I grew up in the 90s. A decade where children with neurodiverse brains were taught to adapt and ‘’just sit still for a while please’’. We were constantly trained to act differently from how we were actually feeling. To try to fit in. Exhausting right?
As I became a teenager, that foundation only made matters worse. Raging hormones, ADHD and trying to fit in gave the final push into a feeling of low self worth and feeling powerless. There was (and is) however one thing I am extremely good at and that is being creative, thinking out of the box. So I decided to make a career out of it. Become a designer.
After my college years (I will leave that part out as it’s a story on its own) I entered the job market. As many of you with AD(H)D probably recognise a new challenge, especially when your talents are being appreciated, comes with a huge shot of dopamine and feeling of self-worth. It was great.
Unfortunately I soon fell back into old habits, thinking other people would rather deal with someone with a neurotypical brain. I left that job before someone could find out what was ‘wrong’ with me (Spoiler alert: there is nothing wrong with me, or you).
Being neurodiverse in a neurotypical world is challenging. The brain of a neurodiverse person works differently, thinks differently, acts differently. Not just people with ADHD probably recognise this definition but also people with autism, dyslexia, dyscalculia or other similar diagnoses on the spectrum. I also came to believe our neurodiverse brain is super awesome and creative.
I like to tell this story now, as I turn 33, because I’ve finally figured out why I was struggling so much in my 20s. I can finally be myself with the love of my life and my friends and family. I can be open to my employer about what I need to be the creative person I am. To be me.
I hope this story reaches other neurodiverse people who are still struggling. I would like to tell you: It’s going to be ok, you are awesome!
