UNDERSTANDING ADHD IN ADULTHOOD

ADHD affects attention, working memory, time management, motivation, and impulse control. It often includes emotional intensity, rejection sensitivity, and “time blindness.” Many adults have built brilliant workarounds—but under stress those systems crack. Therapy helps you externalize executive function, reduce shame, and design supports that fit your real life.

• Common experiences: task initiation trouble, prioritization gridlock, “out of sight, out of mind,” missed details, and overwhelm.
• Impact: uneven performance, relationship strain, burnout from masking, and sleep disruption.
• Hope: when we match tools to how your brain is motivated (interest/novelty/urgency), consistency gets easier.

WHAT IS ADHD? (PSYCHOEDUCATION)

• Neurodevelopmental—Not a willpower issue: dopamine-based differences in reward and executive networks affect activation and persistence.
• Interest-based nervous system: tasks “click” when they feel interesting, novel, challenging, or urgent—so we engineer those levers on purpose.
• Loop to break: overwhelm → avoidance → guilt/shame → more avoidance; we use micro-steps and compassion to reverse it.
• Co-occurring factors: anxiety, depression, autistic traits, sleep problems—addressing these improves focus and regulation.
• Recovery stance: measurable experiments, friction-reduction, and environment design—not perfection.

THERAPY OPTIONS AT ASTUTE

CBT/DBT Skills for ADHD

Flexible thinking, emotion regulation, and replacing unhelpful self-talk with accurate, kind coaching.

Executive Function Coaching

Right-size systems for capture, planning, and follow-through (visual boards, time blocking, routines).

Values-Based Planning (ACT)

Use values to drive motivation; make tasks matter and momentum builds.

Environment & Workflow Design

Reduce friction (cues, defaults, automation), create “start here” anchors, and build accountability that feels good.

COORDINATED SUPPORT

• Collaboration with prescribers for medication when appropriate
• Work/college accommodation documentation and advocacy
• Connections to skills classes and community resources

WHAT TO EXPECT

1. Map: identify high-friction areas and success patterns.
2. Plan: micro-steps, visual anchors, and weekly rhythm.
3. Practice: real-life experiments; iterate fast, keep what works.
4. Maintain: relapse-prevention, accountability, and seasonal tune-ups.

WHY CHOOSE ASTUTE

• Adult-focused (18+) and neurodiversity-affirming
• Evidence-based therapy + practical coaching
• Measurable goals and take-home tools
• In-person and telehealth options