ADHD Pathways
Journey from Early Signs to Critical Juncture
Perfect or Nothing
masking executive dysfunction
Rejection Hurts
emotional pain feels physical
Restless Energy
seeking intensity & stimulation
Hidden Struggles
masking behind perfectionism
Intensity Seeker*
complex identity & environment
Digital Seeker*
seeking connection in digital spaces
Click any card to explore the journey
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Digital Seeker*
seeking connection in digital spaces
ENHANCED VERSION
"I can learn to use technology mindfully and build both online and offline connections" vs "I'm weak and have no self-control over screens"
The Digital Seeker
"Alex" - Seeking connection & stimulation in digital spaces
Early Exposure (Ages 8-12)
Boredom intolerance, general impulsivity, early tech exposure varies by family. Parental modeling and home rules shape habits. "Screens are the only thing that holds my attention."
Adolescent Identity Formation (Ages 13-18)
Online communities for connection & validation. Digital intimacy fills social gaps. Gaming, social media, adult content become coping mechanisms. "I feel more myself online than in real life."
Young Adult Reality Check (Ages 18-25)
Real-world relationships feel overwhelming or inadequate. Digital habits interfere with work, school, relationships. "Why can't real life be as engaging as my screen time?"
Critical Juncture
RECOVERY: Digital wellness, mindful tech use, building offline connections. DEEPER: Complete digital escape, relationship avoidance, isolation cycles.
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Intensity Seeker*
complex identity & environment
ENHANCED VERSION
"My sexuality and neurodivergence are part of who I am - I can learn healthy boundaries" vs "I'm broken in multiple ways and can't be fixed"
The Intensity Seeker
"Jordan" - Impulsive child in complex environment
Early Signs (Ages 5-12)
General impulsivity, boundary confusion, emotional dysregulation. May include trauma/family stress. Not always sexual - often just "different." "I don't fit in anywhere."
Adolescence/Identity Formation (Ages 13-18)
Sexual identity exploration intersects with neurodivergence. Impulsivity meets hormones. Seeking intensity and novelty. "I feel everything more intensely than others seem to."
Young Adult Complexity (Ages 18-25)
Multiple intersecting identities create complexity. Relationships become intense quickly. Self-medication through various behaviors. "I'm trying to figure out who I am in all these ways."
Critical Juncture
INTEGRATION: Healthy relationship with sexuality, neurodivergence acceptance, boundary skills. FRAGMENTATION: Shame cycles, risky behaviors, identity confusion.
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Perfect or Nothing
masking executive dysfunction
"Finally, this makes sense about me. I'm not lazy or broken - my brain just works differently"
The Academic Perfectionist
"Sam" - High-achieving student masking executive dysfunction
Elementary Success (Ages 6-11)
Naturally bright, parents/teachers praise achievements. Internal struggle with organization. "I'm smart, so why is this so hard for me?"
Middle School Pressure (Ages 12-14)
Increased demands reveal executive functioning gaps. Perfectionism becomes coping mechanism. "If I can't do it perfectly, I won't do it at all."
High School Burnout (Ages 15-18)
System becomes unsustainable. Anxiety, depression emerge. Academic identity threatened. "Everything I thought I knew about myself is crumbling."
Critical Juncture
RECOVERY: ADHD diagnosis, accommodations, self-compassion. DOWNWARD: Academic failure, substance use, mental health crisis.
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Rejection Hurts
emotional pain feels physical
"Even small criticism feels like my whole world is ending - but maybe that's just how my brain processes things"
Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria
"Taylor" - Emotional intensity beyond typical responses
Early Sensitivity (Ages 4-10)
Intense emotional reactions to perceived rejection. "Why does everything hurt so much more for me than for other kids?"
Social Awareness (Ages 11-16)
Hypervigilance to social cues. Avoidance or people-pleasing behaviors develop. "I can tell they don't really like me."
Relationship Patterns (Ages 17-25)
Intense fear of abandonment affects relationships. Self-sabotage or clinging behaviors. "I ruin everything good in my life."
Critical Juncture
HEALING: Understanding RSD, building emotional regulation skills, secure relationships. ISOLATION: Social withdrawal, depression, substance use.
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Restless Energy
seeking intensity & stimulation
"I need everything to be more intense, more exciting - normal life feels gray and boring"
The Restless Rebel
"Casey" - Sensation-seeking and authority resistance
Early Defiance (Ages 5-11)
High energy, rule-questioning, thrill-seeking behavior. "Why can't I do what I want? These rules don't make sense!"
Adolescent Rebellion (Ages 12-17)
Escalating risk-taking, substance experimentation, authority conflicts. "I'll show them they can't control me."
Young Adult Consequences (Ages 18-25)
Legal troubles, relationship chaos, academic/career instability. "Everything feels boring unless there's drama or danger."
Critical Juncture
CHANNELING: Healthy outlets for intensity, adventure careers, extreme sports. DESTRUCTION: Criminal behavior, severe addiction, complete social isolation.
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Hidden Struggles
masking behind perfectionism
"Everyone thinks I'm doing fine, but inside I'm barely holding it together"
The Hidden Dreamer
"Riley" - Inattentive type masking internal struggles
Quiet Childhood (Ages 6-12)
Daydreaming, difficulty following instructions, but well-behaved. "I try so hard to pay attention but my mind just wanders."
Increasing Demands (Ages 13-18)
Academic struggles become apparent, anxiety develops, self-blame increases. "Everyone else seems to have it figured out except me."
Adult Overwhelm (Ages 19-26)
Life management becomes impossible, depression sets in, substance use for focus/escape. "I can't even handle basic adult responsibilities."
Critical Juncture
RECOGNITION: Late diagnosis, proper support, self-compassion. BREAKDOWN: Severe depression, complete avoidance, chronic underachievement.
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