Living with ADHD isn’t just about losing focus or forgetting where you put your keys. It’s about navigating a world that isn’t built for the way your brain works. Emmanuel Abua’s story is one of resilience, discovery, and, ultimately, empowerment. From early struggles in school to becoming a voice for the neurodivergent community, his journey provides a roadmap for anyone facing an ADHD diagnosis.

Misunderstanding in childhood, struggles in college

Emmanuel’s ADHD story began early—at just five years old, a teacher flagged concerns. Despite excelling on tests, Emmanuel struggled with homework, focus, and organization. These challenges followed him into adulthood, making transitions—like the leap from high school to college—especially difficult.

“I didn’t actually grow up knowing that I had ADHD… supposedly, I had a teacher or an educational professional think I had it at five or six years old. I was put on stimulant medication, but my parents took me off, thinking I’d grow out of it.”

Like many young adults with undiagnosed ADHD, Emmanuel hit a wall in college. He went to Tuskegee University but found himself overwhelmed by the lack of structure. The safety nets of high school—teachers, parents, accountability—were gone.

“The transition from high school to college was difficult. If you don’t go to class, you don’t go. If you don’t turn in homework, no one follows up. The accountability was gone.”

Without the right tools and accommodations, many students with ADHD find college to be a major challenge. Emmanuel changed his major four times in just five months. The pressure of living up to expectations—his own and his family’s—only added to the weight of ADHD and anxiety.

At 19, Emmanuel finally received an ADHD diagnosis. But instead of being a solution, it was just the beginning of another challenge.

“Once I got diagnosed, my family was like, ‘Okay, what pills do you need to take so you can finish?’ But pills don’t teach skills.”

While ADHD medication can be life-changing, it’s not a standalone solution. Emmanuel still faced executive functioning struggles, organization issues, and a deep-seated belief that he had to conform to what others expected of him.

Almost a decade after his ADHD diagnosis, Emmanuel discovered he was also autistic. This revelation sent him into a spiral of depression and denial.

This dual diagnosis (often referred to as AuDHD) explained so much—but at first, Emmanuel rejected it. He hyper-focused on autism while ignoring his ADHD entirely. It wasn’t until Emmanuel connected with the broader neurodivergent community that he began to truly accept himself. Through self-advocacy work, he found purpose and connection.

“For some reason, I just feel better around other ADHD people. Around autistic people, I felt seen, but it wasn’t the same. Amongst ADHDers, it feels like I actually have a voice.”

He joined organizations like ADDA, started speaking out, and found work as a freelance writer and voiceover artist. Sharing his experiences helped him—and others—navigate the challenges of ADHD and co-occurring conditions.

Managing ADHD in adulthood

Emmanuel’s story is a testament to the importance of self-acceptance, support, and structure. Here are some takeaways for those navigating ADHD:

Diagnosis is just the first step. ADHD testing can provide clarity, but managing ADHD requires ongoing effort.

Medication helps, but it’s not a magic fix. Skills like organization, time management, and self-care are just as crucial.

Find your community. Connecting with others who understand ADHD can be life-changing.

Self-care matters. Exercise, proper sleep, and mindfulness all play a role in managing ADHD symptoms.

Embrace your strengths. ADHD is not just about challenges—it comes with creativity, resilience, and unique ways of thinking.

A future of advocacy and change

For Emmanuel, the future is about amplifying the voices of the neurodivergent community.

“What excites me is how much ADHDers and autistics are fed up with how society works. People want real change. I’d like to be one of the voices that helps convey that.”

His journey reminds us that ADHD isn’t a limitation—it’s a different way of experiencing the world. And with the right tools and support, living with ADHD can be empowering.

Take the first step: get your ADHD Diagnostic Evaluation

If Emmanuel’s story resonates with you, it may be time to take control of your own ADHD journey. Understanding your brain is the first step toward thriving. Take the ADHD Diagnostic Evaluation today to gain insight into your unique challenges and strengths.

This article draws on insights from a podcast conversation hosted by ADHD Online, featuring Emmanuel Abua. His perspectives provide valuable guidance for understanding the complexities of ADHD, embracing self-acceptance, and navigating the challenges that come with a dual diagnosis of ADHD and autism.

At the intersection of Black history and neurodiversity, several remarkable individuals have achieved greatness in their respective fields while challenging stereotypes around ADHD. Their stories demonstrate how, when intentionally channeled and supported, characteristics often viewed as challenges can become powerful tools for success.

