Two subtle sitting habits that could be a sign of ADHD

The way you sit could subtly indicate whether or not you have ADHD - an attention disorder that affects around 2.6 million people in the UK.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, better known as ADHD, is described by Psychiatry.org as one of the most common mental disorders.

It involves a person's brain functioning differently than most, typically resulting in hyperactivity, restlessness, and difficulty making ‘right’ decisions.

Despite how prevalent it is, ADHD can often go undiagnosed for numerous years.

Instead of imploring parents to get their children diagnosed, many teachers are quick to chalk up inattentiveness, forgetfulness and the inability to finish tasks down to lack of discipline or bad behaviour.

But that’s not always the case; the child could just have ADHD, according to the NHS.

The way you or your children tend to sit on chairs could indicate ADHD is present (Getty Stock Image)

While fidgeting and absentmindedness are common symptoms, there are some other, subtler ways you can figure out whether you or someone you know has the disorder.

These can both be seen in the way you sit, according to research.

Poor sitting posture could be a sign of a balance issue

The inability to sit still is a common symptom related to ADHD, stated the Cleveland Clinic. However, it’s not the only chair-based issue people may face.

Research has found that people with the condition may experience something called ‘postural sway’, Healthline wrote.

This means they may suffer from a lack of balance and motor control, leading to poor posture while sitting down, slumped shoulders, and sometimes forcing them to lean their head on their hand while writing.

If you’re reading this and thinking, ‘Well, I do all of those things’ then it may be worth seeking advice from a healthcare professional. They’ll help you tackle these balance issues, potentially leading to an ADHD diagnosis.

‘Perching’ with your legs up could be an ADHD sign

As per the Miriam Bender Achievement Center, children and adults alike who aren’t ‘allowed’ to sit in a slouched position are likely to practice something called ‘foot sitting’.

This habit sees a person tucking one or both feet under their bodies while seated, meaning they can continue to write, type or read in a comfortable position.

Another posture that people with ADHD favour is hooking their feet around chair legs, the Indianapolis Institute wrote.

You or someone you may know could also be a ‘percher’. This is practised by sitting on the edge of your chair with your legs up, sometimes for hours at a time.

According to Autonomous, perching on the edge of a chair provides a sense of alertness and engagement, which can therefore eradicate feelings of boredom and lethargy.

According to research, people with ADHD sometimes 'perch' on seats while they work, or tuck their feet under their bodies for comfort (Getty Stock Image)

Moreover, this position allows for increased sensory input and stimulation, aiding in arousal regulation and focus maintenance, the outlet claimed.

If you have ADHD, then a normal office chair may cause you to be distracted during the day, according to a study published in the popular Sensors journal.

Instead, the researchers make a case for dynamic seating, including kneeling chairs, which are said to promote better posture and provide sensory stimulation, as well as standing desks and therapy balls.

Seats that can benefit people with ADHD

If you’re someone who has poor posture while sitting or tends to ‘perch’ on the end of your stool, then good news - Ergodesks has outlined exactly what chair features will help alleviate these subtle ADHD symptoms.

You should select a chair that offers a full range of motion, allowing you to adjust your sitting position, tilt back, swivel and/or rock. One with an adjustable seat-to-floor height and depth is also advised.

Be sure to pick a seat with built-in footrests or a footplate so that you will be encouraged to keep your feet on the floor, rather than bunching them up or crossing them over.