Embracing ADHD: My Journey from Struggle to Strength

As ADHD Awareness Month unfolds this October, I want to share my story as a patent attorney who discovered later in life that my differently wired brain is one of my greatest strengths.

I’ve always had boundless energy—up at 5 AM even as a child, constantly moving from activity to activity while other kids napped. My nose was buried in books, and I craved the adrenaline rush of competitive sports.

This energy propelled me to graduate at the top of my high school class while playing three sports, earn degrees in biology and chemistry, and complete law school. As an intellectual property attorney, I found my calling. When working on fascinating inventions, I could focus for hours on patent applications and Office Actions, thriving on the travel, client interactions, and constant learning that define this field.

The pandemic changed everything. Confined to my home office without the stimulation of travel and client visits, troubling patterns emerged. My concentration waned, and I was easily distracted; clutter accumulated everywhere—clothes in piles, papers scattered across my office, and cabinet drawers left open. My mind raced between thoughts, making conversations disjointed. Bright lights and sounds became overwhelming.

My nephew’s ADHD diagnosis sparked a revelation. After consulting a neurologist, I learned I had ADHD too—finally explaining lifelong patterns I’d never understood.

Since my diagnosis, I’ve learned to recognize my triggers and optimize my work environment: minimizing clutter, using ADHD-specific music and headphones, keeping soft lighting, and avoiding back-to-back meetings. I request agendas in advance and prioritize exercise and sleep.

Most importantly, I’ve transformed my ADHD into a “superpower.” During hyperfocus, I can write complete patent applications in a matter of days or craft Office Action responses in hours. The key is recognizing where I am each day—some days are better suited for challenging work, while others are better for manageable tasks.

Research shows people with ADHD possess remarkable creative abilities, excelling at divergent thinking and making unexpected connections. My ADHD helps me see patterns others miss, hyperfocus intensely on captivating projects, and approach problems from unique angles. These aren’t deficits to manage—they’re strengths to leverage.

The most challenging aspect was deciding whether to disclose my diagnosis to colleagues and clients. I worried they might question my efficiency or billing practices. However, disclosure has been largely positive, opening conversations about neurodiversity and demonstrating that ADHD doesn’t diminish professional competence—we work differently. By sharing my story, I hope to challenge misconceptions and show that neurodivergent professionals can excel in demanding fields.

Workplace Accommodations and Your Rights

If you receive an ADHD diagnosis, reasonable accommodations can transform your work experience and include:

• Flexible scheduling to align with your peak productivity times
• Quiet workspaces or noise-cancelling headphones
• Written agendas, instructions and task breakdowns
• Scheduling breaks during meetings
• Regular check-ins with supervisors

When requesting accommodations, be specific about your needs and how they relate to your job performance. Frame the conversation positively, emphasizing how accommodations will enhance your contributions to the organization.

You Are Special and Amazing

To anyone who suspects they might have ADHD or has recently received a diagnosis: you are not broken or deficient. You have a unique neurological profile that brings distinct advantages to the world.

ADHD brains are highly creative, innovative, and capable of intense focus on passionate interests. We bring energy, enthusiasm, and fresh perspectives while excelling as natural problem-solvers who thrive under pressure. Research consistently shows that neurodiversity drives innovation and enhances team performance.

Creating Change in the Legal Profession

The legal profession still has work to do in creating cultures where neurodivergent individuals feel comfortable disclosing their neurodiversity and requesting accommodations. However, more firms are recognizing that neurological diversity strengthens teams and better serves clients.

As neurodivergent professionals, we must share our experiences and advocate for the inclusion of others. By speaking openly about ADHD, we normalize the conversation and create pathways for others struggling in silence.

Moving Forward Together

My journey from undiagnosed struggle to diagnosed strength shows it’s never too late to understand yourself better. Whether you’re just beginning to suspect ADHD, recently diagnosed, or years into your journey, you’re not alone.

The legal profession benefits when we embrace neurodiversity and create inclusive environments that foster the flourishing of diverse minds. By sharing our stories and demonstrating our unique value, we pave the way for future neurodivergent professionals.

This ADHD Awareness Month, let’s change the narrative—from deficit to difference, from limitation to liberation, from struggle to strength. Your ADHD is not something to overcome; it’s something to embrace and leverage. You are exactly who you’re meant to be, and the world needs what you have to offer.