For most of my life, I felt like I was running on a different wavelength than those around me. It wasn’t until my late 20s that I started to question whether there was a reason behind the way my mind worked. Having worked in special education since I was 19, I had met countless neurodivergent individuals and often found myself relating to them on a deep level. It was through these connections that I first began to wonder, what if there was a reason why I saw the world differently? What if the challenges and strengths I had weren’t just quirks, but something more?
That curiosity led me down the path to an ADHD diagnosis three years ago. Going through the process and researching ADHD was eye-opening. Suddenly, so many aspects of my life made sense - the ways I had struggled, the ways I had excelled, and why my experiences often didn’t align with those around me. The biggest shift post-diagnosis was giving myself more slack. I started to understand my thought processes better, and rather than fighting against them, I found ways to work with them. That self-awareness helped me make small but powerful changes that allowed me to navigate challenges more effectively.
Realising I Had Been Masking for Years
One of the biggest revelations after my diagnosis was recognising just how much I had been masking as a child and teenager. I had unknowingly developed coping mechanisms to fit in, to appear more ‘focused,’ ‘organised,’ or ‘calm’, all while constantly battling my racing thoughts and impulsivity beneath the surface. I mimicked the behaviours I saw around me, trying to meet expectations that didn’t come naturally to me.
Looking back, I now see how exhausting that was. At the time, I thought everyone had to try that hard just to get through the day, but after my diagnosis, I realised that my brain was simply wired differently. Understanding this helped me unlearn the need to mask all the time and embrace the way my mind actually works.
Navigating Others' Reactions to My Diagnosis
Not everyone understood my diagnosis at first. I heard a lot of ‘Oh, but we can all be like that sometimes’ or ‘that’s just normal?" - comments that, while often well-meaning, weren’t particularly helpful. At times, it felt like my experiences were being dismissed. But instead of letting that discourage me, I chose to talk more, educate more, and help shift those misconceptions.
The more I learned about ADHD, the more I was able to articulate what it actually meant for me - not just the struggles, but also the unique ways my brain works. Over time, some people began to see it differently, and even if not everyone fully understands, I’ve learned not to let it get to me. I know my experience is real, and I embrace it.
How ADHD Became My Strength in My Career
Before I became a trainer, I worked in SEN education as a teaching assistant, HLTA and later as a teacher. In that role, every single day was different - and I thrived on that unpredictability. I loved fast-paced, high-energy environments, where I was constantly thinking on my feet and responding to new situations. That variety and adrenaline gave me the dopamine boost my brain craved, and I excelled in situations that others might have found overwhelming.
ADHD also gave me a unique ability to connect with the students I worked with. Because I instinctively understood many of their experiences, I was able to support them in a way that felt natural and intuitive. I wasn’t just teaching; I was relating, empathising, and adapting to their needs in real-time.
Now, as a trainer, my ADHD is still one of my greatest strengths. It allows me to think dynamically, bring energy into the room, and adapt training sessions to fit the needs of those I’m working with. More importantly, I meet so many neurodivergent individuals at Phoenix Learning and Care, and I love celebrating our differences. There’s something incredibly powerful about being open about neurodiversity and hearing others say, “Me too!” That sense of shared experience fosters connection, support, and empowerment.
Redefining Training with Neurodiversity in Mind
One of the most rewarding aspects of my role has been redesigning training to be truly inclusive. Alongside the Learning Development team, we have completely reimagined how we deliver sessions, making sure that they cater to different learning styles and accessibility needs. That means:
- Using fidget toys to help with focus and regulation
- Minimising text-heavy PowerPoints to avoid cognitive overload
- Building in movement breaks to support concentration
- Incorporating interactive activities so everyone is actively engaged
- Ensuring training is flexible and can be adapted to individual needs
By making these adjustments, we’re not just accommodating neurodiverse learners, we’re making training better for everyone.
The Battle with Executive Function (and How I Win in the End)
One of the hardest struggles I face with ADHD is executive dysfunction, the battle of knowing I need to do something, really wanting to do it, but feeling completely unable to start. It’s not about laziness; it’s a neurological challenge where the brain struggles to bridge the gap between intention and action.
For me, this often shows up in the classic ADHD pattern of leaving things until the last minute. I know I need to start, I tell myself I should start, but my brain simply doesn’t engage - until the pressure builds up, the dopamine kicks in, and suddenly, I’m doing everything at full speed (and usually exceeding expectations).
Another executive function challenge I face is task switching. If I’m deep into one task, shifting my focus to something else - especially something less stimulating - can feel impossible. It’s like my brain has put up a “Do Not Disturb” sign, and no matter how much I tell myself to move on, I stay locked in.
I’ll be honest - I hesitated to talk about this. I worried that admitting it might make me look bad, like I struggle to carry out my role effectively. But the truth is, I always get everything done - and more. My brain just works differently. I thrive in fast-paced environments, and while I may ride the dopamine rollercoaster, I always deliver, often bringing creativity, problem-solving, and high energy into everything I do.
The Challenge of Burnout (and How I Manage It)
As much as ADHD has been a strength in my career, I won’t pretend that it’s always easy. Burnout is a very real struggle, especially when I’m delivering multiple training sessions back-to-back. I love engaging with people and working in high-energy environments, but even when you love something, it can take its toll.
One of the biggest strategies I’ve developed to combat burnout is intentional scheduling. If I have a full-on training day, I try to follow it with a quieter admin or planning day to allow myself time to recharge. I also make sure to build in moments of mindfulness, taking the time to reflect and reset when needed.
My Advice to Other Neurodivergent Professionals
If I could share one piece of advice with other neurodivergent individuals -especially those in training, education or care - it would be to embrace your differences and talk about them openly. I’ve found that by being honest about the challenges and strengths of ADHD, I’ve not only helped myself but also created space for others to feel seen and understood.
If you think you might have ADHD and are considering an assessment, I’d encourage you to go for it. Understanding how your brain works can be life-changing, helping you to work with yourself instead of against yourself. ADHD comes with its challenges, but it also comes with unique strengths - energy, creativity, adaptability, and a unique ability to connect with others. And those are strengths worth celebrating.
Oh, and even just taking the time to write this article has made me feel AMAZING about my ADHD unique strengths. Sometimes, reflecting on your journey is all you need to remind yourself just how incredible your brain really is!
So, here’s to embracing ADHD - because if my brain wants to forget why I walked into a room, start five new projects before finishing one, and reheat my tea three times, I’ll make sure it’s also coming up with a million new inspiring ideas and turning that chaos into creativity too. Next time you see me, ask me about my latest hyper fixation, I’m a woman of many hobbies, most of which I’ve started, perfected, and inevitably dropped. In the meantime, I’ll be off celebrating… most likely by doing something unexpected, but absolutely brilliant.