Navigating life as a neurodivergent person has been a journey full of challenges and growth. From undiagnosed ADHD to career disruptions, my path hasn’t been linear—but the mental equivalent of Universal Orlando’s VelociCoaster has shaped who I am today.
Challenges as a Neurodivergent Person
Throughout my life, I’ve faced several significant challenges as a neurodivergent individual. One major hurdle was grappling with the perception of being “unprofessional” because of my neurodivergent quirks, such as occasional interruptions and speaking my mind without always thinking through the consequences. Being labeled this way made me feel ashamed and inferior to my coworkers, further complicating my experience in the workplace.
Another challenge was navigating my undiagnosed ADHD until I turned 29. I had always felt different, but my ADHD was not recognized because my brother had more severe symptoms, and my mom didn’t believe I had it. College was an uphill battle, leading to my eventual decision to drop out. The stigma around mental illness made it unsafe to talk about these struggles, and any change in routine could send my life into disarray.
The biggest career challenge I faced was being laid off in May 2024. This event forced me to reevaluate my life and how I manage my ADHD. I had to rebuild my routine from scratch while dealing with a surge of emotions, including rejection sensitivity and imposter syndrome. Job hunting felt like an impossible task, draining my energy and exacerbating my executive dysfunction.
Turning Points and Growth
One of the most significant turning points during this journey was when I hit rock bottom, having a full-blown panic attack while sobbing in bed. My husband’s comforting words, “Everything is going to work out, now you get to start over the way you want,” marked a pivotal moment in shifting my perspective.
Creating a new routine was a gradual process. Initially, it felt like my brain was constantly fighting me, trying to lure me back into playing video games instead of focusing on productive tasks. However, by breaking down tasks into tiny steps and celebrating small successes, my brain became more cooperative with these changes.
Incorporating AI tools into my life, particularly ChatGPT, was another game-changer. ChatGPT helped me start with templates, making tasks easier to manage. It allowed me to brain-dump my ideas and thoughts into coherent lists or posts, helping me stay focused and complete tasks I otherwise would have struggled with.
Personal and Professional Support
Therapy, neurodivergent support groups, and my husband played crucial roles in helping me navigate this period. Therapy provided a structured way to break down and manage my fears and anxieties, while support groups connected me with others who understood my experiences. My husband’s support was invaluable; he helped by body doubling and talking through my challenges.
The biggest takeaway from my roller coaster is that neurodivergence isn’t something to hide. Embracing my quirks and understanding that it’s okay to take up space has been liberating. Neurodivergence is not a burden; it’s an integral part of who I am, deserving of patience and acceptance.
Advice for Others
For those just starting their neurodivergence journey, I recommend joining ADHD groups to find community and support. Seeing how others cope and thrive with neurodivergence can offer comfort and new perspectives. Also, remember that job hunting can be especially draining for neurodivergent individuals, so have a backup plan and take care of your mental health.
Find activities that recharge you in your free time, like reading, coloring, puzzles, or video games. These can provide a much-needed break and help you regain energy for the challenges ahead. If I can get to the other side of this crazy adventure, I promise you can too.
See ya and remember: You got this!
Jessica Williams
My name is Jess Williams and I am a college dropout, ex-restaurateur, and neurodivergent tech professional. I love to design and creative digital experiences that tell stories. I was diagnosed with ADHD at 29 years old after struggling throughout my 20s with the roller coaster of emotions and side effects that ADHD can have on someone’s life. Now it is my mission to help others navigate their neurodivergence to live happier lives.
Outside of work and coding, you can find me playing with 5 dogs, diving into video games while jamming out to BTS, or planning my next trip to Disney or Universal theme parks. I was born and raised in a very small town in Kentucky called Perryville, and love spending time outside with the family.