6 Signs of Adult ADHD – What A Manhattan Therapist Wants You to Know

woman typing at desk

🗽 Introduction

At our NYC-based therapy practice, we’ve noticed something interesting: ADHD diagnosis are on the rise and so is the misinformation.

There’s a ton of information (and misinformation) out there. Many clients come to us with questions like:

  • “Is this actually ADHD?”

  • “Could I just be stressed or disorganized?”

  • “How do I even know what the symptoms are?”

It’s a fair question. ADHD doesn’t always look the way people expect. But there are some common patterns you can look out for.

Let’s take a look at some of the signs that may indicate it's worth seeking a professional opinion.

⚠️ 6 ADHD Signs from the ASRS v1.1 Screener

The following questions come from the ASRS v1.1 (Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale)—a screening tool used by professionals to help determine whether further ADHD testing may be appropriate.

It’s not a diagnostic test, but it can help you better understand your experiences.

👉 For each question, answer:

Never, Rarely, Sometimes, Often, or Very Often

1️⃣ How often do you have trouble wrapping up the final details of a project, once the challenging parts have been done?

2️⃣ How often do you have difficulty getting things in order when you have to do a task that requires organization?

3️⃣ How often do you have problems remembering appointments or obligations?

4️⃣ When you have a task that requires a lot of thought, how often do you avoid or delay getting started?

5️⃣ How often do you fidget or squirm with your hands or feet when you have to sit down for a long time?

6️⃣ How often do you feel overly active and compelled to do things, like you were driven by a motor?

✅ What Your Answers Might Mean

Here’s how to look at your responses:

  • For questions 1–3, an answer of “Sometimes,” “Often,” or “Very Often” counts as a possible sign.

  • For questions 4–6, only “Often” or “Very Often” count.

👉 If you have 4 or more total signs based on this scoring, it might be worth reaching out to a professional for a full ADHD evaluation.

Looking for help with ADHD….

At our virtual NYC-based practice, we specialize in ADHD therapy for adults- helping you build the skills, systems, and structure you need to thrive.

Located in New York? We offer online therapy across the state for adults navigating ADHD and executive function challenges. If you are interested we would love to speak with you. Book a free call today

*Note: This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose ADHD. Always consult a licensed professional if you have concerns.

Matthew Ryan, LCSW

I am a therapist, group practice owner, private practice consultant, and content creator. I am passionate about helping people make progress towards their goals.

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