Episode 67: ADHDer's Guide to Self-Discovery: What If You Were Never the Problem?
This episode made me think a lot about how often neurodivergent people are taught that the problem is us, when sometimes the problem is the system we’re trying to fit ourselves into.
We got into ADHD and autism, education, the “new leaf fallacy,” identity, unmasking, motivation, privilege, and what happens when new self-knowledge changes the way you understand your entire life.
Curious what else is inside:
Why a new planner, new semester, or new system can feel like the answer, until it inevitably falls apart
Why traditional education can make it difficult to demonstrate what you actually know
What happens when a diagnosis or new self-knowledge completely changes your understanding of your own life
Why struggling within systems that weren’t designed for neurodivergent brains can turn into self-blame
The chapter where we talk about schema fracture is my favorite of the entire episode.
And a close second is when we acknowledge the layers to privilege within the neurodivergent community. I always appreciate Sol’s willingness to admit that experiencing parts of ADHD and Autism as strengths can result from insulating privilege in other parts of life.
This episode might resonate if you:
Keep trying new productivity systems and wondering why they never stick
Were a “smart” kid who struggled with school anyway
Are in the middle of an identity crisis or learning how to unmask post-diagnosis
Have spent years wondering why you can’t just do the things like everyone else
These are the same patterns I always see in new coaching clients.
Neurodivergent adults can spend an enormous amount of energy trying to make themselves function according to systems that were never designed around how their brains work.
Sometimes the answer isn’t building a new system. Sometimes it’s understanding why something is difficult, figuring out what actually supports your brain, and letting go of the idea that struggling means you’re failing.
If you’re looking for support with that:
👉Coaching with Sarah: ndreportpod.com/coaching
Looking for Sol?
Website: professorsol.com
Sol is the author of The ADHDer’s Guide to Self-Discovery and The Autistic’s Guide to Self-Discovery. He also offers coaching and runs an online community.
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