ADHD Is Awesome? 9 Hilarious and Honest Truths From the Holderness Family You Need to Read

ADHD is often misunderstood. Many people still believe it's just about being distracted or overly energetic. But if you've ever watched or listened to Penn and Kim Holderness, you know there's so much more to the story. In their book ADHD Is Awesome, they share a raw and funny look into what it’s like living with ADHD—both as someone who has it and as someone who loves someone who does.

Penn was diagnosed as an adult and quickly realized his brain worked in ways that were both challenging and extraordinary. Instead of hiding it, he and Kim chose to talk openly about it—to remove the shame and add understanding. And honestly, some of their stories will make you laugh out loud. Others might hit a little close to home.

Why does ADHD feel overwhelming one moment and like a superpower the next? According to experts, ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, self-control, and emotional regulation—but it’s also something people can manage and live with successfully.

In this article, you'll find nine honest and hilarious truths from the Holderness family that reveal what ADHD is really like. Some of it’s funny. Some of it’s hard. All of it is real.

9 ADHD Truths from the Holderness Family

Here are nine honest and laugh-out-loud truths from the Holderness family that show what living with ADHD is actually like:

1. ADHD Isn’t a Flaw—It’s Just Different

Penn Holderness reminds us that ADHD isn’t about being lazy, careless, or broken. It’s a brain-based condition that simply works differently from what most people expect. Instead of blaming themselves, people with ADHD need understanding—and the science backs that up.

Here’s what sets ADHD apart:

• It’s a neurological condition, not a behavioral problem according to research research.
• ADHD affects brain areas tied to focus, impulse control, and organization.
• Symptoms aren’t chosen. People with ADHD don’t mean to interrupt, forget things, or get distracted.
• Mistakes often come from the brain’s difficulty managing tasks, not from a lack of intelligence or motivation.
• Being “different” doesn’t mean being “less.” ADHD brings unique perspectives and talents.

When we stop seeing ADHD as a flaw and start seeing it as a difference, we give people the chance to grow with confidence—and without shame.

2. The World Isn’t Built for ADHD Brains

Living with ADHD can feel like trying to run a race on the wrong track. The world often expects people to sit still, follow routines, and stay focused for long periods. But for someone with ADHD, those things don’t come easily. Instead, they often feel overwhelmed, scattered, or left behind.

According to findings from the National Institute of Mental Health, people with ADHD struggle most when they’re placed in environments that demand strict organization, constant attention, and multitasking—skills tied to executive function. That’s why crowded classrooms, long meetings, or packed daily schedules can feel impossible.

Here are a few real challenges Penn Holderness shared:

• He once left the stove on after rushing out of the house for school drop-off.
• Managing multiple tasks at once often leads to forgetting small but important steps.
• Everyday life feels harder when everything is moving fast and demands your attention all at once.

It’s not that people with ADHD can’t succeed—it’s that they often succeed in spite of how the world is set up. When the environment matches their brain style—one task at a time, fewer distractions—they can thrive. But in today’s high-pressure, fast-paced world, that’s rarely the case.

3. ADHD Can Be Hilarious and Dangerous

ADHD isn't just about forgetfulness or zoning out—it can lead to some wild and unexpected moments. Penn Holderness shares personal stories that are funny at first glance, but also show how serious things can get when your brain moves faster than your actions.

People with ADHD often act before they think. This impulsiveness can lead to accidents, embarrassment, or just strange situations. For example:

• Penn once found himself chewing on a used flyswatter—without realizing it—during a family gathering.
• He left the stove burning more than once because his mind jumped ahead to the next task.
• He misplaced his car keys so often as a teen that his dad gave copies to his best friends just in case.

These stories might make you laugh, but they also highlight a deeper truth: ADHD can cause real risks if it goes unmanaged. According to experts, impulsivity and inattention raise the chance of accidents, injuries, and mistakes—especially when people don’t know they have ADHD.

That’s why understanding your brain matters. With the right tools, you can stay safe, stay focused, and maybe even laugh at the chaos—just like Penn does.

4. Shame Is Real—But Humor Helps

Many people with ADHD carry a quiet weight of shame. They forget things, interrupt others, or miss deadlines—and often feel like they’re letting people down. Penn Holderness talks openly about how painful the label “disorder” felt when he first heard it. Even though he had good grades and big goals, being told he had something “wrong” with him hit hard.

Children and adults with ADHD often feel judged or misunderstood. According to a published article, the words “attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder” themselves can feel damaging—especially to kids. The message they hear is: you’re too much, not enough, or broken. That kind of message sticks.

Here’s how shame can show up:

• Feeling embarrassed after spacing out during conversations.
• Believing you're lazy when you can't start a simple task.
• Hiding your diagnosis because of how people might react.

But humor helps. Penn and Kim use laughter to break the tension and shift the focus from what’s “wrong” to what’s different. They crack jokes about flyswatters, missed appointments, and burnt lunches—not to make fun of ADHD, but to make space for healing.

Because when you can laugh at the struggle, even a little, you take back some of your power.

5. Hyperfocus Is a Superpower

Not everything about ADHD is a struggle. One of its most surprising traits is something called hyperfocus. When someone with ADHD finds a task they truly enjoy, they can lock in and give it their full attention for hours. This deep focus can lead to amazing results—if the moment is right.

