Hunter-Gatherers to Innovators: The Evolutionary Power of ADHD

ADHD is becoming trendy. Almost every day, a new news outlet jumps on the bandwagon, and there is a new story about ADHD and social media is becoming awash with wannabe influencers providing endless tips and humorous stories about ADHD.

Awareness is generally a good thing, however much of the media push biased, ill-informed or damaging narratives, whilst influencers often publish material just for the likes.

Awareness, mainly from the freedom and relatively unedited and authentic nature of social media, means that people are sharing their lived experiences, which has led partly to the so-called explosion in ADHD diagnosis, as opposed to brushing it under the carpet as traditional media outlets have done.

The increase in diagnosis isn't because ADHD is trendy; it's because of years of pent-up demand from people not being able to discover and explore their ADHD.

While media narratives focus on sensationalism, the reality is it takes time to find a sensible, balanced narrative. Luckily, we now have ADHD Awareness Month, which is an opportunity for passionate and dedicated people to spread the word and raise awareness of what ADHD is really like. 

We are also now seeing more and more discussions about ADHD and neurodiversity in the workplace, which is a small but very welcome step to promoting a more inclusive workplace and beyond.

The truth of the matter is that ADHD isn't trendy. It's pretty debilitating. Undiagnosed, it can contribute to anxiety and depression and have a significant negative impact on people's lives and careers. 

Is ADHD actually a disorder? That is a question that I have begun to wrestle with. One could argue that it is actually a part of the human condition, an evolutionary hangover from when we were hunter-gatherers.

Back then, skills like quick decision-making would have been crucial to survival, allowing individuals to react swiftly to threats. 

The ability to rapidly switch attention or hyperfocus on specific tasks could help find new food and avoid danger when foraging. 

Or hyperactivity allows people to cover long distances while hunting or gathering. 

Or The tendency to seek out new experiences to help when exploring new territories or finding new food sources.

What if ADHD characteristics aren't a disorder at all but evolutionary skills that are essential for the survival of humankind?

Could it be that, over the millennium, society has devalued these traits? As time went on, life became more accessible due to technology and industry. As a result, society has developed a set of "norms" that have disadvantaged the human traits that allowed it to flourish.

In the workplace, for example, there is no place for people who challenge, follow the rules, are hyperactive and need help to sit still and focus on one task. People like this are subject to disciplinary processes, and if they can't be "fixed", they are moved on or pushed out the door under a mask of smoke and mirrors.

Today's society seeks clones that follow the rules and sheep that follow the shepherds.

Is this good for humanity? Is this self-replicating, incestuous journey going to lead to humanity prospering?

Or are we heading for a 1984 scenario as portrayed by George Orwell? How far are we from "the thought police" or the Brave New World of Aldous Huxley?

Instead of thinking of non-conformers as neurodivergent or broken, shouldn't we be embracing the diversity and ingenuity that they bring to society?

Every workplace needs that quick thinker who is good in a crisis when it hits the fan or that person who comes up with a passionate, outlandish idea that saves a company.

Without that diversity, we are destined to become a society of normies, beholden to the thought police with no free will.

Neurodivergence isn't a disorder or something odd - it's an alternative way of thinking essential for the human race's future prosperity. Without it, we risk losing innovation, creativity, and progress. 

So, the next time you encounter someone who thinks differently, recognise that they might be the person who will save your company, community, or even the world. Celebrate and support neurodivergence for what it truly is, a powerful asset. 

How will you help cultivate an environment that celebrates and supports neurodivergence in your workplace or community? The future will be shaped by those who think differently? Let's ensure it's a future of diversity, creativity, and freedom.

How will you help embrace diversity of thought today?

My final piece of advice? When the apocalypse comes, choose your ADHDer and stick with them!

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