I've been searching for a neuro-inclusive workplace for years, but I'm a teacher, so I don't know if that exists for us yet. It barely exists for students in mainstream schools! I'm highly creative and love divergent thinking- this is why I've been a successful educator. My students love my energy, attention to detail in my lessons, my supportive approach to teaching writing, and the ways in which I honor adolescent and neuro needs: movement breaks, collaboration, chunking tasks, visual/auditory cues, and space for emotions. I haven't worked at a single school (out of the 5+ schools I've taught at) where these things are provided for teachers. Before my diagnosis at 37, I wondered WHY the background work of teaching was so depressingly hard for me, but realized it boiled down to not having accommodations for ADHD symptoms. Taking a break when overstimulated or emotionally amped? Try even getting to the bathroom when you need it. Excessive paperwork and minutiae tasks to take care of? Let me just avoid or forget about them completely then get email after email from administrators following up with me. Getting triggered by a students' behavior? Yeah, let me just go cry in the bathroom during my lunch and hold my shit together in front of the kids. After teaching for over 12 years, I quit to become a private tutor because I can not get support for my mental health in either public or independent schools.
Cassie, thank you for commenting here. I'm a neurodivergent educator studying to become a teacher and worried about all the aspects of teaching that are not accessible that you mention here. I'm looking into alternative teaching positions (virtual schools, hybrid schools, etc.) where I can do what I love in an affirming or flexible environment... Found this post pretty helpful! https://truthforteachers.com/truth-for-teachers-podcast/how-and-why-schools-should-support-neurodivergent-teachers-with-adhd/
Hi Freya and Cassie! I hear this so often! As the mom of two ND teens, trying to get them the support they need, and the ND teachers trying to work in an environment that works against their nervous system. How can you teach effectively when you are overwhelmed and overstimulated?
I do know of a few pretty amazing people making strides in the educational sector. They are UK based, but oh so smart and making waves! Dr Annemarie O'Dwyer, Beth Thomas and Anne Campbell.
This post captures the often-overlooked emotional side of ADHD, shedding light on how misunderstood and isolating the experience can be. It's refreshing to see such a raw and honest reflection, which can surely resonate with many who have felt similarly. The way you explore the emotional challenges adds much-needed nuance to the ADHD conversation. Thank you for sharing such a personal perspective!
Wow, Anton, thank you for your kind words. I think I have been feeling raw and reflective lately, maybe that is where it came from. I feel it is important to share the 'why' and the 'feels' to draw connection with others...if that makes sense??
I can write and have so much fun doing it because if I get lost in another thought and get distracted, that's okay. It's the technical things that short circuit my brain and confusion runs rampant. When I read I must verbalize everything in my head slowly and methodically, or the dyslexia kicks in and that's the end of my read. Ya know what I mean?
Yes Darryl I do! When I am reading something that needs to sink in, I need to write it as well. Even if I never look at what I wrote again, the physical process of writing it down makes such a difference.
I have also been learning graphic notetaking, also referred to as sketch notes. Soooo interesting and makes such a difference!
It made me laugh because I was preaching about sketch notes for years as an effective tool before I tried it. I was like, 'hot damn, it does work!' If you are interested, I have tried a few courses but the one I love is called ' Verbal to Visual' by Doug Neil. Super great guy and I have learned so much!
The last tool I used which also surprised the pants off me is I found a Adhd Techno Focus Playlist on Spotify. I have tried music before, I tried Classical and anythingbwith words didn't work, but this Playlist is actually like turning on a switch! Different types of music work for different people, but this one is like magic for me.
If you decide to try any of these or find others that work, let me know! I am in the process of creating a resource hub for my website, filled with all the things I wish I had access to when I was first diagnosed, and all the cool resources that people have shared with me along the way.
Who knows better than us what works, am I right? ! Lol!
