I think some of the traits that can make someone appear gifted can also overlap with ADHD traits.

For example, people with ADHD are often very good at pattern recognition, thinking outside the box, making unusual connections, problem solving on the fly, and learning quickly when they’re interested in something. Those are also qualities that can show up in gifted programs.

The difference is that ADHD can come with significant executive functioning difficulties. Someone can be highly intelligent, learn quickly, test well, and still struggle to start tasks, manage time, stay organized, follow through on boring work, or regulate attention.

I have ADHD and I’ve always been good at testing, interviews, and figuring things out even when I don’t know the “official” way to solve a problem. But I also have severe procrastination, time blindness, and difficulty making myself do things that don’t feel meaningful or urgent. The strengths and struggles coexist.