Simone Biles: Redefining gymnastics excellence with ADHD

Dedicating her life to transforming her ADHD traits into superpowers on the gymnasium floor, Simone Biles has become the most decorated gymnast in history. Speaking about her ADHD experience and its role in her athletic career, she has quickly become an advocate for the comprehensive management of mental health struggles — for ADHD and beyond. 

Coach Aimee Boorman, who trained Simone from 2005 until 2016, worked with Biles’ natural tendencies rather than against them. Developing training methods that capitalized on Biles’ high energy and need for dynamic movement; breaking down complex routines into smaller, more manageable segments; and incorporating frequent movement breaks to help maintain optimal focus, Boorman’s intentionality in repurposing Biles’ ADHD characteristics continues to play a pivotal role in the athlete’s legacy. 

In addition to the support of her family, her coach, and the organization, Biles has credited her success to the comprehensive management of her ADHD. Coupled with therapy and mental health coaching strategies, she has been open about her personal experience with prescription medication and her efforts to break the stigma surrounding them. Soon after the news of her mental health condition surfaced publicly, Simone took to Twitter to let her followers know that “Having ADHD, and taking medication for it is nothing that I’m ashamed of nothing that I’m afraid to let people know.” 

As she told TIME Magazine in 2016, “ADHD isn’t a negative. It’s just who I am … If I could write a letter to my younger self, I’d tell her that she is not defined by ADHD but empowered by it.”¹

Daymond John: ADHD kickstarting entrepreneurial innovation

FUBU founder and “Shark Tank” star Daymond John received his ADHD diagnosis as an adult, but the traits associated with the condition had already shaped his entrepreneurial journey. 

After his diagnosis, John worked with both a therapist and an ADHD coach to develop personalized strategies for managing his symptoms while leveraging his natural strengths. He found that a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and medication helped him maintain focus during crucial business meetings and improve his organizational skills. The structured support system allowed him to better harness his hyperfocus abilities, channeling them into productive business ventures rather than scattered efforts.

John has spoken about how understanding his ADHD diagnosis helped him develop better business strategies and time management skills. “If you also think a lot like I do, or are dyslexic and/or have ADHD like me, I want you to know that you aren’t alone. As @dr_hallowell and Dr. John J. Ratey would say, you just have to learn how to harness those thoughts and turn them into a powerful power plant.”²

Solange Knowles: Creativity and ADHD

In an interview with BlackDoctor.org, Solange Knowles shared, “I was diagnosed with ADHD twice. I didn’t believe the first doctor who told me and I had a whole theory that ADHD was just something they invented to make you pay for medicine, but then the second doctor told me I had it.”³

Since then, Knowles has been open about her experience with ADHD, particularly how it has shaped both her personal and professional life. In interviews, she has shared how she was diagnosed later in life, which helped her understand her unique way of processing the world. For Solange, ADHD meant an abundance of creative energy but also a struggle with focus and organization. Over time, she found that therapy, coaching, and medication helped her manage the condition more effectively.

The impact of their legacy

These individuals represent more than just personal success stories — their achievements challenge both racial stereotypes and misconceptions about ADHD. By being open about their experiences, they have:

Created more inclusive conversations about mental health in the Black community

Demonstrated that ADHD traits can be valuable assets when properly understood and channeled

Inspired young people with ADHD to pursue their dreams without shame or limitation

Advanced representation in their respective fields while advocating for better understanding of neurodiversity

Their stories remind us that neurodiversity is not a limitation but a different way of experiencing and interacting with the world, and that ADHD characteristics like high energy, creative thinking, and hyperfocus can become foundations for extraordinary achievement when supported by proper understanding, accommodation, and determination.

Have these stories sparked some recognition in you? It might be time to get answers of your own.

¹ Simone Biles Says Her ADHD Medication Is ‘Nothing to Be Ashamed Of’

² @thesharkdaymond

³ Solange: “I Was Diagnosed…Twice”

You made it through your school years without being diagnosed with ADHD. So you’re in the clear, right?

Not exactly.

According to Forbes Health, more than 8.7 million adults in the United States have been diagnosed with ADHD. Thanks to increased awareness of all mental health concerns, the percentage of adults diagnosed has been steadily increasing in recent years¹. That means millions of people are getting the treatment and support they need to make the most of their ADHD brain and improve their quality of life.

But many still go undiagnosed, like millennial women, high-functioning executives, busy moms, and more.

While ADHD can only be diagnosed with a comprehensive assessment, we’ve compiled this list of the most common adult ADHD symptoms as a starting place. Continue reading to see how many sound familiar to you.  

