The Mental Load of ADHD: Navigating Struggles and Executive Functioning Skills as an ADHD Parent and Business Owner
- Sarah Hardy
- Jan 15, 2025
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 16
Living with ADHD often means managing a constant mental checklist. For parents who also run a business, the mental load can feel even heavier.
Many ADHD parents describe juggling work responsibilities, family life and everyday organisation while trying to manage differences in executive functioning such as time management, planning and task initiation.
As someone with ADHD, and as a coach working with neurodivergent parents and business owners, I regularly see how the mental load of managing work, family and everyday responsibilities can become overwhelming.
This article explores the ADHD mental load, how executive functioning challenges contribute to overwhelm for parents and business owners, and practical strategies that can help reduce that burden.
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Understanding the Mental Load of ADHD
Mental load refers to the cognitive effort required to manage various tasks and responsibilities. This includes planning, organising, and remembering details, which can transform into anxiety when the load becomes too heavy.
For parents with ADHD, this mental load isn’t just about keeping track of appointments or tasks; it's a constant, complex strain. Many parents with ADHD report feeling overwhelmed by the constant cognitive load of managing responsibilities at home and work (Barkley, 2015). This emotional burden can impact personal life, parenting, and professional duties, often leaving you feeling like you are perpetually playing catch-up.
The ADHD Executive Functioning Challenge
Executive functioning skills are essential for organising tasks, managing time, and controlling impulses. People with ADHD often struggle in these areas, making simple tasks feel like monumental challenges.
Executive functioning refers to the mental processes that help us plan, organise, manage time and regulate behaviour. These processes are largely associated with the brain’s prefrontal cortex (Brown, 2013). In ADHD, this system can have glitches or slow response times, complicating everything from adhering to a daily routine to following through with long-term goals or plans. Research indicates that up to 50% of adults with ADHD have difficulties with time management, which can lead to missed deadlines both at home and work.
