From the ANM archive 路 Teaching Tuesday 路 Original social post: 21 July 10:15
馃 Teaching Tuesday | ADHD Across Africa: Support, Not Shame
This edition of Through My Lens explores a conversation that many ADHD adults know all too well: the tension between celebrating strengths and acknowledging genuine challenges.
For years, people with ADHD have been told one of two stories. Either they are lazy, careless and not trying hard enough, or they are superheroes with special gifts. This article argues that neither story tells the whole truth.
While strengths-based language can reduce shame and help people recognise their talents, it becomes problematic when ADHD is reduced to a list of “superpowers.”
The reality is more complex. ADHD can bring creativity, innovation, humour and intense focus, but it can also involve executive functioning difficulties, overwhelm, burnout, task paralysis, masking and significant disability.
Drawing on lived experience, clinical evidence and African realities, this piece examines why dignity and disability are not opposites, why support should never depend on exceptional talent, and why true inclusion requires more than positive language.
Most importantly, the article calls for a shift in the conversation: away from asking whether ADHD is a gift or a disorder, and toward asking what people need to live, learn, work and belong.
This is an honest reflection on ADHD that challenges stigma without romanticising the condition and reminds us that acceptance and support must go hand in hand.
Read, reflect and join the conversation. How can we recognise ADHD strengths without dismissing ADHD support needs?
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/wadzanai-mandibvira-a4b86641a_throughmylens-adhd-neurodiversity-ugcPost-7485166407786168320-tOVr/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAGqO1FsB2BJTSQyZTwk4tLOo9GdlXqiTck8
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