[steve_adams_86]

Totally. A prominent feature of ADHD is a staggering lack of awareness of the ADHD, for example. Very little progress can be made when you externalize blame for a condition you aren't aware of and don't understand. Speaking from experience.

My worst features as a software developer have always been byproducts of neurodivergence and that lack of awareness.

There are also good features and I know I'm useful to have around for system design and development. I just wouldn't say I'm better. I'm complimentary to others, not better. That's why we build systems as teams.

[danaris]

While I feel that this is a little unfair on people with ADHD, it's definitely very true that it's a disorder heavily characterized by an inability to practice mindfulness. As such, it can be nearly impossible, especially from the inside, and most especially in the moment, to determine when Something I Did Wrong was because of ADHD, or because I've been too cavalier about things like planning and note-taking.

[steve_adams_86]

It could be unfair; I hope that it isn't. It certainly reflects my personal experience and my perception of friends, family, and peers who live with ADHD. It's not meant to be insulting or critical at all.

Perhaps it's true of all people though, and it's revealed much more so when your atypical traits go against the grain. I've wondered about this quite a bit over the years.