What is your role at ADHD Australia?
Operations Manager
Why did you get involved in ADHD Australia?
Earlier this year, I was diagnosed with retrospective ADHD Combined Hyperactivity and Inattentiveness in my late 40s. At first, I felt lost and unsure where to turn amidst the overwhelming amount of information, misinformation, and the stigma associated with the diagnosis.
However, through my own lived experience, research, and connecting with others in the ADHD community, I realised it was time to rise above these challenges and pursue a new career path as a Neurodiversity Instructional Course Designer.
My goal is to create courses for workplaces that support neurodivergent individuals. When I learned about a voluntary role at ADHD Australia, one that aligns perfectly with my strengths in operations management, I knew I couldn’t pass it up—especially as I begin my qualifications in this field.
What excites you about volunteering with ADHD Australia? What programs or initiatives are you passionate about?
Being part of the change and contributing to education is what fuels my motivation. I am passionate about raising awareness and fostering understanding around neurodiversity, and I believe that education is a powerful tool for dismantling stigma and creating inclusive environments.
I am new to ADHD Australia and look forward to collaborating with others who share this vision and discovering how I can best contribute to our shared goals. As I gain more insights into the projects, I am excited about the potential impact we can make together in supporting neurodivergent individuals.
What changes or improvements would you like to see in how ADHD is addressed or supported in the community?
The most significant change I’d love to see is the implementation of workplace accommodations and updated Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Belonging (DEIB) policies that are inclusive of ADHD-friendly practices. Some key changes could include:
- Flexible work hours: Allowing employees to tailor their work hours can help them manage energy and focus throughout the day.
- Task management tools: Offering access to project management software, reminders, and organisational apps to help employees stay on top of tasks.
- Quiet workspaces: Providing quiet zones or noise-cancelling headphones to minimize distractions and improve concentration.
- Clear instructions and feedback: Clearly communicating tasks and expectations, along with regular feedback, can help employees better understand their roles and responsibilities.
- Breaks and movement: Encouraging regular breaks and allowing for movement helps manage restlessness and maintain focus.
- Supportive environment: Building a workplace culture where employees feel comfortable discussing their needs and seeking help is crucial.
- Workplace training: Offering ADHD awareness training for organisations to better support employees and foster a more inclusive, productive work environment.
October is ADHD Awareness Month, and the theme is “Awareness is Key”. How important is awareness? What does ADHD awareness mean to you?
Awareness is crucial when it comes to ADHD, and here’s why:
- Reducing stigma: Awareness helps debunk myths and misconceptions about ADHD, which can diminish the stigma surrounding the condition and create a more supportive and understanding community.
- Improving access to resources: Increased understanding leads to stronger advocacy for resources such as educational accommodations, workplace adjustments, and healthcare services.
- Fostering empathy and support: Awareness campaigns encourage empathy from friends, family, and colleagues, leading to more compassionate interactions and stronger support networks.
- Promoting research and innovation: Awareness drives interest and funding for ADHD research, leading to new treatments and interventions that enhance quality of life.
For me, ADHD awareness means creating a world where individuals with ADHD are understood, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential, ensuring that everyone has the chance to thrive, regardless of their neurological differences.
What is an ADHD stereotype/myth that you want to break?
One myth about ADHD that I’m determined to break is the notion that it isn’t a “real” condition. This false belief implies that ADHD is merely an excuse for laziness or lack of discipline, which couldn’t be further from the truth. Here’s why this myth is harmful:
- Stigma and shame: Dismissing ADHD as unreal fosters stigma and shame for those diagnosed, making them less likely to seek help and support.
- Delayed diagnosis and treatment: This misconception can prevent people from receiving accurate diagnoses and timely treatment, which are critical for managing symptoms effectively.
- Misunderstanding and lack of support: It perpetuates misunderstanding among peers, educators, and employers, leading to insufficient accommodations and support.
What is a tip/hack/strategy that helps you navigate your ADHD?
Some of my effective strategies for managing ADHD is incorporating visual reminders:
- Colour coded notes: Use sticky notes in different colours to categorise tasks and reminders. For example, assign yellow for urgent tasks, blue for appointments, and green for personal reminders. This color-coding helps you quickly identify and prioritise tasks.
- Visual timers: Use visual timers to manage time effectively. These timers show the passage of time visually, helping you stay focused on tasks and manage transitions smoothly.
- Task boards: Create a task board with columns for “To Do,” “In Progress,” and “Done.” Moving tasks through these stages provides a clear visual representation of your progress and keeps you motivated.
- Mind maps: Organise ideas and tasks visually with mind maps. They help break down complex projects into manageable steps and show connections between tasks.
- Calendars: Digital calendars or planner apps to visually block out time for tasks, appointments, and deadlines. Colour code events to enhance organisation and set visual reminders for important dates and tasks.
- Closed captions: When watching videos or presentations, enable closed captions. Reading along with the audio provides an additional layer of information processing, helping to maintain focus and better retain the material.
What piece of advice can you share with someone who is just starting their journey in understanding ADHD?
A vital piece of advice for anyone beginning their journey is to practice self-compassion. Be kind with yourself and recognise that managing ADHD involves a series of ups and downs.
Celebrate your achievements, no matter how minor, and remember not to be too hard on yourself when things don’t go as expected.
