If you’ve ever caught my son practicing his basketball moves, you’d swear the NBA scouts were parked outside our house. His dream? To become the next Michael Jordan. Not just any player, but the greatest basketball player of all time. And here’s the kicker: Michael Jordan had ADHD, too.

As a North Carolina girl, I’ve always been a proud MJ fan, so sharing his story with my son was a no-brainer. We dug into every book, documentary, and highlight reel we could find. Learning how Jordan channeled his ADHD hyperfocus into becoming the GOAT (greatest of all time) ignited something in my son. Suddenly, his ADHD wasn’t a struggle—it was his secret weapon.

This realization changed how we approached his goals, and today, I’m sharing our journey with you. Let’s dive into the power of hyperfocus, what it is, and how you can help your child with ADHD harness this superpower to achieve their own greatness.

What is ADHD Hyperfocus?

Hyperfocus is one of the most fascinating and misunderstood traits of ADHD. While ADHD is often associated with distractions and a short attention span, hyperfocus is the opposite: an intense, almost obsessive focus on something that captivates the person’s interest.

Hyperfocus allows kids (and adults) with ADHD to become completely immersed in an activity, often losing track of time, hunger, or even the world around them. Studies estimate that 50% of people with ADHD experience hyperfocus, and while it’s not fully understood, it’s believed to be tied to how ADHD brains process dopamine.

Dopamine, the “feel-good” chemical in the brain, is often in short supply for people with ADHD. But when they find something exciting or meaningful? BAM! Dopamine kicks in, and their focus shifts into overdrive. This unique brain wiring makes hyperfocus both a challenge and an incredible tool—if used correctly.

Why Hyperfocus is a Superpower for Kids with ADHD

Hyperfocus can turn a child’s passions into extraordinary achievements. The key? Channeling it toward meaningful goals. Michael Jordan is a prime example. Despite being cut from his high school basketball team, he hyperfocused on improving his skills, practicing endlessly, and eventually becoming a legend.

For my son, his hyperfocus on basketball has led to:

• Studying game footage for hours.

• Mastering new drills in record time.

• Learning about discipline, resilience, and hard work through his hero’s journey.

Your child’s hyperfocus might not be basketball—it could be art, coding, music, or even dinosaurs. The beauty of hyperfocus is its versatility. With the right support, your child can achieve incredible things by harnessing this ADHD superpower.

How to Harness Hyperfocus for Your ADHD Child

Now, let’s get practical. Here are proven strategies to help your child use hyperfocus to their advantage:

1. Discover Their Passion

Hyperfocus only kicks in when something sparks your child’s interest. So, the first step is finding what lights them up.

Ask questions like:

• What’s your favorite thing to do?

• If you could learn about anything in the world, what would it be?

• What big dream would you love to achieve?

Once you’ve identified their passion, encourage them to dive deeper. Whether it’s sports, art, or science, their hyperfocus can help them master their interests and build confidence along the way.

2. Set Clear, Achievable Goals

Big dreams are great, but they can feel overwhelming for kids with ADHD. Help them break their goals into smaller, manageable steps.

For example, instead of “Become the next Michael Jordan,” we set goals like:

• Practice dribbling for 15 minutes daily.

• Make 10 free throws in a row.

• Research another basketball legend each week.

Every small win boosts motivation and keeps hyperfocus working for them.

Here’s how you can help:

• Set up a dedicated workspace for projects or practice.

• Use tools like noise-canceling headphones.

• Keep their area organized and free of clutter.

When distractions are minimized, hyperfocus can truly shine.

4. Use Timers to Balance Focus and Breaks

One downside of hyperfocus? It doesn’t come with a built-in “off” switch. Kids can get so absorbed that they forget to eat, stretch, or rest.

Here’s what works for us:

• Set a timer for focus sessions (e.g., 30-45 minutes).

• Build in regular breaks for snacks, stretching, or fresh air.

• Use visual timers if your child struggles with time management.

We call this the “Focus & Fuel” system—because even superheroes need a recharge.

5. Tie Learning to Their Interests

Kids with ADHD learn best when the subject matter excites them. Connect their schoolwork or responsibilities to their passions whenever possible.

For my son, math became calculating shooting percentages, and reading meant studying basketball legends. You can do the same:

• For art lovers, incorporate drawing into writing assignments.

• For gamers, explore the mechanics of coding or storytelling.

• For animal enthusiasts, tie lessons to biology or environmental science.

When learning feels fun and relevant, hyperfocus works its magic.

6. Celebrate Progress Over Perfection

ADHD kids often struggle with perfectionism, which can lead to frustration or burnout. Make a point to celebrate their effort and progress—not just the final results.

In our house, we cheer for:

• Showing up consistently.

• Overcoming obstacles.

• Trying new things, even if they fail at first.

Progress gets rewarded with milkshakes and an epic family dance party.

7. Encourage Independence

Hyperfocus is most powerful when it’s self-driven. While your support is important, give your child space to take ownership of their goals and process.

Trust their instincts, step back when needed, and watch them shine.

Why ADHD is a Superpower, Not a Weakness

Here’s a fun fact: People with ADHD are 300% more likely to start their own business than their neurotypical peers. Why? Because ADHD traits like hyperfocus, creativity, and resilience are perfect for innovation and success.

Michael Jordan didn’t let ADHD hold him back—and neither should your child. With the right strategies and support, they can channel their hyperfocus into achieving greatness in their own way.

Feeling Lost After Your Child's Diagnosis??

Feeling lost after your child’s ADHD diagnosis? Sanity Restored is your one-stop shop for support! Get weekly Q&A calls with me, a trained parent coach, access to a community of parents who get it, and monthly workshops with ADHD specialists. Use the link to join the waitlist!

Work With Me | The Meditated Mama

Final Thoughts: Empowering Your ADHD Child

So, the next time your child hyperfocuses on something they love, don’t fight it—harness it. Celebrate it. Use it as a tool to build their confidence, skills, and dreams.

Whether they’re shooting hoops, sketching designs, or inventing the next big thing, hyperfocus is their secret weapon to becoming their own version of the GOAT.

If you found this article helpful, check out this piece with my top resources for ADHD parenting. 👉 The Ultimate ADHD Parenting Survival Kit: Resources That Saved My Sanity | The Meditated Mama

Here’s to raising champions—one hyperfocus session at a time.