1. Struggles with attention to detail and tasks

Does your mind wander off while you’re at work, or do you find yourself losing focus when catching up with friends? Does this happen more when you’re doing something that you don’t find particularly engaging? Is it even harder to focus when you have noise or activity around you?

‘Attention’ is right there in the name, and while many argue that those with ADHD are not actually suffering from a deficit of attention, the fact remains that struggles with focus are an indication that ADHD might be at play. 

2. Trouble with relationships

Attention struggles don’t just pop up at work. Sometimes they can impede personal relationships. When focus wanes during a conversation with friends or family, zoning out often comes next, which leads to missing important details. If your friends have noted that they often have to repeat themselves to you, this might be another indication that you’ve got some attention struggles. 

Remember, taking care of your mental health is a great way to improve the relationships in your life. 

3. Excessive fidgeting and feelings of restlessness

The word ‘hyperactivity’ usually brings to mind little boys bouncing out of their seats in elementary school. But adults can also struggle with hyperactivity. Feeling restless or fidgety when you have to sit still for a long meeting or at the movie theater is one way you might experience hyperactivity as an adult.

If you’ve ever felt as though your actions are driven by a motor, and not so much by your calm decision-making process, you might be struggling with hyperactivity.

4. Frequently interrupting conversations

Do your friends often ask you to stop interrupting them in conversation? Impulsivity doesn’t always have to be big and highly visible. Sometimes it shows up in our everyday interactions with friends and family.

However, also consider whether you frequently make major decisions quickly and without the time to think it through or change plans on a whim. 

5. Frequently misplacing important items

Where are your keys and wallet right now? If they’re misplaced more often than not, this is something to pay attention to.

Adults with ADHD struggle with disorganization because of the specific ways in which their brains work. Slight differences in executive function lead to cluttered spaces, difficulty with prioritization, and misplacing things.

6. Chronic lateness and struggles with time management

If your friends tell you to arrive an hour before the actual reservation time because they know you will be late, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have ADHD. But it is something to think about. 

Adults with ADHD struggle with estimating how long tasks will take, which leads to downstream effects like procrastination, trouble with deadlines, and, yes, chronic lateness.

7. Difficulty completing projects

The beginning of a project is a great time for people with ADHD. The novelty keeps your brain engaged, and the challenge keeps you going.

The middle or end of a project is a different story. By this point, struggles with focus and time management have taken over, leading many adults with ADHD to have a long list of half-finished tasks, projects, or hobbies.

8. Frequent mood swings or emotional sensitivity

Adults with ADHD may experience intense emotions, be easily frustrated, or have difficulty regulating their emotional responses. These tendencies can come out as being overwhelmed and angry and can lead to relationship challenges.

9. Getting lost in a task for hours

The flip side to struggling with focus is hyperfocus. This happens when you get so intensely focused on a task that you enjoy that time, and all other responsibilities fall away. While incredibly productive, this ability to get in the zone can also exacerbate those time management and relationship challenges.

10. Low self-esteem

Let’s face it, friends and family may struggle to accept that you are working through these challenges, not to mention coworkers and bosses. As a result, even if you are trying hard to compensate and overcome these struggles, you may still feel like you are failing those around you.

It’s important to note that everyone experiences some of these symptoms occasionally. For a diagnosis of Adult ADHD, these symptoms need to be persistent, present in multiple areas of life, and significantly impact daily functioning. If you identify strongly with many of these signs, it might be time to dig a little deeper.

If you think you might have ADHD, take our Diagnostic Evaluation. You’ll get your results in 5 days and could start treatment within the following week.

¹ https://www.forbes.com/health/mind/adhd-statistics

The Link Between ADHD and Other Mental Health Disorders

A groundbreaking study from Sweden, analyzing health records of 5.5 million adults, revealed startling figures: individuals with ADHD are significantly more likely to be diagnosed with other psychiatric conditions such as bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Dr. Barry Herman, Chief Medical Officer at Mentavi Health, highlights the importance of recognizing these comorbidities. “Over 80% of patients with ADHD will have at least one additional psychiatric disorder, with many facing two or more,” he explains. This interconnection underscores the necessity for comprehensive assessments to diagnose and manage ADHD alongside these comorbid conditions accurately.

