ADHD symptoms in adults and children can include feeling overwhelmed, having difficulty starting tasks, messiness or forgetfulness. But because it can look different from person to person, symptoms are often missed or misunderstood – especially in women. We speak to DR SANVEEN KANG from Psych Connect about Attention-Deficit/
Tell us about Psych Connect and what makes your ADHD approach different.
At Psych Connect, we see ADHD as more than attention or behaviour – it’s about how the brain, body and environment interact.
We combine psychological therapy, occupational therapy, ADHD coaching, group programmes and parent work, depending on the individual. Our occupational therapists focus on regulation and the nervous system; psychologists work on emotional regulation and thinking patterns; and ADHD coaches translate this into daily life – planning, organisation and follow-through.
The goal is not just to manage ADHD symptoms in children and adults, but to build long-term independence, confidence and a system around the individual that truly understands how they function.
You work across the full ADHD journey – what does that look like in practice?
Assessment is just the starting point. We conduct comprehensive evaluations for ADHD, including standardised neuropsychological testing, alongside functional assessments such as virtual reality environments to observe how attention shows up in real-life settings.
This allows us to build a detailed profile of how someone functions – and why they may feel capable in some situations but overwhelmed in others.
From there, we develop an individualised plan that may include therapy, occupational therapy, ADHD coaching, and school or workplace support. These aren’t separate services – we operate as a coordinated system so insights translate into real-world change.
What are some ADHD symptoms people might overlook?
Many people associate ADHD only with inattention and/or hyperactivity, but the more subtle signs are often missed. ADHD symptoms can show up differently in children and adults – and are easy to overlook without the right understanding. These include:
- Chronic overwhelm
- Difficulty starting tasks
- Inconsistent performance despite high ability
- Emotional reactivity
- Feeling under-stimulated or overstimulated
- Messiness or forgetfulness in children
- Burnout, anxiety or a sense of not reaching potential in adults
Are you seeing more adults being diagnosed with ADHD now? What’s driving that shift?
Yes, particularly among women. Historically, ADHD has been understood through a more external, hyperactive presentation, so girls who were quieter or more internalising were often overlooked.
Many developed strong coping strategies – becoming highly driven or organised on the surface – while experiencing significant internal strain.
As life becomes more complex, these strategies begin to break down. With greater awareness of ADHD now, more adults are recognising longstanding symptoms and patterns and seeking answers.
You focus on non-medical support for ADHD symptoms. What does that involve day to day?
Non-medical support is about building the skills that medication alone cannot provide. Our ADHD coaches help individuals understand symptoms and how their brain works, develop strategies for organisation and follow-through, and strengthen emotional regulation.
Occupational therapy plays a key role here. For many individuals, attention is closely linked to how the body processes sensory input and manages energy. If the nervous system is overwhelmed or under-activated, it becomes much harder to focus.
You talk a lot about “regulation” – what does that mean in real life?
Regulation is the ability to manage your internal state – shifting from overwhelmed to calm enough to think clearly, or from under-stimulated to focused. Many individuals with ADHD struggle not because they lack ability, but because their nervous system is either too activated or not activated enough.
What are some of the biggest challenges your clients face?
One of the biggest challenges is the gap between potential and performance. Many clients are highly capable, but struggle with consistency and follow-through, which over time affects confidence.
ADHD is also closely linked to emotional regulation, with more intense reactions and difficulty recovering from setbacks.
Are there small changes that can make a noticeable difference quickly?
The most effective changes are simple, personalised and low effort. Often, it’s about simplifying – reducing steps and creating structures that are easier to follow.
How can parents best support a child with ADHD symptoms?
The key shift is from control to collaboration. Children don’t need more pressure – they need support in building skills gradually. Creating clear routines, reducing demands and staying calm and consistent can make a significant difference.
What’s a good first step if someone thinks they or their child might have ADHD symptoms?
Comprehensive assessment and testing is critical, as ADHD symptoms often overlap with other conditions. A good assessment doesn’t just provide a label – it guides meaningful intervention.
If there was one thing you wish more people understood about ADHD, what would it be?
That ADHD is not a lack of ability or effort. It’s a difference in how the brain regulates attention, motivation and emotion
Psych Connect is at 10 Winstedt Road, #03-13
6493 0244 | psychconnect.sg
This article on ADHD symptoms and testing first appeared in the June 2026 issue of Expat Living magazine. You can buy the latest mag or an annual subscription, or read the digital version free now.
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