
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) has long been misunderstood, especially when it comes to what motivates kids with ADHD. For years, mental health professionals mistakenly believed that ADHD was a childhood condition that kids would outgrow. It’s only more recently that we’ve realized this view was far too simplistic—and frankly, unfair. ADHD isn’t just about inattention or hyperactivity. It’s a complex neurodevelopmental condition that impacts how the brain handles attention, emotions, and motivation across the life span.
One of the biggest challenges kids with ADHD face is the misunderstanding of their behavior. From the outside, it might look like they just don’t try hard enough, or that they’re lazy. But ADHD isn’t about a lack of effort. It’s about the brain working differently. And when we say differently, we mean really differently.
Let’s Talk About Attention—It’s Not What You Think
A common myth is that people with ADHD can’t pay attention. But here’s the thing: ADHD isn’t about too little attention. It’s about having dysregulated attention. Kids with ADHD can sometimes focus so deeply on something they love—like building Lego masterpieces or getting to the next level of a video game—that they lose track of time entirely. This hyperfocus means they might forget to eat, go to the bathroom, or even notice their surroundings.
On the flip side, ADHD makes it really tough to focus on tasks that feel boring or overwhelming, even if those tasks are super important—like cleaning their room or finishing homework. It’s not that they don’t care about these things; it’s just that their brains don’t easily connect to the motivation needed to get them done.
The Science Behind ADHD Brains
Let’s geek out on some brain chemistry for a moment. ADHD brains struggle with two important neurotransmitters: dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the chemicals that help with motivation, memory, and focus. Dopamine is like the brain’s reward system—it’s what makes us feel good when we accomplish something. Norepinephrine helps us concentrate and follow through on tasks.
For kids with ADHD, these chemicals don’t always flow in the same way they do for neurotypical kids. This makes it harder to self-motivate, stay organized, or even start tasks—which can look like “laziness” to the outside world. Spoiler alert: it’s not laziness. It’s a brain-wiring difference.
The Four Motivators for ADHD Brains
Dr. William Dodson explains that ADHD brains don’t respond to traditional motivators like, “This is the right thing to do,” or “You’ll get a reward later.” Instead, ADHD brains light up for four specific things: interest, challenge, novelty, and urgency. Let’s break these down:
1. Interest
Kids with ADHD are wired to focus on what they find interesting. If they’re curious or excited about something, they can focus on it for hours. That’s why they’ll dive headfirst into something they’re passionate about but struggle with routine or repetitive tasks.
2. Challenge
ADHD brains thrive on reasonable challenges. If a task feels like it’s pushing them just enough—not too much to overwhelm them but enough to engage them—it’s a game-changer. For example, a kid might light up when they’re solving a tricky puzzle or trying to beat their personal best in a game.
3. Novelty
Newness is magnetic for kids with ADHD. Novelty—whether it’s learning something fresh, tackling a task in a new way, or exploring a new environment—helps activate the brain’s reward system. Adding a touch of novelty can make even boring tasks more manageable.
4. Urgency
Ever notice how some kids with ADHD only get things done at the last minute? That’s because urgency lights up their brains. Deadlines and high stakes create just enough adrenaline to get their brains in gear. While procrastination isn’t ideal, it’s often the tool ADHD brains use to kickstart motivation.
Helping ADHD Kids Find Motivation
Understanding how ADHD brains work is the first step to helping kids with ADHD feel successful. By weaving in interest, challenge, novelty, or urgency, we can set them up to thrive. Here are some ideas:
Make it fun: Turn boring tasks into a game. If cleaning their room becomes a race against the clock or a scavenger hunt, it’s way more appealing.
Break it down: Big tasks can feel overwhelming, so break them into smaller, manageable steps. Celebrate each tiny win to keep momentum going.
Create novelty: Change things up. Instead of doing homework at the kitchen table, try a cozy fort or the backyard.
Use timers and deadlines: For kids who respond to urgency, a visual timer can work wonders. "Let’s see how much we can do in 10 minutes!"
Highlight challenges: Frame tasks as an exciting challenge: “Let’s see if you can put away your toys before this song ends.”
Reframing the Story
When we stop labeling kids with ADHD as “lazy” or “unmotivated” and instead understand their unique motivators, we unlock a whole new way of connecting with them. ADHD brains aren’t broken. They’re just wired to follow a different set of rules. And once we learn those rules—interest, challenge, novelty, urgency—we can help our kids build confidence, resilience, and pride in their unique ways of thinking.
The next time your ADHD kid seems stuck, try asking yourself: How can I make this interesting, exciting, or urgent for them? With a little creativity and a lot of compassion, you can help them harness their ADHD superpowers—and maybe even have some fun along the way.
*Alexa Griffith, LMHC, LCAC, NCC, RPT is a Licensed Mental Health Therapist. Alexa enjoys providing individual counseling and family counseling. She also provides play therapy for children and teen and adolescent counseling via telehealth or in office. Alexa's practice serves the Indianapolis area, including Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, Zionsville, and Westfield. Learn more at AlexaGTherapy.com
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