TOPIC: The Overlooked Side of ADHD: High Achievement, Hidden Struggles, and Healing Through Therapy
POST BY: Mikayla Minehart, LPC, NCC, PMH-C - CLICK HERE TO SEE HER BIO
WRITTEN: June 26, 2025
WILL BE REVIEWED: June 2028
As a child therapist, I’ve had the privilege of working with many bright, driven, and talented young people. Some of them are top of their class, win awards, or excel in multiple areas—from academics to the arts to athletics. And yet, beneath their accomplishments lies a daily internal battle that most people don't see.
These are the high achievers with ADHD.
When Success Masks Struggle
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is often stereotyped as affecting only children who are disruptive, disorganized, or failing in school. But ADHD is a spectrum. Some children, especially those with strong intellect, curiosity, or perfectionistic tendencies, develop clever coping strategies to “mask” their ADHD symptoms. They might hyperfocus on tasks they love, use anxiety or over-preparation to stay ahead, or rely on routines to hold things together.
Outwardly, they may look like they’re thriving. Internally, many are exhausted. They may say things like:
- “If I don’t do everything perfectly, I feel like a failure.”
- “No one understands how hard I have to work to keep up.”
- “My brain never shuts off.”
- “I’m always overwhelmed, even if it doesn’t look like it.”
Over time, this can lead to burnout, anxiety, low self-esteem, and even depression.
The Unique Needs of High-Achieving Kids with ADHD
These children often fall through the cracks. Their strengths, like academic success or verbal fluency, can lead teachers and adults to underestimate their ADHD symptoms. But here’s the truth: being capable doesn’t mean it’s easy.
In therapy, we focus on helping these children:
- Understand their brains – Recognizing how ADHD affects their attention, energy, and emotional regulation can be incredibly validating. We work on separating their self-worth from their productivity.
- Build realistic coping strategies – Perfectionism and overcompensation are common among high-achieving kids with ADHD. Therapy provides tools to manage workload, reduce procrastination, and handle big emotions, without sacrificing wellbeing.
- Reclaim rest and joy – Constant striving takes a toll. Therapy gives kids permission to rest, play, and enjoy the moment without guilt.
- Strengthen identity – When a child’s self-image is tied only to achievement, they can feel lost when things don’t go perfectly. Therapy helps them develop a more balanced, compassionate sense of self.
Supporting the Whole Child
Parents often feel torn: they want to celebrate their child’s success but also worry about the pressure their child puts on themselves. In family sessions, we explore ways to encourage effort over outcomes, foster open communication, and model self-care.
If your child is a high achiever who also struggles with attention, focus, or emotional overwhelm, they’re not alone, and they’re not broken. Therapy can be a powerful space for them to feel seen, understood, and supported as their full selves, not just as a report card or résumé.
Let’s stop assuming that success means everything is okay.
Let’s start listening, supporting, and helping our bright, brilliant, beautifully complex kids thrive, with balance, not burnout.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
At JCACounseling, every step is met with empathy, understanding, and compassionate, personalized support for individuals and families facing life’s challenges. Begin the journey toward healing and growth through Healing Through Connection—call to speak with a therapist today or schedule a consultation.
📞 Call 404-834-2363 or visit https://calendly.com/jcacounseling to schedule a consultation.
