A few months prior, we explored the significant overlap between individuals diagnosed with ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) and those who pursue careers in coding. We highlighted the abundance of online discussions by and for programmers navigating ADHD and the increasing rates of ADHD diagnoses in both children and adults. This led us to question the popular notion: is coding genuinely a well-suited career path for individuals with ADHD?
“Coding can deliver the precise kind of stimulation that ADHD brains crave,” asserts a full-stack developer. “Not only is coding a creative field that necessitates continuous learning, but also, upon resolving one challenge, there is always a fresh one awaiting exploration.”
However, when considering the complexities of both the human brain and the field of computer programming, generalizations like “people with ADHD excel as programmers” can be overly simplistic. Such statements risk oversimplifying the diverse experiences of individuals with ADHD, overlooking individual differences in favor of a catchy phrase.
In this follow-up, we engaged with two software engineers at Stack Overflow, both diagnosed with ADHD, to delve deeper into their lived experiences. They shared insights on their adult diagnoses, the role of medication, and how they communicate about their ADHD in their professional environments. Here’s what developers with ADHD want you to understand about their experiences in the tech world.
More Invisible Disability Than Superpower
It can be disheartening for individuals with ADHD to hear a symptom like hyperfocus romanticized as a “superpower.” Hyperfocus, while sometimes beneficial, comes with its own set of challenges and exists alongside other symptoms like executive dysfunction, which are far from empowering.
As someone diagnosed with OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), similar frustrating sentiments are common. “I wish I had OCD so my house could be as clean as yours!” (This is not a desirable condition.) “Oh, I’m super-OCD too; I like to organize things neatly.” (This trivializes the disorder).
ADHD is, in fact, an invisible disability. As defined by the Invisible Disabilities Association, it’s “a physical, mental or neurological condition that is not visible from the outside, yet can limit or challenge a person’s movements, senses, or activities.” Many forms of neurodivergence, including autism spectrum disorder, depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), and learning disabilities, fall under the umbrella of invisible disabilities.
While developers with ADHD might occasionally find that certain aspects of their condition offer an advantage, it’s crucial to understand the broader picture. In our previous article, we acknowledged that hyperfocus—a state of intense concentration where distractions and time perception diminish—can aid programmers in achieving the coveted flow state.
Some developers with ADHD also report that their unique thinking style fosters creative problem-solving. “One positive aspect of being a developer with ADHD,” one engineer explained, “is that my brain’s tendency to jump between different ideas can be beneficial for inventiveness and creativity. Seeing problems from unconventional angles can be incredibly helpful in tackling complex issues.” This intersectional thinking can indeed be a valuable asset.
However, it’s important to dispel the notion that ADHD is purely advantageous. “You can get deeply engrossed in a task and achieve incredible productivity,” one software engineer noted, “but conversely, time can slip away rapidly. You suddenly realize, ‘I committed to three other tasks today, and hours just vanished.’” This engineer also emphasized that as developers advance into senior roles or management, their focus shifts from individual output to team productivity. “Executive dysfunction becomes a significant obstacle in these roles,” they shared.
The Key is Accommodations, Not Just Coding
Perhaps the connection isn’t that individuals with ADHD are inherently better coders, but rather that the coding profession is more likely to provide the necessary accommodations to effectively manage ADHD.
Companies in the tech sector, particularly those offering flexible and hybrid work models alongside comprehensive healthcare benefits, are better equipped to support employees with ADHD and other invisible disabilities compared to industries with less flexibility.
One of the engineers we interviewed highlighted the importance of asynchronous and remote work options in managing their ADHD. “Having a job that supports flexible hours and doesn’t require constant supervision is incredibly beneficial,” they stated. Furthermore, within tech and developer communities, the stigma associated with ADHD and neurodiversity is gradually decreasing, a topic we discussed in a recent Stack Overflow podcast episode. “I’ve generally been open about my diagnosis,” one interviewee mentioned. “While I might not always explicitly name it, I bring up relevant aspects when necessary,” such as communicating the need for firm deadlines to maintain focus.
Therefore, a more accurate understanding of the relationship between coding and ADHD might be that certain coding roles are more likely to provide individuals with ADHD the supportive environment they need to thrive professionally.
It’s also reasonable to consider that individuals with access to reliable and affordable healthcare are more likely to seek and receive an ADHD diagnosis, along with the subsequent accommodations, including medication and therapy. This access could contribute to the perceived overlap between people in coding and those with ADHD, as US-based developers often have robust healthcare coverage through their employers.
Diagnosis: A Potentially Life-Altering Revelation
Both software engineers we interviewed received their ADHD diagnoses as adults, in their late twenties, after establishing their careers. “I was talking with a friend who mentioned her recent ADHD diagnosis,” one engineer recalled. “As she described the symptoms, I thought, ‘That sounds remarkably familiar.’”
For both engineers, receiving an adult diagnosis provided a new framework for understanding their life experiences. “I had always attributed my struggles to laziness and procrastination,” one engineer admitted. “However, embracing my diagnosis and realizing that many challenges I considered ‘universal’ were not typical for neurotypical individuals was transformative. It fostered self-compassion and helped me identify effective coping strategies.”
The other interviewee described adult diagnosis as “profoundly insightful. Suddenly, many of your ‘quirks’ make sense. You understand, ‘Ah, that’s why this is challenging for me; that’s why I struggle with certain things.’”
One interviewee described their ADHD medication as “a life-changer,” while the other called it “a complete game-changer in terms of focus and productivity.” An official diagnosis is typically required to access ADHD medication, making diagnosis a critical initial step towards effective ADHD management for many.
Furthermore, a diagnosis can empower individuals with ADHD to confidently request workplace or academic accommodations and even recognize what types of accommodations would be most beneficial. “A diagnosis has definitely been helpful at work,” one engineer shared. “I haven’t pursued formal accommodations, but understanding my work style—for instance, the critical need for deadlines—has significantly improved my ability to advocate for myself and my preferred working methods.”
Neurodiversity: A Source of Strength
As emphasized in our initial article, destigmatizing neurodiversity requires open conversations about ADHD and other forms of neurodivergence or invisible disabilities. At Stack Overflow, we believe that inclusive work environments and hiring practices that embrace neurodiversity benefit everyone. It’s estimated that 15-20% of the population is neurodiverse. This represents a vast pool of talent that employers risk overlooking if they are unable or unwilling to provide appropriate accommodations. And remember, the next person on your team to receive an ADHD diagnosis might just be you.