The Challenge of Diagnosing ADHD and Comorbidities

Identifying ADHD in the presence of other mental health issues is challenging due to overlapping symptoms. Conditions like depression and anxiety can exhibit symptoms similar to ADHD, making it difficult to tease apart the contributions of each condition. Dr. Herman emphasizes the significance of distinguishing these conditions for effective treatment. “Understanding what condition is contributing to what symptoms is crucial. Often, symptoms in depression or anxiety can look like ADHD symptoms, requiring skillful clinicians to ask the right questions.

Telehealth: A New Dawn for ADHD Care

Mentavi Health, under Dr. Herman’s guidance, is pioneering the use of digital health platforms to improve access to mental health care. Through its smart asynchronous assessment, Mentavi offers a comprehensive, tailored evaluation that can pinpoint ADHD and its common comorbidities. This digital approach allows patients to complete assessments at their convenience, potentially reaching those who might otherwise struggle to access traditional healthcare services due to geographical or logistical barriers.

ADHD and Adults

Dr. Herman is optimistic about the future of ADHD treatment, particularly for adults. Historically, ADHD was considered a condition that only affected children. However, it’s now recognized as a lifelong condition that can significantly impact adults. “There’s a huge unmet need for adults with ADHD,” says Dr. Herman. Through innovative approaches like the asynchronous assessment offered by Mentavi Health, there’s hope for better identification and treatment of adults living with ADHD and its comorbidities.

The intersection between ADHD and other mental health conditions is complex, requiring careful and comprehensive evaluation. Dr. Barry Herman and Mentavi Health’s approach to telemental health represents a significant step forward in making mental health care more accessible and effective. By recognizing and addressing the comorbidities often associated with ADHD, individuals can receive the holistic care they need to navigate their mental health challenges successfully.

Sources:

• PLOS ONE
• BMC Psychiatry
• European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience
• National Comorbidity Survey
• Nordic Journal of Psychiatry
• Psychological Medicine
• International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health
• Current Opinion in Psychiatry
• The Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders

Living with ADHD comes with unique challenges that can affect not only how you manage daily tasks but also how you connect with others. While much focus is placed on the more visible aspects of ADHD, an important but less discussed issue is loneliness. Recent data insights, coupled with the perspective from Dr. Barry Herman, Chief Medical Officer at Mentavi Health, reveal that individuals with ADHD often experience higher levels of loneliness compared to the general population.

Understanding the Link

The Surgeon General has identified loneliness as a national crisis, emphasizing its widespread impact on health and well-being. The Surgeon General’s report revealed that 39% of US adults report feeling very connected to others, and approximately half of all adults report experiencing some level of loneliness. This declaration brings to light the critical intersection of loneliness with various health conditions, including ADHD.

Recent aggregate data research by Mentavi Health has uncovered that 35.7% of ADHD patients treated by the company scored moderately high to high levels of loneliness based on the standard UCLA loneliness screener. This is a rate significantly higher than that observed in the general population. This statistic is more than just a number; it signals a deeper issue that warrants attention.

The Impact of Loneliness

For those living with ADHD, loneliness can exacerbate existing challenges, creating a cycle that’s hard to break. Social interactions and maintaining relationships can be more difficult, leading to a sense of isolation. Recognizing the link between ADHD and loneliness is crucial for developing effective interventions and support systems.

Addressing Loneliness: Steps Forward

Recognizing the issue is the first step. Here is the U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy recommendation for building and strengthening your relationships with a 5-for-5 Connection Challenge:

Step 1: Commit to connect

Pick 5 actions and 5 days in a row to connect with people in your life.

Step 2: Connect each day for 5 days

Each day, take 1 simple action of your choice to express gratitude, offer support, or ask for help. For more ideas, see the card deck below.

Step 3: Reflect and share.

Take a moment. How did connecting make you feel?

Integrating Solutions: The Role of Screening

Mentavi Health has enhanced its ADHD care approach by adopting the UCLA Loneliness Scale in all ADHD assessments, acknowledging the significant link between ADHD and loneliness. This alignment with the Surgeon General’s concerns over loneliness as a national crisis ensures early detection of loneliness, facilitating prompt and precise support.  The insights from this screener are essential to both the patients and the clinicians treating them. Dr. Barry Herman underscores the value of this integration, viewing it as a crucial component of comprehensive healthcare for ADHD patients. 

By prioritizing the identification and management of loneliness, Mentavi Health is advancing ADHD treatment towards a more inclusive, effective model that promises improved quality of life for those affected.

