Why ADHD Brains Struggle with Filtering Out Information
Working Memory Issues – ADHD brains struggle to hold onto key pieces of information in the moment, making it harder to organize our thoughts before speaking. This can lead to oversharing, jumping between topics, or blurting things out impulsively.
Impulsivity & Emotional Regulation – Our excitement, anxiety, or frustration can override our ability to stop and think before we speak, making it easy to say something too personal, too blunt, or off-topic.
Difficulty Gauging Social Cues – Because our brains are processing so much at once, it can be tough to track social feedback in real time. This makes it harder to know when we’re over-explaining, sharing too much, or making others uncomfortable.
Hyperfocus & Interest-Based Thinking – When we’re deeply interested in a topic, we want to share everything we know, sometimes without realizing that others might not be as engaged.
How This Shows Up in Daily Life:
Talking too much in conversations and missing when others are disengaged.
Giving way too much background information before getting to the point.
Sharing personal details too quickly with new people.
Accidentally saying something inappropriate or blunt because it feels correct in the moment.
Not realizing we’re dominating a conversation until later.
Strategies to Help with Filtering Out Information:
Pause Before Speaking – Try a mental “checkpoint” before talking: Does this person need all this information? or Is this the right moment for this?
Use the 3-Sentence Rule – When explaining something, aim to summarize your point in three sentences before checking in with the listener. If they ask for more details, then continue.
Read Body Language & Reactions – If people start looking away, giving short replies, or shifting their body position, it might be a cue to pause or change topics.
Ask, "Do You Want the Short or Long Version?" – This gives the other person control over how much detail they want and prevents info-dumping.
Practice Storytelling Skills – If oversharing is a challenge, practice telling stories with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Try focusing on the most important details instead of every small thing.
Write It Out First – If you're prepping for a social event or conversation, jot down key points beforehand to organize your thoughts.
Use a Visual Reminder – A sticky note on your phone or a bracelet as a reminder to “pause and check” before speaking.
by
Carlita Shaw
Follow me in Wordpress
Follow me in Substack
Follow me in X
Follow me in Telegram
Follow me in IG where I share more tips.
Follow me in FB
