What effect does ADHD have on IQ?
Asked by: Ashley Bradtke Jr. | Last update: November 22, 2025Score: 5/5 (46 votes)
It has also been reported that children with ADHD tend to have an approximately 9 point lower intelligence quotient (IQ) score than children without the diagnosis [7]. Nevertheless, the literature demonstrates the possibility of having both ADHD and high IQ.
Is ADHD symptoms in high IQ?
There is significant overlap of characteristics among people with ADHD, high IQ, and creativity — like curiosity, impatience, high energy, low tolerance for boredom, charisma, nonconformity, risk-taking, and resistance to authority.
Did any geniuses have ADHD?
Scientist and Nobel prize winner Albert Einstein is considered to have had ADHD because he “was as disorganised and forgetful as he was insightful and intelligent.” There is other evidence to suggest that he may have had dyslexia, dyspraxia and autism combined with ADHD.
Does Elon Musk have ADHD?
Elon Musk has not publicly disclosed a diagnosis of ADHD, however, he has been open about being on the autism spectrum, specifically identifying with Asperger's syndrome, a form of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Do ADHD people have a sixth sense?
The Gift of ADHD: They say that adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have almost a sixth sense about people. My sharp sense of intuition is the one personal attribute that I've always been proud of. Since I was little I've been able to smell a two-faced person from a mile away.
ADHD, IQ, and Giftedness
Do people with ADHD think faster?
In people with ADHD, these executive dysfunctions impact thinking in numerous ways. People with ADHD don't really think faster than people without it, but it can sometimes seem like they do. People with ADHD do think differently though, in a sense.
Did Einstein have ADHD?
Albert Einstein, Physicist & Mathematician
Although it can't be proven, many scholars and historians believe that Einstein one of the greatest minds of all-time, had ADHD. Einstein was a German physicist and mathematician who developed the special and general theories of relativity.
Is a high IQ neurodivergent?
While a high IQ is often a factor, it doesn't fully encompass the unique strengths of neurodivergent gifted individuals. Their different learning styles, heightened sensitivities, and deep emotional understanding mean they need more than just intellectual challenge to thrive.
Does Bill Gates have ADHD?
With an estimated net worth of $92 billion, Gates has admitted to struggling with ADHD, saying he has always had difficulties concentrating and learning things, and he is known as the richest people with ADHD. However, Bill Gates ADHD did not stop him from reaching the most incredible professional heights in his life.
What is high functioning ADHD like?
While not an official diagnosis, high functioning ADHD may describe individuals with ADHD symptoms that do not affect their daily activities. Symptoms may include difficulties with focus, time management, impulsivity, and more. These individuals may develop strategies to manage their symptoms.
Are ADHD people good at math?
ADHD can hinder mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills due to challenges with sustained attention, working memory, and executive functions. These difficulties can impact the ability to focus, follow multi-step procedures, and apply critical thinking strategies during mathematical tasks.
Do people with ADHD have certain facial features?
Similar to the literature, we found a strong relationship between the diagnosis of ADHD, a neurodevelopmental disorder, and nasal width and ear length. Moreover, the depth of the upper face was another measurement value that was strongly associated with the diagnosis of ADHD.
Is 120 IQ high?
Is a 120 IQ good? An IQ score of 120 is definitely a good score since it means superior or above-average intelligence. Although not in the category of gifted or genius, an IQ score of 120 still falls within the top 10% of the population on the IQ scale.
Are ADHD people neurodivergent?
Yes. ADHD can be considered neurodivergent because it's a neurodevelopmental disorder that changes how you think and process information. Scientists believe these differences are due to the unique structure and chemistry of the ADHD brain.
Does Johnny Depp have ADHD?
Johnny Depp is a legendary actor, famous for his diverse roles in films like “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “Edward Scissorhands.” He was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult and has faced challenges associated with the condition.
Is ADHD linked to genius?
Does ADHD affect IQ? A popular misconception is that all children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are naturally smarter and have a higher IQ than children without ADHD. However, there is no correlation between this condition and intelligence.
What do ADHD people struggle with?
Adults with ADHD may find it difficult to focus and prioritize, leading to missed deadlines and forgotten meetings or social plans. The inability to control impulses can range from impatience waiting in line or driving in traffic to mood swings and outbursts of anger. Adult ADHD symptoms may include: Impulsiveness.
Do ADHD brains age slower?
In support of this model, two longitude studies using computational neuroanatomic techniques demonstrated that children with ADHD follow a similar sequential pattern of cortical development, yet were delayed by as much as 2–3 years, depending upon the specific cortical region (Shaw et al., 2007, 2012).
Is ADHD a form of autism?
Autism spectrum disorder and ADHD are related in several ways. ADHD is not on the autism spectrum, but they have some of the same symptoms. And having one of these conditions increases the chances of having the other. Experts have changed the way they think about how autism and ADHD are related.
Do people with ADHD have high IQ?
Although on average, ADHD people have IQ scores that are about 9 points lower than others, there is a wide spread of IQs in both ADHD and non-ADHD people. So many people with ADHD have higher IQs than those without ADHD and vice-versa.
What are ADHD people usually good at?
One study of college students found that those with ADHD scored better on tests that measured creativity, such as drama, music, visual arts, and scientific discovery. Another study in Germany found that some symptoms, such as being impulsive and able to hyperfocus, make folks with ADHD great entrepreneurs.
What age is ADHD most noticeable?
These symptoms are usually seen by the time a child is four years old and typically increase over the next three to four years. The symptoms may peak in severity when the child is seven to eight years of age, after which they often begin to decline.
What are the sad facts about ADHD?
Many can't hold a job or stick with a relationship. They're chronically late or forgetful. They jump into jobs and purchases and relationships without thinking them through, only to regret their impulsive actions later. They get stuck in self-destructive patterns, fall prey to addiction and depression.