This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters.
After more than two decades working in public service, I was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 41. The diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder did not change what I had done, my accomplishments, or my story. It changed how I understood it.
Like many professionals, I developed ways to navigate complex environments long before I had the language to describe how I processed information. I learned to operate in fast-moving, high-pressure settings where decisions carry consequences.
Over time, I relied on experience, pattern recognition and the ability to synthesize large amounts of information quickly. I often produced my best work when timelines were compressed and expectations were high. I also developed coping mechanisms that allowed me to stay organized, anticipate needs and move work forward.
What I did not fully understand at the time was how much of that was shaped by ADHD.
In my case, there were early signs. As a child, I was diagnosed with what was then referred to as hyperactive disorder in the late 1980s. At the time I believed it was something you eventually grew out of. Like many, I carried that assumption into adulthood.
What has changed since is not just my awareness, but the science. We now have a deeper understanding of ADHD and how it can present over a lifetime.
For me, the recent diagnosis provided context. It put a name to patterns I had spent years navigating and gave me a clearer path toward more intentional strategies, treatment and support.
It did not change who I am. It clarified it. In many ways, it explained it.
ADHD presents real challenges. It can make consistency more difficult, complicate long-term planning and require more intentional effort to manage focus and workflow. But that is only part of the story.
Understanding ADHD as both a challenge and a potential asset moves the conversation from accommodation to recognition of how diverse ways of thinking can contribute to organizations, leadership and decision-making. Some aspects of ADHD can be assets: such as the ability to process multiple perspectives at once, adapt quickly, recognize patterns across different areas and navigate complex situations.
But while there is a growing understanding of ADHD in children, the adult experience is discussed less often.
Many children who struggle with attention or learning differences feel like they are navigating something they don’t fully understand. They often feel alone, as if there is something wrong that they cannot fix. The desire to simply feel “normal” can be overwhelming.
As adults, that feeling can persist. It can become internalized and harder to name, especially in professional environments where expectations are high and performance is visible. The experience can be incredibly difficult and at times debilitating.
That is partly why diagnosis later in life is so complicated. It’s not just a clinical realization; it’s also a personal one.
There is still a stigma around ADHD, particularly for adults. It is often misunderstood as a limitation rather than a difference in how people think and engage with the world. That misunderstanding can prevent people from seeking diagnosis, support, or treatment.
A diagnosis does not mean someone is broken. It doesn’t diminish their capability or potential. In many cases, it provides a framework for understanding how to better operate, build on strengths and address challenges more directly.
For me, it already has changed how I approach preparation, time management, and long-term planning. It reinforced the importance of self-awareness in leadership and professional growth.
It is a workplace issue. Organizations across sectors are asking people to tackle increasingly complex challenges. That work benefits from a range of perspectives and ways of thinking. Recognizing that diversity includes how people process information is essential to building stronger, more effective institutions.
There is value in reducing stigma and creating space for more open conversations about ADHD and other cognitive differences, particularly for adults who may have spent years managing their careers without a clear understanding of how such differences operate.Seeking a diagnosis or support is not a sign of weakness. It’s a step toward a better understanding of how you think and work.
