ADHD Is Not Like a Broken Leg
by Lisa Iannuzziello OT Reg. (Ont.)
One of the most confusing things about living with ADHD is how inconsistent it can feel. Some days, your brain shows up strong; you get deep into a project, clean your entire apartment, write a paper in record time, remember tiny details, and knock it all out of the park. Other days? That same brain might struggle to send a simple email or make a sandwich.
I often explain this to clients by saying: ADHD is not like a broken leg.
Let me explain.
Why This Analogy Matters
When someone breaks their leg, there’s a pretty clear path forward. You’ll probably use crutches every day at first. You’ll likely need help for basic mobility. No one expects you to run a marathon next week. And crucially, you know what to expect. You know what your limits are, and others do too.
ADHD is different.
With ADHD, your cognitive capacity can fluctuate a lot. One moment you might be functioning at a really high level. The next, basic tasks feel out of reach. It’s like your brain suddenly switches gears, and you're left wondering what just happened.
This inconsistency is real, and it’s one of the most misunderstood parts of ADHD, especially in adults.
The Marathon Metaphor: What ADHD Can Look Like
Think of those high-functioning moments as “running a marathon.” Your brain is dialed in, you’re focused, motivated, and getting stuff done. It’s an incredible feeling.
But what happens the next day, or even later the same day, when you can’t get out of bed on time, answer a text, or complete the same task that felt easy yesterday?
That shift can feel disorienting, and it often comes with guilt.
You might wonder:
Why can’t I just do it like I did yesterday?
Why do I need tools or support when I was doing fine before?
Why does this feel so hard when everyone else seems to be doing it without help?
Using ADHD Tools Doesn’t Mean You’re Failing
Here’s the truth: Just because you don’t need support every day doesn’t mean you don’t need it some days.
The problem is, when you only need a tool sometimes, it can be really hard to remember to use it when you do. And when you compare yourself to neurotypical people who seem to manage just fine without any tools, it’s easy to internalize shame around doing things differently.
But needing support doesn’t mean you’re weak or failing. It means you’re adapting to your real needs in the moment.
So What Do ADHD Tools Look Like?
Here are a few examples of ADHD-specific tools that many adults use to support daily functioning:
Body Doubling: Working alongside another person (virtually or in person) to stay focused and accountable. [Learn more about body doubling here.]
Visual Timers: Using a physical or digital timer to see how time is passing, which helps with staying on track for tasks that don’t hold your interest.
Chunking: Breaking a task into smaller, manageable steps based on what your brain can handle today—not what you think it should be able to do.
Flexible Routines: Creating structure that allows for fluctuation in focus, energy, and motivation.
Outsourcing When Needed: Maybe that looks like ordering in dinner, asking for help, or using a meal delivery service on tough days.
The key is not just knowing what tools are available, but also recognizing when you need them.
ADHD Occupational Therapy Can Help
If you’re an adult with ADHD, occupational therapy can help you build a toolkit that actually works for your life. OT for ADHD is about more than coping; it’s about learning how to work with your brain instead of fighting against it.
An OT can support you in:
Identifying the specific tools that help you start and follow through with tasks
Learning when and how to use them
Building routines that are flexible enough to support ADHD symptoms, even on the hard days
So instead of trying to “run the marathon” on a broken leg, OT can help you recognize when your brain is ready to sprint; and when it needs some crutches and rest.
If you’re an adult with ADHD living in Ontario (or across Canada), we offer OT sessions virtually. Feel free to contact us for a consultation call to learn more about our services free of charge.
Final Thoughts
ADHD doesn’t always look the same from day to day. That’s why support needs to be flexible, responsive, and personalized.
If you’re looking for ADHD support in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta (and other provinces), our occupational therapy services are here to help you find the strategies that work; and use them when you actually need them.
Contact us today to learn more about how OT can support your ADHD.
