Alternate Dimensions in High Definition

In true transparency I wanted to share this with you all. If I’ve not seen you recently then you’re probably not aware that I was diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder) in October, and am under review for ASD, or as it’s been previously known as, Aspergers (we know it is, but get confirmation later this month).

I posted the above in jest, but in truth, this is a small, but poignant insight into what everyday life is like as someone who is Neurodiverse. I’ve always known I was different, I’ve always known I’ve not functioned the way others do, or most expect. But there came a point last year where I had to find out beacuse it all became too much.

I’m sure most of you who have suffered my typos over the years in mail outs are not surprised, and I think it’s important here to celebrate difference. I certainly would not have achieved what I have if I wasn’t.

For myself, I am beginning a process of reflection. I’ve come to realise why situations have worked out the way they have, in particular my work with women in music has made me realise why I haven’t spotted potentially dangerous situations when I perhaps should have, but it’s also given me an ability to be able to make change in the music industry so that things can be better.

People often talk about the ‘superpowers’ of being ND. I would agree there, there certainly are some superpowers, and if I listed them all here you’d probably be asleep but the end of it. But, everyday institutions and social situations create an aura of shame around those areas that require management. Labelling ADHD as learning disability I find is particularly unhelpful.

Chaos, confusion, loud noise avoidance, social avoidance, all of these are challenging, but they don’t have to be. What makes the difference is awareness. I tell everyone now because it means I don’t have to pretend, and to be honest, I’m extremely proud of my differences and what I’ve achieved. I tell my children they should be too.

So next time you’re on a train and thinking about watching Netflix on 11 so the whole carriage can hear, make sure you put some headphones on. A little bit of kindness really does make a difference.

Anna