October is more than just a time of falling leaves and cooler weather—it’s also ADHD Awareness Month. For many, including myself, this is a time of reflection, understanding, and, most importantly, visibility. ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, has shaped my life in ways both challenging and enriching. Growing up in a neurodivergent family—where ADHD, autism, and other neurological differences were common—I’ve come to understand how these conditions impact not just individuals, but entire families and communities.
As someone with ADHD, I’ve experienced firsthand the ups and downs of navigating a world that isn’t always designed for neurodiverse brains. In this blog, I want to share not only facts about ADHD but also personal insights, strategies, and an honest look at what it’s like to live with this condition. I hope this can help anyone who either has ADHD or knows someone who does to feel seen, understood, and empowered.
What Is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by difficulties with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. For some people, inattention is the primary struggle, while others may deal more with hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour. Many—myself included—experience a mix of both. These symptoms often interfere with daily functioning, whether it’s completing tasks, staying organised, or regulating emotions.
What’s important to recognise is that ADHD isn’t just a childhood condition. While many people are diagnosed in their youth, ADHD often persists into adulthood. It’s something I’ve dealt with my entire life, although for many years I didn’t even have a name for it. As I grew older, I realised I wasn’t alone in this; several family members also showed signs of ADHD and other forms of neurodivergence. In many ways, understanding my own brain helped me to better understand the unique ways my family navigates the world too.
The Impact of ADHD on Daily Life
For me, ADHD shows up in ways that are both predictable and unexpected. Some days, staying on top of tasks feels like trying to juggle water—everything slips through my fingers. I’ve lost count of how many projects I’ve started only to forget them halfway through. Other times, hyperfocus kicks in, and I’ll spend hours on one activity, completely absorbed and unaware of time passing.
In school, I was the kid who always needed reminders to finish assignments or stay focused during class. But it wasn’t because I didn’t care or wasn’t trying. My brain just worked differently, and that difference wasn’t always recognised or supported.
Now, as an adult, I’ve learned coping mechanisms—both good and bad. One of the more challenging aspects of having ADHD, particularly in a world that doesn’t always make room for neurodivergence, is the need to “mask.”
Understanding Masking
Masking is something that people with ADHD and other neurodivergent conditions often do to fit into social or professional settings. It involves suppressing or hiding symptoms, emotions, or behaviours that might be viewed as unusual or disruptive. I’ve done this more times than I can count—pretending to be more organised or focused than I actually am, struggling to hold back a restless foot or stop my mind from wandering in the middle of a conversation.
Masking can help you blend in, but it’s also exhausting. The mental energy it takes to constantly monitor and control your behaviour can lead to burnout, anxiety, and even depression. For me, masking felt like living a double life—outwardly trying to meet the expectations of a neurotypical world while inwardly managing the chaos of my ADHD brain.
One of the most liberating moments of my life was realising that I didn’t need to mask all the time. Finding spaces where I could just be myself—whether with family, friends, or fellow neurodivergent people—became essential to my mental health and well-being.
Growing Up in a Neurodivergent Family
ADHD wasn’t the only form of neurodivergence I encountered growing up. Several of my family members are also on the autism spectrum or deal with other neurological differences. In our household, things like sensory overload, forgetfulness, and emotional intensity were par for the course. But we didn’t always have the words to describe what was going on.
At first, I thought this was just “normal” family life—until I started to see how different our family dynamic was from others. In many ways, it was a relief when we began to understand that neurodivergence was a part of our collective identity. With that understanding came a sense of acceptance and self-compassion. Instead of viewing ourselves as people who needed to “fix” these quirks, we learned to work with them and support each other.
Growing up in a neurodivergent family has made me acutely aware of the importance of awareness and education about ADHD and other conditions. Understanding the nuances of neurodiversity can transform frustration into empathy—both for ourselves and others.
ADHD Myths and Misconceptions
Because ADHD is so widely misunderstood, it’s important to dispel some common myths that continue to perpetuate stigma. Here are a few that I’ve encountered both personally and professionally:
1. “ADHD isn’t real—it’s just an excuse for laziness.”
This one stings because it implies that people with ADHD just need to “try harder.” But ADHD is a well-researched neurological condition, and it’s certainly not about laziness or lack of effort. For many of us, everyday tasks require immense energy and focus, and what looks like “laziness” is often the result of being overwhelmed or unsure where to start.
2. “ADHD only affects children.”
Although ADHD is often diagnosed in childhood, many adults live with ADHD well into their later years. Some, like me, may not even realise they have ADHD until adulthood, when certain patterns—like chronic disorganisation or difficulty managing time—become more apparent. ADHD doesn’t simply disappear with age; it just shows up differently.
3. “People with ADHD can’t be successful.”
I’m living proof that this is false. While ADHD does present challenges, it’s also often linked with creativity, curiosity, and resilience. Many of the most successful people in business, the arts, and science have ADHD. The key is finding strategies and supports that work for each individual, whether that’s medication, therapy, coaching, or a combination of these.
Navigating Life with ADHD: Practical Tips
Over the years, I’ve picked up some strategies that help me manage my ADHD more effectively. While every person’s experience is different, I hope these tips can offer a starting point for anyone looking to better understand their own ADHD or support someone they love.
1. Create structure and routines: ADHD brains thrive on structure, even if we’re naturally resistant to it. For me, establishing daily routines has been essential for staying organised and managing time. I use reminders, timers, and to-do lists to keep myself on track, even on days when my focus is all over the place.
2. Break tasks into small steps: Large tasks can feel overwhelming, which is why it’s helpful to break them down into smaller, manageable steps. Instead of thinking about an entire project, I focus on the first step, then the next. This reduces the chance of getting paralysed by the sheer size of the task.
3. Build a support network: Living with ADHD is easier when you have people who understand and support you. For me, this includes friends, family, and other neurodivergent people who “get it.” If you’re struggling, consider finding a therapist or coach who specialises in ADHD and can help you build personalised strategies.
4. Practice self-compassion: One of the hardest things about ADHD is the internal criticism that can come with it. Over time, I’ve learned to be kinder to myself. When I mess up or forget something important, I try to remember that ADHD isn’t my fault—it’s just part of how my brain works.
Conclusion: Embracing Neurodiversity
As I reflect on ADHD Awareness Month, I’m reminded of how far we’ve come in understanding ADHD and neurodiversity—but also how much work still remains. For those of us living with ADHD, whether diagnosed in childhood or later in life, the journey is ongoing. We continue to learn, adapt, and advocate for ourselves in a world that doesn’t always see or understand our struggles.
But we also thrive. ADHD comes with its unique set of strengths: creativity, intuition, resilience, and an ability to think outside the box. These are the gifts that ADHD can offer, and the more we embrace neurodiversity, the more we can appreciate and harness these gifts.
This October, let’s use ADHD Awareness Month as a time to educate, empathise, and support those of us who live with ADHD every day. Together, we can build a world where neurodivergence isn’t just accepted—it’s celebrated.
If you’re looking for more tools and resources, I’ve created an ADHD digital download bundle, which includes planners, organisational tools, and tips specifically designed for neurodivergent minds. You can check it out here.