Penn Holderness explains how hyperfocus helps him create content. When he gets an idea for a video, he can plan, write, film, and edit it all in one day. That kind of drive isn’t common—but it’s real for people with ADHD when the task is exciting and meaningful.

Studies have shown that people with ADHD can perform extremely well when fully engaged in something they love. According to research, motivation and interest often fuel the ADHD brain far more than routine or pressure.

Some signs of hyperfocus include:

• Losing track of time while working on a creative project
• Forgetting to eat or sleep because you're so absorbed in a task
• Tuning out everything else to stay in the flow of one activity

Hyperfocus isn’t something you can always control, but when it kicks in, it’s powerful. It reminds us that ADHD doesn’t mean you can’t focus—it means you focus differently. And sometimes, that difference is where the magic happens.

6. Not All ADHD Looks the Same

ADHD doesn’t have just one face. It doesn’t always look like a kid bouncing off the walls or someone who can’t sit still. In fact, many people—especially girls and adults—go years without knowing they have it. Their symptoms are quieter, more internal, and often misunderstood.

Kim Holderness talks about how inattentive ADHD can hide in plain sight. People with this type may seem shy, disorganized, or forgetful. But deep down, they’re often struggling to focus, manage time, or complete tasks—even though they try hard every day.

According to experts, girls are less likely to be diagnosed early because their symptoms are usually less disruptive in class. They daydream, miss instructions, or avoid hard tasks—not because they don’t care, but because their brains process things differently.

Some ways ADHD shows up quietly:

• Constantly losing focus during reading or lectures
• Avoiding tasks that require long attention spans
• Feeling mentally tired after small decisions

Just because someone doesn’t seem hyperactive doesn’t mean they don’t have ADHD. That’s why awareness matters. Once people recognize the different ways it shows up, they can get the help they need—and stop blaming themselves for things they can’t control.

7. Coping Strategies Make a Big Difference

Having ADHD doesn’t mean you’re helpless. In fact, one of the most powerful lessons Penn and Kim Holderness share is that small strategies can create big changes. Once you understand how your brain works, you can find tools and routines that actually help.

Penn talks about how he sets alarms to remind himself to turn off the stove or how he packs lunch the night before so mornings go more smoothly. These aren’t huge fixes—they’re simple habits that make life safer and easier.

Studies show that structured routines and external reminders are some of the most effective ways to support people with ADHD. These tools reduce distractions, improve memory, and help with time management.

Helpful coping strategies include:

• Using visual schedules or timers to stay on track
• Breaking big tasks into smaller, manageable steps
• Keeping daily routines as consistent as possible
• Writing things down instead of trying to remember everything

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about giving yourself support in a world that’s not designed for your brain. These small changes aren’t signs of weakness—they’re signs of strength and self-awareness.

8. Medication Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All

When Penn Holderness first got diagnosed, he tried medication—specifically dextroamphetamine. At first, it helped. His friends noticed he could stay in conversations better. His grades even went up during his senior year of college. But in the end, he decided it wasn’t right for him.

This reflects an important truth: medication works differently for everyone. Some people feel a big improvement, while others may not feel comfortable with the side effects. What matters is having options and making the decision with the help of a doctor.

According to a review, stimulant medications like dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate are often effective in reducing core symptoms of ADHD. But they’re not the only treatment, and they’re not always needed long term.

Key points to remember:

• Medication can help with focus, attention, and behavior control.
• Not everyone responds the same way to stimulants or non-stimulants.
• Some people benefit most when medication is combined with therapy or lifestyle changes.
• Choosing medication is a personal decision—not a moral one.

You’re not weak for trying it, and you’re not wrong if you stop. What matters is finding what works best for your brain and your life.

9. Community and Self-Acceptance Change Everything

One of the most powerful messages from Penn Holderness is this: you are not alone. For people with ADHD, isolation and self-doubt can grow over time—especially when they feel misunderstood or judged. But finding a supportive community changes that.

Penn shares how important it was for him to talk openly about ADHD and hear from others who relate. When you connect with people who understand your brain, the shame begins to fade. Instead of hiding, you start feeling seen, heard, and even proud.

As stated in reports, peer support and self-education play a huge role in mental health. When people with ADHD are encouraged not criticized they’re more likely to succeed and feel emotionally safe.

Ways to build that support:

• Talk to trusted friends or family about your ADHD experience
• Join online groups or local support communities
• Follow creators like Penn and Kim who share honest stories
• Remind yourself daily: you’re not broken, just wired differently

Acceptance doesn’t mean ignoring challenges. It means facing them with tools, people, and self-respect. And that makes all the difference—not just for survival, but for living a full, joyful life with ADHD.

Wrap Up

ADHD is not a flaw but a different way of experiencing the world. While it can present challenges, it also brings unique strengths like creativity and the power of hyperfocus. The Holderness family encourages open conversations and self-acceptance to remove the stigma.

With the right coping strategies, support systems, and even medication, individuals with ADHD can thrive. The key is recognizing that it's not about changing who you are, but understanding and working with how your brain works. Embrace your ADHD, find your community, and live with pride!