I've been searching for a neuro-inclusive workplace for years, but I'm a teacher, so I don't know if that exists for us yet. It barely exists for students in mainstream schools! I'm highly creative and love divergent thinking- this is why I've been a successful educator. My students love my energy, attention to detail in my lessons, my supportive approach to teaching writing, and the ways in which I honor adolescent and neuro needs: movement breaks, collaboration, chunking tasks, visual/auditory cues, and space for emotions. I haven't worked at a single school (out of the 5+ schools I've taught at) where these things are provided for teachers. Before my diagnosis at 37, I wondered WHY the background work of teaching was so depressingly hard for me, but realized it boiled down to not having accommodations for ADHD symptoms. Taking a break when overstimulated or emotionally amped? Try even getting to the bathroom when you need it. Excessive paperwork and minutiae tasks to take care of? Let me just avoid or forget about them completely then get email after email from administrators following up with me. Getting triggered by a students' behavior? Yeah, let me just go cry in the bathroom during my lunch and hold my shit together in front of the kids. After teaching for over 12 years, I quit to become a private tutor because I can not get support for my mental health in either public or independent schools.
Cassie, thank you for commenting here. I'm a neurodivergent educator studying to become a teacher and worried about all the aspects of teaching that are not accessible that you mention here. I'm looking into alternative teaching positions (virtual schools, hybrid schools, etc.) where I can do what I love in an affirming or flexible environment... Found this post pretty helpful! https://truthforteachers.com/truth-for-teachers-podcast/how-and-why-schools-should-support-neurodivergent-teachers-with-adhd/
Hi Freya and Cassie! I hear this so often! As the mom of two ND teens, trying to get them the support they need, and the ND teachers trying to work in an environment that works against their nervous system. How can you teach effectively when you are overwhelmed and overstimulated?
I do know of a few pretty amazing people making strides in the educational sector. They are UK based, but oh so smart and making waves! Dr Annemarie O'Dwyer, Beth Thomas and Anne Campbell.
Here is how to connect with them on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/dr-annemarie-o-dwyer-neurodiversity-in-education-trainer_lsrn-national-conference-2025-friday-4th-activity-7299692079666876416-H1-k?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_android&rcm=ACoAAAd6owoB63orBAKhN3ZqetfsoYOz4o6EC8Y
Thank you so much for this, Lisa!
This post captures the often-overlooked emotional side of ADHD, shedding light on how misunderstood and isolating the experience can be. It's refreshing to see such a raw and honest reflection, which can surely resonate with many who have felt similarly. The way you explore the emotional challenges adds much-needed nuance to the ADHD conversation. Thank you for sharing such a personal perspective!
Wow, Anton, thank you for your kind words. I think I have been feeling raw and reflective lately, maybe that is where it came from. I feel it is important to share the 'why' and the 'feels' to draw connection with others...if that makes sense??
I can write and have so much fun doing it because if I get lost in another thought and get distracted, that's okay. It's the technical things that short circuit my brain and confusion runs rampant. When I read I must verbalize everything in my head slowly and methodically, or the dyslexia kicks in and that's the end of my read. Ya know what I mean?
Yes Darryl I do! When I am reading something that needs to sink in, I need to write it as well. Even if I never look at what I wrote again, the physical process of writing it down makes such a difference.
I have also been learning graphic notetaking, also referred to as sketch notes. Soooo interesting and makes such a difference!
It made me laugh because I was preaching about sketch notes for years as an effective tool before I tried it. I was like, 'hot damn, it does work!' If you are interested, I have tried a few courses but the one I love is called ' Verbal to Visual' by Doug Neil. Super great guy and I have learned so much!
The last tool I used which also surprised the pants off me is I found a Adhd Techno Focus Playlist on Spotify. I have tried music before, I tried Classical and anythingbwith words didn't work, but this Playlist is actually like turning on a switch! Different types of music work for different people, but this one is like magic for me.
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2RHfgparZ8PzI4tJnYtVof?si=JYKPY8JfRsCiPZo3Wb-ung&pi=UtkpqrUsT8CIv
If you decide to try any of these or find others that work, let me know! I am in the process of creating a resource hub for my website, filled with all the things I wish I had access to when I was first diagnosed, and all the cool resources that people have shared with me along the way.
Who knows better than us what works, am I right? ! Lol!