Living with ADHD: The Benefits of Openness and Vulnerability

I have Combined Type ADHD and it’s a big part of what makes me…me. It isn’t my entire personality, but it is constantly affecting me to the point I feel it’s important to know about when you meet or interact with me.

I didn’t know I had it until late in college and I often think about how different my life would have been had I known, and gotten help for it, earlier.

Because of this and because it is such a big part of my life, I talk very openly about my ADHD on social media, on podcasts, and to hiring managers.

Since I became very vocal about it, I have met so many other ADHD developers, some of whom were afraid to admit they had it previously because of the stigma. Even more importantly, several folks have told me they realized they had ADHD after hearing me talk about the symptoms and have gotten help.

There are companies out there who wouldn’t consider hiring me because of my ADHD, but every time I hear from someone who benefitted from me discussing it openly, I don’t care.

Medication completely changed my life and I currently take Vyvanse to help manage my ADHD.

If you want to talk about ADHD, hit me up on Twitter.

ADHD is being a perfectionist without the capability of motivating yourself to achieve said perfection. - @avresco