Yes, it is relatively common for people with ADHD to have difficulty initiating communication, including not texting first. This behavior is not inherently offensive, and it's essential to approach this topic with understanding and empathy.
ADHD can impact various aspects of a person's life, including social interactions and communication. Some factors related to ADHD that might contribute to not texting first include:
Executive Functioning Challenges: People with ADHD often struggle with executive functions, which are the cognitive processes that help us plan, organize, and initiate tasks. Initiating communication, such as texting first, can be challenging due to difficulties in starting and organizing actions.
Inattentiveness to Social Cues: Individuals with ADHD may have difficulty recognizing and responding to social cues, such as recognizing when it's appropriate to initiate a conversation or respond to a text message.
Procrastination and Forgetfulness: People with ADHD may procrastinate on tasks, including sending messages, and can be forgetful about initiating communication, even if they genuinely want to do so.
Rejection Sensitivity: Some individuals with ADHD may have heightened rejection sensitivity, which can make them hesitant to initiate communication out of fear of being ignored or rejected.
Hyperfocus on Other Activities: When hyperfocusing on a particular task or interest, individuals with ADHD may become absorbed in that activity and forget to engage in other tasks, including texting.
It's important to remember that ADHD affects people differently, and not everyone with ADHD will exhibit the same behaviors. Additionally, communication habits can also be influenced by personality, past experiences, and other factors beyond ADHD.
If someone you know has ADHD and doesn't text first, it's crucial to be patient and understanding. Encouraging open communication and creating a supportive environment can help individuals with ADHD feel more comfortable initiating conversations when they are ready. Additionally, finding alternative means of communication that might be easier for them, such as phone calls or in-person interactions, can also be helpful.