11. Communication problems with ADHD

Author: Ulrich Brennecke
Review: Dipl.-Psych. Waldemar Zdero

With ADHD, language problems can occur, such as excessive talking, slurred speech and confused language expression. The communication style is interest-focused and small talk is often perceived as boring.

• 11.1. Language problems with ADHD
• 11.2. Communication style with ADHD focused on interests

11.1. Language problems with ADHD¶

• Speech diarrhea, talkativeness, word overload (Logorrheapolyphrasia)¹
  • Replies (e.g. e-mails) are sometimes excessive
  • Answers digress from the topic
  • Interlocutors barely get a word in edgewise (ADHD-HI subtypes)
• Cluttering
  • Speaking quickly and indistinctly²
    • Swallowing syllables
    • Contraction of words (“puter” instead of “computer”)
    • Omit syllables
    • Unusual pauses in grammatically inappropriate places
  • Is considered a processing difficulty
  • People with ADHD are often not aware of this
  • Can correlate with reading and writing problems
  • For ADHD-I as for ADHD-C³
• Linguistic expression often “confused”⁴⁵
  • Filled breaks
  • Repetitions
  • Revisions
  • Aborted statements
• Difficulties with pronunciation⁶

11.2. Communication style with ADHD focused on interests¶

• Small talk is perceived as boring²
• People with ADHD quickly hyperfocus on topics that interest them²