“You” Problems, “Me” Problems, and the Way My ADHD Works…

I have learned to be upfront about my ADHD over the years. So, when I begin a partnership or work relationship, I disclose my ADHD and the symptoms that may manifest while we know one another.

“Before we begin, I need to discuss something with you. I have ADHD. No, it’s not just about little boys and Ritalin. My ADHD is the impulsive and inattentive type. It manifests in my time blindness, hyperfocus, and other issues with executive functioning….”

My spiel is a variation of that. Sometimes, the person, or people, listening will have questions. Usually about the time blindness and the “inattentive type” part. Eventually, we get to the moment where I tell them what to expect from me as we embark on the project.

One of two things happens next.

1. The person makes a mental list of what I’ve shared and works to remove any obstacles that could inhibit me in my work. For example, my dept heads at Waubonsee Community College (where I taught classes when the pandemic struck) sent me templates and links to resources that would streamline a lot of the “busy work” of putting a class together. Much of it was copying and posting jargon so that I wouldn’t waste time spinning my wheels to make up new, yet unnecessary wording. These are the bosses I love.