We all know that our job requires intense focus, attention to detail, and the ability to manage complex tasks. But if you’re one of the millions of people worldwide with ADHD, these challenges can be even more pronounced. ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the prefrontal cortex of the brain, which is responsible for executive functions like planning, organizing, and decision-making . It is characterized by symptoms like difficulty focusing, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.
but some developers with ADHD feel their job is a perfect fit for how they think and approach problems. “Coding can give ADHD brains exactly the kind of stimulation they crave,” explains full-stack developer Abbey Perini. “Not only is coding a creative endeavor that involves constantly learning new things, but also once one problem is solved, there’s always a brand new one to try.”
In this newsletter , we’re going to explore how software engineers with ADHD can not only overcome these challenges but thrive in the tech industry. We’ll provide an overview of ADHD and its symptoms, discuss how it can impact software engineers, and preview the main points we’ll be covering in the rest of the newsletter.
THE GOOD, THE BAD AND :
So if you have ADHD, I have something for you, and for the rest, good for you, but we need from you something. All we want from you is to share this with a coworker or friend in our industry who has ADHD.
We know that computer programming can be frustrating for all of us, too. And if you have ADHD, it can be frustrating. Put the two things together, and you have the potential to double the frustration.
But I want to tell you that ADHD is bad, but not that bad; in other words, there are both positives and negatives to programming when you have ADHD. That’s why I want to look at the contrasting sides of coding with ADHD: the good, the bad, and, of course, the hyperfocus!
Proc:
You are creative. As we see now, there are a lot of IA tools that can do 100% of the work of a software developer, from planning to building the project to monotoring, testing, etc., the thought that rests for us as humans is to be creative, which resonates with developers with ADHD who often gravitate towards creative pursuits. While this connection may not be immediately apparent, programming shares many qualities with activities traditionally associated with creativity. Firstly, programming involves the act of creation itself, offering tangible outcomes and immediate feedback. Secondly, it necessitates thinking innovatively to solve problems, often requiring unconventional approaches for optimal solutions. As a result, individuals with ADHD who find joy in creative endeavors may find praogramming to be an engaging outlet for their creativity.
Autonomy is a key feature of ADHD-friendly activities, allowing individuals to tailor their work habits to suit their preferences. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for programmers with ADHD, who often experience varying levels of focus under different conditions. In programming, the primary goal is achieving desired functionality, leaving ample room for personal workflow preferences. Whether it's coding in short bursts or long sessions, working at any time or place, choosing collaborative or solo projects, tackling tasks in any order, or enjoying music or coffee while coding, the process can be customized to align with individual cognitive patterns. Ultimately, programming allows you to work in a manner that best suits their unique brain dynamics.
You get concrete feedback When you’re writing code, you’re trying to get that code to do something specific. As you work, you get concrete feedback on how it’s going: the code accomplishes what you want it to, or it doesn’t. In other words, you have a tangible goal you’re working toward, and you get ongoing feedback on your progress toward that goal. That concrete feedback provides a reward that can help keep the ADHD brain engaged and motivated.
Brittney Bush Bollay, who regularly shares her experience with ADHD on twitter, says:
Cons:
You know how important attention to detail is when you're programming. Just one tiny mistake can wreak havoc on hundreds of lines of otherwise flawless code. It could be something as simple as a typo, using the wrong name for a variable, overlooking a small detail in your logic, or forgetting to account for a rare type of input (what we call an "edge case"). Especially if you have ADHD, it's likely that you'll find yourself making these inattentive errors regularly. Then comes the tedious task of combing through your code to identify and fix them – it can be time-consuming, but with practice, you'll get better at spotting your own slip-ups more quickly, don’t worry :)
Not finishing projects can be a real challenge, especially for software developers with ADHD like you. It's common to start things with enthusiasm but struggle to see them through to the end. And when it comes to coding, it's even more apparent. With complex programs, it takes a lot of careful planning and coding to bring your ideas to life. Plus, debugging can be a real headache, spending hours trying to figure out why your code isn't working as expected. At each stage, there's a risk of losing interest and leaving the project unfinished.
So yes, you might have to work harder than others — especially if you have a memory of a goldfish — but you’ll still be successful!
THE HYPERFOCUS :
So, when you're tackling a program and you've got ADHD, staying focused and paying attention to all the nitty-gritty details can be a real challenge, right? But here's the thing: ever heard of hyperfocus? It's like this superpower that kicks in sometimes. Even though distractions might usually derail you, when you're hyperfocused, you dive deep into your work and just keep going until it's done. It's pretty amazing how it will help you push through and get those programs across the finish line.
You know, I've noticed something interesting about "hyperfocus" and the "flow state." They seem pretty similar, right? But there's one big difference: with hyperfocus, stopping is a real challenge. Picture this: you've been coding away for hours, your stomach's growling, your arms ache from all that typing, but you just can't seem to tear yourself away. You know you should take a break, attend those meetings, or tackle other tasks, but you're stuck in this loop of "just one more try."
You’ve been there too, lost track of time in a whirlwind of coding, only to realize You've missed meetings or skipped through my to-do list without making a dent. It's like once your brain gets that hit of dopamine from a task, it's reluctant to switch gears.
And let's not forget about perfectionism. When we finally dive into something, we want it to be perfect, right? It's like our brains won't settle for anything less than extraordinary.
In the upcoming newsletters, I will share with you guys a secrets to using Hyperfocus.