ADHD and Social Anxiety: Neurodiversity And Social Fear

Do you find social situations overwhelming not just from anxiety, but because your brain processes information differently? Perhaps you struggle to follow conversations, miss social cues, or feeling "out of sync" with others due to your ADHD.

The combination of ADHD and social anxiety creates unique challenges, but understanding this intersection can help you navigate social situations more confidently — not ‘hiding’ your ADHD but being authentic in yourself.

The ADHD Social Anxiety Connection

ADHD can contribute to social anxiety through:

Processing Differences:

• Difficulty following multiple conversations

• Missing social cues or context

• Trouble filtering background noise

• Overwhelm from sensory information

• Challenges with timing in conversations

• Difficulty maintaining focus in groups

• Finding yourself distracted during social situations

Social Impact of ADHD:

• Interrupting others unintentionally

• Speaking without filtering

• Appearing distracted or uninterested

• Missing important social information

• Forgetting names or details

• Struggling with turn-taking

• Running late to social events

Impact on Daily Life

Social Challenges:

• Difficulty maintaining conversations in the way you want

• Overwhelming group situations

• Problems with social timing

• Relationship maintenance struggles

• Work interaction challenges

• Educational social difficulties

• Friend group dynamics

Emotional Impact:

• Feeling "different" or misunderstood

• Fear of social judgment

• Self-esteem issues

• Performance anxiety

• Identity struggles

• Masking exhaustion

• Emotional overwhelm

Take the First Step

Don't let the combination of ADHD and social anxiety hold you back. I offer a supportive environment where we can work together to understand your unique challenges and build strategies for success. I want you to feel comfortable within yourself — able to navigate social situations in a way that feels good for you.

ADHD Diagnosis

I work with people with diagnosed ADHD, as well as those who have not received a diagnosis but relate to ADHD. If you are wanting to explore an ADHD diagnosis, I do not provide assessments, however, I work closely with Psychiatrists who can offer you this in conjunction with treatment with me.