3 ms·

I've met neurodivergent people who couldn't even stay on track long enough to prepare a regular dinner. Strong "neurogenetic executive failure" is a common trai

by daneel_w 10mo ago

I've met neurodivergent people who couldn't even stay on track long enough to prepare a regular dinner. Strong "neurogenetic executive failure" is a common trait. It's nowhere near as black and white as the article wants to make it out to be.

hooverd 10mo ago
Plus, lots of neurodivergent people are acutely unaware of their own shortcomings and blame everything on those awful neurotypicals.
- gorgabal 10mo ago
  In my experience there are either acutely unaware or too aware which then leads to insecurity and self-sabotaging behavior. Speaking from my own neurodivergent experience: I tend to be a bit slower and get distracted easily, but when circumstances are optimal (silent office, clear expectations, etc) I can function on about the same level as my neurotypical peers. While I don't 'blame' neurotypicals, I do recognize that most office environments are not that accessible for me and other neurodivergent people.
- steve_adams_86 10mo ago
  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 10mo ago
    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 10mo ago
      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.

hooverd 10mo ago

Plus, lots of neurodivergent people are acutely unaware of their own shortcomings and blame everything on those awful neurotypicals.

gorgabal 10mo ago
In my experience there are either acutely unaware or too aware which then leads to insecurity and self-sabotaging behavior. Speaking from my own neurodivergent experience: I tend to be a bit slower and get distracted easily, but when circumstances are optimal (silent office, clear expectations, etc) I can function on about the same level as my neurotypical peers. While I don't 'blame' neurotypicals, I do recognize that most office environments are not that accessible for me and other neurodivergent people.
steve_adams_86 10mo ago
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 10mo ago
  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 10mo ago
    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.