“Can’t Finish a Book? Me Neither! How ADHD Changes the Way We Learn”
Rosie Turner
Founder of ADHD Untangled, Accredited ADHD Coach, Podcast Host of ADHD Untangled
?? Ever wondered why you struggle to finish a book, retain info, or get the words out you want to say? Or maybe why learning new skills feels like a never-ending battle?
ME TOO!!
My whole life, I’ve been tangled up in these struggles—from school to yoga teacher trainings and every online course I signed up for. Every time, I’d dive in with fresh highlighters, new notebooks, and that determined “this time is going to be different” feeling. And yet, an hour in, I’d catch myself off in another world, daydreaming about…
?? If the teacher might secretly be in the wrong career
?? Whether the boy I’m secretly in love with loves me back
?? Imagining myself thriving running my own business
?? Replaying my last chat with my dad, analysing every word
??♀? Wondering if mermaids are real…
…and then the lesson’s over, and I’ve retained, well, nothing! ??
For years, I thought I was just terrible at focusing. But since my ADHD diagnosis, I’ve found out there’s a whole world of neuroscience behind why our brains work this way. Here’s what’s going on in the ADHD brain:
What’s Going On in Our Brains?
?? Executive Function Delay: Our “CEO” brain (prefrontal cortex) develops around 30% slower, so memory, focus, and organising thoughts take a backseat.
?? Skill Learning Takes Longer: Our cerebellum (which handles automatic skill learning) is less active, so we rely on the prefrontal cortex, which processes 100,000 times slower. Learning new things? Yep, it’s exhausting for us!
?? Dopamine Deficiency: We’re always on a dopamine hunt, so low-stimulus environments (like quiet study sessions) just don’t cut it—cue daydreams and distractions.
?? Non-Linear Brain Wiring: Our brain pathways aren’t straightforward, so saying something out loud or recalling details can feel like untangling headphones—only to have them tangle again two seconds later!
So, What Can We Do About It?
?? Strengthen the Cerebellum: Research shows this can help over time. I dove into this with Wynford Dore recently, who’s teaching as part of our ADHD Yoga Teacher Training this November!
?? Set Up a Study Environment That Works for You: One of my clients felt overwhelmed by long-worded documents, so now they transcribe them to audio, listen while walking, then do blind writing, and use visuals to reference.
? Start with a High-Dopamine Task: “Eat the frog first” doesn’t work for ADHD brains. Starting with the hardest task = instant burnout. Instead, start with something you love, then add a reward to look forward to!
?? Set Dopamine Boundaries: Structure time (like with Pomodoro timers or whiteboards) to keep on track and avoid getting lost down a hyperfocus rabbit hole.
?? Embrace Non-Linear Thinking: This unique wiring has given the world some of its biggest ideas. We’re built for innovation! Create spaces that let you think outside the box—imperfection is where the magic happens.
I’m beyond excited (and working all hours) to bring something SO special to life—our first ADHD-focused Yoga Teacher Training next month . We’re diving deep into the neuroscience behind our unique brains and sharing all my favourite tips and tricks.
?? If you’re curious, check out our ADHD Untangled podcast episode with Wynford, where we chat about the cerebellum and skill learning for ADHD brains.
Empowering individuals to achieve their dreams through coaching. | Life Coaching | Career Coaching | Executive Functions Coaching. New York City / New Jersey Area
2 周The ADHD brain is fascinating; there are always strategies and modifications that can help focus, read and retain, learn, etc.
Creative problem solver and resilient systems thinker
2 周I’ve found a rabbit hole - what is blind writing?
EDIB Implementation Lead at Cambridge University Press
2 周I feel so seen on the book front! Doesn’t stop me buying all the books though. I find lack of available time the hardest, juggling work and solo parenting, there a few windows to dive right in, and last thing at night I’m generally too tired. But even if and when I do have the time……peri-meno adhd makes it really hard to stop, settle and focus on reading for pleasure! As for learning, I read loads and retain zilch. I do enjoy it in the present moment though ??
Anneka Wright | Founder of The Wright Assistant | Skilled Virtual Assistant delivering tailored support to busy business owners specialising in working with individuals with ADHD, providing support with Access to work.
2 周Wow, this makes so much sense! I never really thought about it this way, but it totally explains the mental exhaustion after trying to learn something new.?
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2 周I "used to" read lots then got care worker overwhelm...totally caught up in working and deeply caring for ALL the people I saw in a day. Working domiciliary 0700-2200 most days as I couldn't leave them without a visit. Working with the elderly certainly gives you different perspectives. Getting to know them properly takes the couple extra mins and little bit more effort but is so rewarding for both of you. I didn't have capacity to self care and unwind like I did as teenager/working mum. I used to read summer novels in the winter, pretending to be in the sun while waiting for the bus in the cold. My mind reads like a film transporting me to the place. Not seeing the words at all. I miss it. Since being diagnosed Adhd/ combined I have gone self employed and focused on my health the whole of me not just the usual Dr visits. Now have more understanding of me I have lost weight and a lot of the guilt that was making MH worse. I actually "read a lot" more now than ever. Just not books... Facebook, linked in, tiktok and fairly recently Instagram have taught me far more than any Dr, therapist, coach or teacher. My fav way of learning over all is from people's experiences.