Embracing Neurodiversity: My Journey With ADHD
In 2021, I received a diagnosis that brought a lot of clarity to my life: ADHD. It was a turning point, helping me better understand many of my lifelong experiences, both the challenges and the strengths. But this realization didn’t happen in isolation—it came after my daughter was diagnosed with ADHD and my son with autism. Seeing them struggle, and then thrive, made me reflect on my own life, and I began to see so many similarities. That was when the pieces really started to fit together. Given that 2 of my 3 kids are neurodiverse, I’ve made it a personal focus to teach them that their differences are their strengths, just as I’ve come to view mine.
ADHD, for me, has been a source of creative energy and passion, especially in my career. My ADHD drives me to think outside the box, find creative solutions to societal problems and take big risks. It gives me the ability to hyperfocus, pour my energy into projects that matter to me, and get a lot of things done in a short time. I love to learn and grow myself, I have no filter and a great sense of humour, all traits associated with those with ADHD.
These strengths are what played a big role in helping me build a practice that’s centered around breaking down barriers to mental health care, and to create a charity alongside it. For a long time, I didn’t fully understand why my brain worked the way it did, but now I see that it’s the very thing that has allowed me to thrive in this space.
That said, ADHD does come with its fair share of challenges. I’ve dealt with overwhelm and taking on too much due to being so passionate, creating really great things that take its toll on myself and those close to me. It's an ongoing effort to learn to manage these challenges by building routines and systems that work for me, and by giving myself grace when things don’t go as planned.
This is what I try to teach my children as well. I want them to see that while being neurodiverse presents challenges, it also brings unique gifts. Whether it’s through creativity, empathy or innovative thinking, we can all learn to navigate the obstacles and harness our strengths, even if we can’t remember where we left our shoes and lost our bookbag on the way home.
Changing the Narrative
Neurodiversity is often misunderstood, and the shame that comes with it can be overwhelming. Sometimes I say things I shouldn’t or react in ways I shouldn’t because I am impulsive and my brain thinks so fast, sometimes I reflect on my day and wish I hadn’t said some things I said. However, I’m working to change the narrative—not just for myself, but for my children and everyone else who’s ever felt “different.” By embracing our neurodiversity, we can turn shame into pride, and challenges into strengths.
If you or your child is neurodiverse, know that you’re not alone, and there is so much potential within you. ADHD has helped me build a thriving practice, create meaningful change, and connect deeply with others. It’s part of who I am, and it’s something I now see as a gift.
Together, we can embrace our strengths, break down the stigma, and create a world where neurodiversity is celebrated, not hidden.
