ADHD in Adults: How to Create an Inclusive Workplace
In light of ADHD Awareness Month, our Marketing Assistant Jo shares her personal experience with neurodiversity and mental health, and provides advice on how to support team members in your organisation—whether they have diagnosed ADHD, are waiting for a test, or are questioning whether they might have it. This blog aims to educate, encourage, and create understanding in the workplace.
Early Misconceptions About ADHD
It's ADHD Awareness Month, and ADHD has been discussed more than ever before. Like many people, I once thought ADHD was a behavioural disorder affecting hyperactive children, mostly boys. I had only met one girl with ADHD at a wedding when I was 16.
It wasn’t until recently that ADHD became personally relevant. While working two jobs, I met colleagues who openly shared their autism and ADHD diagnoses. Observing similarities between their experiences and my own prompted me to research further. I discovered traits such as poor organisation skills, time management difficulties, forgetfulness, fidgeting, and challenges completing tasks unless highly motivated.
Learning From Social Media and Experts
I found countless videos on social media from adults diagnosed with ADHD. The ADHD hashtag on TikTok has 16.3B views. Some content is humorous, showing struggles like buying notebooks and planners but only filling half the pages, while other posts highlight the real challenges of living with ADHD.
I watched the TED Talk Failing at Normal by Jessica McCabe, founder of How to ADHD. She explains how ADHD is often underdiagnosed in girls and women, and how adult experiences of ADHD are not widely understood. Her advocacy has helped raise awareness of ADHD across the spectrum, including traits like hyper- and hypo-empathy.
Recognising Traits in Myself
I had never considered ADHD for myself, but the more I learned, the more things made sense. Friends had suggested I might be autistic, but I dismissed these observations as social anxiety. Over time, I noticed patterns in myself: zoning out during conversations, noticing details others miss, seeming blunt at times, and having special interests. I also saw similarities in behaviour with a cousin who has ADHD.
Exploring these traits was overwhelming and sometimes confusing. I questioned whether ADHD could explain long-standing struggles with time management, organisation, and keeping on top of school, work, and life admin.
Understanding ADHD in Daily Life
Living with potential ADHD isn’t about lacking good moments; it’s about inconsistency in organisation and productivity. I’ve watched others manage tasks with ease while I struggle with routine and prioritisation.
The key takeaway is that ADHD, if present, is not the sole defining factor of who I am. My personality, experiences, skills, and relationships are equally important.
Supporting People With ADHD
The best way to support someone with ADHD is to treat them as you would anyone else—listen, understand, and respond appropriately. It’s not about special treatment, but about providing support and understanding individual needs.
For guidance on supporting employees with ADHD in your organisation, see this article by Make a Difference, which offers advice on reasonable adjustments and raising awareness for all staff.
