ADHD Foundations focuses on key concepts relevant to ADHD. These articles build understanding around ADHD, to make sense of your own work style, or those of your colleagues.
A few years ago, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Lindsay Guentzel from Refocused, A Podcast All About ADHD. Since then, I’ve had a few people reach out about one of the bits of advice I shared. I am so happy this tip resonated, so I decided we Read more
Sometimes, the best advice is to “go outside”. What is your motivation for some fresh air and sunshine? We can spark creativity, reset after a stressful meeting, or gain new perspective just by taking a few minutes to enjoy the outdoors. “Playing outside or playing in space where there aren’t Read more
We often hear “either/or” statements, and see things in black and white. Let’s focus on embracing “both” and explore more of the gray area. This can be even harder for neurodivergent thinkers, so read on to see how ADHDers can embrace the “both”. “Claire likes to say you can be Read more
If your child has ADHD, I bet you wondered who else in the family has it. ADHD is a neurological difference (not a behavioral flaw!) and diagnoses span generations in families. A recent Washington Post article spoke to this idea. As kiddos get diagnosed with ADHD, more parents see some Read more
So, you were diagnosed with ADHD as a kid. Maybe you were diagnosed at a time when “only boys have ADHD” (not true) or maybe you were told “you’ll grow out of it when you are 18” (also not true). Chances are, your ADHD brain is still playing a big Read more
Despite the diagnosis of “Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder,” ADHDers don’t have an attention deficit…many times, ADHD brains are interest-driven! They are just drawn to high stimulation, incentives, and rewards. If a project, task, or conversation isn’t doling out the dopamine, expect an ADHDer to lose interest rather quickly. Here are Read more
Strengths-based coaching and leadership let’s you focus on the GOOD. Instead of constantly focusing on what needs to change, strengths in action is helping to see where you shine. Most people can acknowledge that things aren’t always grand, but all leaders, especially ADHDers, should be proud of their strengths! Where Read more
Many can relate when it comes to ADHD and impulsivity. We can make jokes about how quick ADHDers are to ‘add to cart’ or make decisions with friends. We even celebrate impulsivity when it comes to some things. But understanding how impulsivity can show up at work helps you be Read more
Processing modalities are how we learn and consume information. There are no inherently ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ ways to process information and learn. Through schooling and workplace expectations, people create an idea of what proper communication looks like. If that standard doesn’t align with some of our neurodivergent team members’ ideas, Read more
“ADHD is like having a Ferrari engine for a brain with bicycle brakes. Strengthen the brakes and you have a champion.” Dr. Ned Hallowell Reflecting on my early career, I let my ADHD-fueled “Ferrari engine” brain drive me to work long hours with a big consulting firm. I didn’t set Read more
I’ve written before of object permanence and a recent event made me laugh as I realized why my office plants thrive. Object permanence and the case of the dead plant gives you an idea of how this shows up! How to Thrive as a Potted Plant My typical video conference Read more
Many ADHDers tell us “I didn’t know I had ADHD because I wasn’t hyper!” Just because you can stay seated during class doesn’t mean your mind isn’t racing. Cognitive hyperactivity is exactly as it sounds. Your brain is hyperactive: Cognitive Hyperactivity in Action Names like “space cadet” or being called Read more
Attention Perfectionists Let’s talk about finding the good (but not in that toxic positivity way…I PROMISE) Do you ever think back on the day, week, or month, and focus on what went wrong? I’m looking at you, perfectionists, people-pleasers, goal-getters. Focused on the Bad If we fall short of a Read more
While I usually write about leading with ADHD in the workplace, I want to carry that leadership into another place in our lives where it is desperately needed. ADHD is powerful fuel for advocacy and activism. Things feel very heavy right now I wrote an earlier version of this article Read more
My Reason (or Excuse) for Buying So Many Books Do you have an urge to buy everything related to a current interest? If you have a current special interest, hobby (or hyperfixation), you’ve probably gone down this rabbit hole too. Maybe this is a new craft, videogame, sport, or topic Read more
Interested in processing modalities? This article digs into a great example of kinesthetic learning. For an overview of processing modalities, check out this article. A Break from the Norm Do you love being tethered to a desk while you work? Whether or not you have ADHD, there’s a chance you Read more
If you mindlessly scroll Instagram, you may have recently landed on a trending audio of Porsha Williams from Real Housewives of Atlanta saying “The biggest takeaway from this experience? I’m going to do it again!” I have never seen the show and don’t even know the context of this clip, Read more
This is a reflection on how Working Memory plays a role in every aspect of an ADHD life. When life hands you lemons, get a really nice glass pitcher (or two) and fresh-squeeze some lemonade! We need a nice pitcher During the summer of 2021, my family spent some time Read more
Whether current events are overwhelming, or there just seems to be too many things to keep up with, it’s easy to wonder, “Who’s driving this train?!” Many times, ADHD is driving our train of thought. We’d rather be chasing down the fun and interesting stuff than focusing on the necessary Read more
If you’re newly diagnosed with ADHD, you may be navigating through a ton of information right now. If you spend any time reading articles about ADHD, or scrolling social media, you are bombarded with ads for products and services that may, or may NOT, actually serve you in any way. Read more