Listen here:

Part One: ADHD and Time Blindness with Dr. Ari Tuckman

Part Two: ADHD and Time Blindness with Dr. Ari Tuckman

On today’s show, we’re also joined by Jaclyn Paul – the voice behind ADHDHomestead.net – who first shared her ADHD story with us during our first Refocused, Together series in 2022. You can listen to that episode here: 

Refocused, Together: Jaclyn Paul and Writing with ADHD

Connect with Jaclyn and her work by visiting ADHDHomestead.net and make sure to add She’s Not Home! to your reading list ASAP. 

You can also learn more about Dr. Ari Tuckman and his work with the ADHD community through his website here. 

In a world that often views ADHD through the lens of hyperactive boys, the silent struggle of women with ADHD remains largely invisible. It’s a narrative that needs to be revisited as many women grapple with this misunderstood and frequently overlooked mental health issue.

The Overlooked Reality of ADHD in Women

ADHD in women has long been overshadowed by the misconception that it’s a condition exclusive to men or boys. This gender bias in perception and diagnosis has led to countless women suffering in silence, often misdiagnosed or dismissed. Women with ADHD aren’t just dealing with the symptoms of the disorder; they’re also battling societal ignorance and stereotypes.

Symptoms in Women: The Silent Signals

Women with ADHD often exhibit symptoms that are less overt and more internalized compared to their male counterparts:

Inattention Over Hyperactivity: While hyperactivity is the hallmark of ADHD in boys, women are likelier to experience inattention. This can manifest as difficulty in concentrating, disorganization, and forgetfulness.

Many women with ADHD struggle with intense emotions, anxiety, and depression. These emotional aspects can mask the underlying ADHD, leading to misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis.

The Compensatory Mask: Women often develop compensatory strategies to cope with their symptoms. Perfectionism, overworking, and an excessive focus on details are common. These mechanisms, while helpful in masking ADHD, can lead to increased stress and anxiety.

Empathy and Understanding: Breaking the Stigma

It’s crucial to foster an environment of empathy and understanding. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by women with ADHD is the first step in breaking the stigma. Empathy from family, friends, and healthcare providers can make a world of difference in the lives of women battling ADHD.

Seeking Support and Advocacy

If you or someone you know is showing signs of ADHD, seeking support is vital. A correct diagnosis can be life-changing, opening doors to effective treatment and management strategies. Advocacy and education about ADHD in women are also key in changing the narrative and ensuring that women receive the support and understanding they deserve.

Remember: ADHD in women is often a hidden challenge, but with increased awareness and understanding, we can ensure that women receive the attention and care they deserve. By shining a light on this often-overlooked condition, we can pave the way for better understanding, treatment, and support for women struggling with ADHD. 

The Journey to Diagnosis: A Road Less Traveled

The path to a proper ADHD diagnosis in women is fraught with challenges. The lack of awareness among healthcare professionals about how ADHD presents in women often leads to their struggles being minimized or attributed to other causes. This delay in diagnosis not only hampers effective treatment but also affects self-esteem and mental health.

Your mental health is worth more than a 60-second quiz. A professional ADHD assessment is key to understanding your brain, and ADHD Online offers affordable, accessible mental health evaluation from licensed psychologists. Start your journey with expert guidance provided at ADHD Online – take the Diagnostic Evaluation to uncover and harness your ADHD strengths.

In today’s episode, we’ll learn more about the ways time blindness affects our executive functioning, how the pandemic and technology changed how people relate to time, plus we’ll talk about ways you can feel more successful in managing time blindness issues in your own life. 

This is part two of our conversation. We highly recommend going back to episode 134: Understanding ADHD and Time Blindness with Dr. Ari Tuckman and listening to that before you get started on this episode. 

You can also learn more about Dr. Ari Tuckman and the work he’s doing within the ADHD community through his website here. 

In today’s episode, you’ll learn what time blindness is, the impact it can have on not only the self-esteem of a person with ADHD but their relationships, health and careers, plus a look at how neurotypicals view time blindness and the damage that criticism can have when an ADHDer lets their actions and emotions get wrapped up in it. 

Learn more about Dr. Ari Tuckman and learn more about his work with the ADHD community through his website here. 

Enjoy this wrap-up and join us back here on Monday, January 15th as we dive into our next topic, talking all things ADHD and time blindness with Dr. Ari Tuckman. 

Links from today’s episode:

Check out the incredible work of Diyah Najah, whose first solo exhibition is currently underway in Atlanta. 

Listen as Lindsay joins Refocused, Together guest Katy Weber on Women and ADHD — Lindsay Guentzel, Positive thinking & learning to accept help.