My ADHD life has been relatively charmed.
I was diagnosed early and have been medicated/received therapy for most of my adult life. These things matter for ADHD risk factors
My life has been filled with bountiful support, relationships, and resources. A constellation of caretakers, friends, teachers, coaches, and mentors has always been there to help.
I’m systematically privileged in many ways. ADHD is no exception. Women, on the other hand, are underdiagnosed. Black adolescents may actually be over-diagnosed, a label that doesn't necessarily lead to equitable and sufficient intervention services.
And yet every week I struggle.
This ADHD thing challenges every aspect of my life: personal relationships, professional accomplishments, my sense of self, my ability to function as an adult.
I chase the dopamine and hyperfocus on the wrong stuff at the wrong times.
I perseverate on shit that happened years ago.
I get distracted and struggle to stay motivated.
I miss deadlines and key details.
But I'm learning. And leaning in.
Only in the last few years, in my mid-30s, did I start to grapple with all the features and bugs that come fully loaded with an ADHD life.
I am focusing on the undeniable strengths of ADHD:
The curiosity and creativity
The boundless energy and risk-taking
The good humor and playfulness
The compassion, collaborative skills, and flexibility
That process has been transformative.
I have looked for and found others who are thinking about this and sharing their experiences.
I spend less time trying to "fix" the traits that are neurobiologically wired into my brain.
Instead, I spend more time trying to create a life that accommodates my traits, strengths, and challenges.
As a writer, this growth has shaped how I think about storytelling and engaging with audiences. It's made me more empathetic and more aware of my strengths. It's made me more confident to go after what I want and believe in.
More resources:
SUPPORTING ADHD LEARNERS (Podcast with Karen Costa and Bonni Stachowiak)
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