ADHD IS MY SUPERPOWER

October is ADHD Awareness Month

By Maria Barry

In April, just before I turned 54, I received a diagnosis that transformed my understanding of myself and the world: ADHD. For years, I navigated life with a confusing mix of anxiety, worry, eating disorders, and unrecognized challenges, all while feeling “different” and trapped in a fog.

My cognitive decline became particularly pronounced during perimenopause and menopause, compounded by the backdrop of COVID-19. After my son Ethan left for college—following his own ADHD diagnosis two and a half years earlier—I found myself at a mental health rock bottom. I craved clarity and mental space, a stark contrast to the clutter I had carried for so long.

Reflecting on my life, I can see how I struggled with trichotillomania, nausea, fatigue, irritability, and cyclical vomiting for three years, along with emotional dysregulation. These challenges intensified during menopause. Despite managing diabetes since I was 19, no one, including myself, connected the dots. It wasn’t until my ADHD diagnosis that I began to see the complete picture, lighting a path toward understanding and healing that I had long sought.

Parenting my newly diagnosed son brought its own challenges. Everyday tasks, like reading spreadsheets or preparing meals, became overwhelming. My diagnosis came too late to prevent lost opportunities—jobs I was let go from despite my high performance, relationships strained under pressure, and a state of loneliness with plummeting self-esteem. I felt myself slipping away, battling invisible barriers, and I know I’m not alone in this experience.

ADHD is often misunderstood as a deficit, but it’s better described as an overactive brain—an incredible, powerful brain. With the right knowledge and treatment, I now have the tools to design my life more fully. People like me with ADHD are empathetic, loyal, and innovative problem solvers. Yet too often, we are dismissed for not fitting conventional molds. I am a change-maker, capable of driving movements and solving complex issues, but for years, I was stuck in environments that didn’t value my strengths.

This October, ADHD Awareness Month, I hope we recognize ADHD not as a liability but as a superpower. In my current job search, I focus on what I can contribute rather than just what I’ve accomplished. I long for employers to value the unique perspectives that individuals with ADHD bring. Workplaces should foster creativity, flexibility, and open communication—environments where neurodivergent thinkers are celebrated rather than sidelined.

My ability to hyperfocus has always been a strength, and I’m learning to harness it effectively. As an out-of-the-box thinker, I can now embrace this quality in all aspects of my life—whether it’s my interests, hobbies, athletic pursuits, or the relationships I cherish with family and friends. I’m passionate about the causes I support, discovering how to channel my creativity and enthusiasm into meaningful action.

With my diagnosis, I am uncovering new passions—swimming, singing, dancing—finding joy in activities that connect me to the world and myself. Engaging with nature and tackling the little tasks that have cluttered my mind and home has been liberating.

The Harris-Walz administration holds a unique opportunity to spotlight neurodiversity and drive meaningful change in how we perceive and support ADHD in workplaces, schools, and society. This is not merely a political issue; it is deeply personal for millions who have spent years in silence, unaware that their brains function differently yet powerfully. ADHD is not a condition that simply disappears with medication or therapy; it requires a holistic approach. It should no longer be a hidden struggle—it must be recognized as a strength.

One critical area to address is the cost and accessibility of neuropsychological evaluations. It is unacceptable that these evaluations can cost thousands of dollars, putting them out of reach for many. No one should have to pay exorbitant amounts just to understand how their brain works. I urge the Harris-Walz administration to prioritize affordable neuropsychological evaluations for all, recognizing that ADHD affects entire families and communities.

Let’s seize this opportunity for change and support one another in navigating the complexities of ADHD—not just during October’s ADHD Awareness Month, but year-round. Together, we can create a future where every individual is seen, valued, and empowered to shine.