To start off, it’s important to answer the questions of “what is ADHD?” and “how does ADHD present?”.
ADHD is a neurological disorder that causes the brain’s neurotransmitter chemicals; noradrenalin and dopamine; not to work properly. ADHD is often diagnosed in children, but many people receive a diagnosis in adulthood..
According to Dr. Thomas E. Brown of the Yale University School of Medicine, “ADHD is essentially a name for developmental impairment of executive function.” Executive functions are the skills involved in planning, selective attention, motivation, and impulse control – adults with ADHD can struggle in these areas, which can affect their work.
Adults with ADHD typically struggle in the following areas:
- Organisation and prioritisation of tasks
- Keeping focused and not getting distracted, especially when reading
- Regulating emotions and managing stress
- Maintaining motivation and sustained effort on a task or project
- Short-term memory issues
- Impulse control and self-regulation
However, it’s important to recognise that not all effects of ADHD in the workplace are negative –employees with ADHD often demonstrate unique strengths compared to their neurotypical counterparts, including:
- Good crisis management
- Creativity
- Motivated by short-term deadlines/sprint cycles
- Flexibility
- Ability to hyperfocus on specific projects and areas
- Willing to take risks and think outside the box
