<p>OP - This sounds so familiar! My s is a rising Junior and is diagnosed ADHD/Inattentive type. He has very low scores in processing etc. In spite of all that, he is successful in school and in his ECs.
I’ve always viewed my son as oblivious, floating along in his happy bubble, but this is how he behaves at home. He apparently can function independently at a more efficient level when he is away from home. I have found that when others give him advice he listens, when I offer advice he says “Thanks Mom” and that is the end of it. It could be your son is accustomed to your assistance, and knows you will help him complete the requested task if necessary. Please know as I write this, I’m writing about myself! How invested is your son in going to college? Does he have an area of study that he is interested in? As you pointed out, if research is needed about a video game he is playing, he is perfectly capable to find the information he needs.</p>