ADHD Texting Habits: What Are They?
Ever text someone with ADHD and think, “Wait, why is this conversation all over the place?” You’re not alone! Let’s talk about it—and I promise, it’s not as confusing as it seems! Grab a coffee and let’s dive in.
What’s Going On with ADHD Texting?
Texting—easy, right? Well, when ADHD’s involved, texting can feel a little like jumping on a rollercoaster. If you're texting someone with ADHD, you might notice that their texts are a little different. You get quick replies, random topic changes, and sometimes long silences. But here’s the thing: it’s all part of how ADHD affects communication. It doesn’t mean they’re not interested or they don’t care; it’s just how their brain is wired.
As someone who works with people navigating ADHD, I’ve seen firsthand how it shapes communication. If you’ve ever found yourself scratching your head over why your conversations feel, well, a little all over the place—let’s figure it out together!
1. Quick, Impulsive Replies: Speedy Gonzales
First things first: impulsivity. People with ADHD tend to respond quickly, often without a ton of thought. When they see a text, their brain wants to reply immediately, so they shoot off a quick response like “Yep!” or “Sure!” without always adding all the details.
It’s not that they’re dismissing you; it’s just that their brain moves fast and wants to reply before they forget. So if you get a super quick “Yes!” to dinner plans with no follow-up, don’t worry—they’re just answering in the moment.
Therapist tip: If you want more details, it’s totally okay to ask for a bit more. Chances are, they just sent it in a rush, and once they realize, they’ll be happy to elaborate!
2. Jumping Between Topics: ADHD’s Superpower
Okay, let’s talk about topic-switching. This is the classic ADHD texting move. Their brain is like a ping-pong ball, bouncing from one thing to another at lightning speed. So, you might be texting about dinner plans one minute, and the next, they’re telling you about a new book they just started or a random thought that popped into their head.
It can feel like you’re getting whiplash in a conversation, but here’s the thing: it’s just how ADHD works. Their brain doesn’t always stick to one thing at a time, so texting reflects that.
A little coffee chat tip: Don’t be afraid to gently steer them back if the conversation’s gotten a little too scattered. They’ll usually appreciate it—and it’ll make it easier for you to keep track of things!
3. Forgetting to Respond: It’s Not Personal!
Ah, the waiting game. You send a text, and hours later, crickets. It happens. Forgetfulness is super common with ADHD, especially when it comes to replying to texts. They might have read it, gotten distracted, and then completely forgotten to respond. It’s not that they don’t care, it’s just that their attention wandered, and they got caught up in something else.
Pro tip: If they don’t respond right away, try not to take it personally. A gentle nudge is totally okay! They just might need a reminder to finish the conversation.
4. Short Replies (But Not in a Mean Way)
Okay, so you know those texts that just say “Sure!” or “Yep!”? They’re short, right? That’s another ADHD thing. People with ADHD tend to be straight to the point, and they don’t always feel the need to elaborate. It’s their brain’s way of processing things—quick, efficient, and often without extra details.
It can feel a little abrupt, but it’s not about you. They’re just communicating in the quickest, easiest way they can.
Here’s a little therapist tip: If you’re feeling like they’re not giving you enough, you can always ask them to add more context. It’ll probably come off as no big deal, and they’ll likely add some more details once they realize!
5. Delayed Responses: Not Because They Don’t Like You
Here’s where it gets a little tricky. If someone with ADHD takes a while to respond, it’s often because they’ve gotten distracted. Maybe they’re in the middle of something else and just forgot to check their phone again.
It’s easy to think they’re ignoring you, but that’s probably not the case. Their brain is just a little distracted by whatever else they’re doing. It’s all about attention, and sometimes it’s hard for them to stay focused on just one thing at a time.
Therapist tip: Don’t jump to conclusions when you don’t get a response right away. It’s okay to follow up, and they’ll likely be thankful for the reminder!
6. Overthinking, Then Delayed Replies
On the flip side, someone with ADHD can also overthink their replies. Sometimes they’ll take longer to respond because they’re worrying about saying the right thing or making sure they don’t say something that’ll come across wrong.
It’s like their brain goes into overdrive trying to figure out how to respond, which can delay things.
Therapist note: If this is happening, they’re not trying to be difficult—they’re just in their own head. It might take them a little longer to find the right words.
7. Texting as a Low-Pressure Way to Connect
Texting is honestly a bit of a lifesaver for many people with ADHD. It’s low-pressure, and they don’t have to juggle social cues like in face-to-face conversations. It gives them time to think before replying and feel less overwhelmed.
But at the same time, it can make communication feel a little disjointed. They might reply quickly, then disappear for a bit, or text in bursts of energy.
Therapist tip: If you’re texting someone with ADHD, understand that texting is their way to keep in touch without all the pressure. Be patient, and let them engage at their own pace.
Dating Someone with ADHD Texting Habits? Here’s What to Expect
Now, let’s talk about dating someone with ADHD and their texting habits. Here’s what you might notice:
Spontaneous & High-Energy: Conversations can be exciting and full of energy, but you might get random shifts in topics. It’s part of the fun—and the unpredictability—of dating someone with ADHD.
Getting Distracted: They might be super engaged one moment, and then, boom! They’re lost in a new thought and forget to reply. Again, it’s not about you. It’s just how ADHD works.
Clear Communication Helps: If you find yourself getting lost or frustrated in the texting rhythm, that’s okay. Just gently steer things back, ask follow-up questions, and keep things light. They’ll appreciate the help in staying on track.
What Does This All Mean for Your Texting?
Let’s keep it simple: texting with someone who has ADHD might feel a little wild—impulsive replies, quick shifts in topics, and occasional radio silence. But that’s just how their brain processes things.
The best thing you can do? Be patient, understand that they’re doing their best, and keep things light and flexible. ADHD is just one piece of the puzzle, and it doesn’t define their ability to care or communicate.
Conclusion
ADHD texting habits? They’re a little spontaneous, a little unpredictable, but full of life! Once you get the hang of it, texting with someone who has ADHD can be a fun, exciting, and super rewarding experience. Just remember: if things get confusing, a little patience and understanding go a long way.
And if texting ever feels frustrating or like you’re not connecting the way you want to, therapy can be a great place to explore how to communicate better—and how to navigate relationships with ADHD more smoothly.
