-rooted trauma, anxiety disorders, and more)
- Mental Health Support Groups
- ADHD Coaching
- Faith-Based Mental Health Support such as:
Why is ADHD So Misunderstood?
Let’s get on the same page about ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Unfortunately, the diagnostic term itself is one reason that ADHD is so misunderstood. A common misconception is that ADHD is a deficit of attention.
However, one of the main ADHD symptoms is that the ADHD brain pays “too much attention.” To everything. An inability to tune out non-relevant information to focus on what’s most important is a primary symptom of ADHD.
Additionally, when people think about ADHD, they think of that hyperactive little boy who can’t sit still or pay attention. However, the truth is that ADHD presents differently depending upon the person.
What is ADHD?
According to the CDC, ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood. The signs of ADHD are often related to the following:
- Inattention
- Inability to maintain focus on a task at hand, problems with sustained attention; this can look like daydreaming or getting off task
- Hyperactivity
- Physical symptoms include fidgeting, moving constantly, and being unable to sit still; Mental symptoms include jumping from thought to thought- which is why anxiety and ADHD can look so similar)
- Impulsivity
- Act without thinking, unable to regulate emotions, make rash decisions, interrupt others
Many experts, including Dr. Russell Barkley, describe ADHD as a disorder that impacts executive function and more notably, emotional regulation. Despite being called a childhood neurodevelopmental disorder, many aren’t diagnosed until later in life. In my case, I wasn’t diagnosed until I was 41.
What is Executive Function?
More specifically, ADHD is characterized by challenges with executive functioning skills. Executive functioning skills develop over time and are housed in the frontal lobe area of the brain (prefrontal cortex).
Some Executive Function skills include:
- the ability to plan and organize
- impulse control
- emotional regulation
- pay attention to non-preferred tasks
- demonstrate healthy social skills
- flexible thinking
- keep track of time
It’s important to reiterate that the prefrontal cortex is responsible for developing and managing executive function skills. And even in neurotypical people, this area doesn’t fully develop until roughly the age of 25.
Brain Structure
As mentioned earlier, challenges with executive functioning are the most common symptoms of ADHD. In the end, this makes a lot of sense when you look at ADHD brain structure.
Numerous studies have shown that there are structural differences between the ADHD brain vs that of a “neurotypical” brain. While the data is complex, it’s interesting that the prefrontal cortex is known to be smaller in children with ADHD.
The point is that challenging ADHD behaviors are not an issue of willful disobedience. Most often, it’s a brain issue that needs accommodations to thrive.
Understanding Your Own Sensory Needs
In this video, I speak about adult and child sensory needs (ADHD or not) and how they impact learning and behavior.
Recap: Hyperfixation, Hyperfocus & ADHD
What are you going to do differently now that you know that hyperfocus is a symptom of ADHD? Does this new understanding inspire you to harness hyperfocus as the ADHD strength it is?
Whether for yourself or your child, I hope you’re now better equipped to take your next step forward with ADHD. So, what do you think?
Homeschooling the Distracted Child!
Sick of the uphill battles every.single.day?
Disclaimer on Language:
At A Heart for All Students, we have a strengths-based lens. Our language reflects this.
According to a 2020 study, the majority consensus among the autistic community is a preference for identity-first language like:
- Autistic or
- autistic person
As such, terms such as “person with autism” and “autism spectrum disorder” or “ASD” will not be used here.
i am asap needed with help my child is 9years old turn 10 on the 28th Des well the school he has been in said the cant accomotated him anymore so he is been out of school for a year now try another putting him on a waiting list so now he is about 2years behind his school mates he needs to repeat Gr.2 now i want to homeschool him but is very busy little boy please can u assist me please
We’d love to have you in A Heart for All Students private community. That’s where you can get support homeschooling your child with learning challenges such as ADHD, dyslexia, or Autism.