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Neurodiversity as a Gift

Neurodiversity as a Gift

Three years ago, I received an ADHD diagnosis at age [redacted]. It explained everything and changed nothing and altered everything.

The Journey

Stage 1: Shame

"What's wrong with me?" (Ages 5-40)

Stage 2: Diagnosis

"Oh. There's a name for this." (Age 43)

Stage 3: Acceptance

"This is just how my brain works." (Age 43-45)

Stage 4: Gift Recognition

"This gives me superpowers AND kryptonite." (Age 45-present)

Stage 5: (In Progress) Comfort

Learning to stop masking, stop apologizing, stop trying to fit neurotypical patterns.

What ADHD Gives Me

Hyperfocus: When something catches my interest, I can dive deeper than most people think to go. This digital garden? Built in a hyperfocus sprint.

Pattern recognition: My brain makes connections across disparate domains. See how AI Ethics and Human Flourishing links to Sustainable Living in Alaska? That's ADHD thinking.

Crisis excellence: I'm terrifyingly good in emergencies. Normal? That's where I struggle.

Creative problem-solving: The same "distractibility" that makes paperwork hell makes me great at lateral thinking.

What ADHD Costs Me

Executive dysfunction: Starting tasks feels like pushing a boulder uphill.

Rejection sensitivity: Criticism hits like a physical blow. Working through this with grace frameworks.

Working memory issues: I've developed entire systems to compensate (hence this external brain called a digital garden).

Energy management: I have a battery, not a steady supply.

Why "Gift" Matters

Calling it a "gift" doesn't mean it's easy. It means:

  1. It's inherent to who I am, not a bug to fix
  2. It brings unique strengths alongside real challenges
  3. The world needs different cognitive styles to solve complex problems
  4. Accommodations are justice, not special treatment

Practical Implications

This reframing changes everything:

Resources That Helped

This note is deeply personal and evolving. Handle with care.