Support, Accommodations, And Jobs For People With ADHD

Perhaps you have experienced circumstances in which your ADHD symptoms made your life more difficult. But with the job search, that doesn’t have to be the case. In fact, when searching for jobs or starting your own business, you can use ADHD to your advantage. For example, people with ADHD can make great leaders or entrepreneurs because they might see things differently from other people. They may also find success as teachers, early childhood education workers, chefs, cosmetologists, and first responders. Adults with ADHD may seek mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment by working with a combination of a psychiatrist and therapist who can help you succeed in your chosen career path. If in-person therapy isn’t convenient or comfortable for you, you might consider scheduling an online session instead.

What is attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by distractibility, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. People with ADHD tend to struggle with sustained focus, organization, and communication. Especially with unmanaged ADHD, individuals may have poor time management and difficulty completing tasks. 

While most people with an ADHD diagnosis develop symptoms during childhood, the disorder often persists into adulthood. Adult ADHD can impact an individual’s relationships, mental and physical health, and social life. Particularly when living with unmanaged ADHD, people can also struggle in professional life. Individuals with ADHD can experience several obstacles in the workplace, including trouble focusing, being attentive to detail, and prioritizing projects. 

Despite the challenges associated with ADHD, the disorder can also be marked by creative thinking, high energy, and unique problem-solving skills—traits that are useful in a range of careers. For example, in a study titled “Thinking ‘Outside the Box:' Unconstrained Creative Generation in Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder,” researchers found that college students with ADHD exhibited more creativity than those without ADHD when tasked with projects that utilized their inventiveness. 

Treatment for ADHD can help individuals limit the negative effects of their symptoms in the workplace. Typically, medication, therapy, or a combination of both are used to manage ADHD symptoms. 

How can the ADHD brain be an asset?

Mental health speaker Mike Veny lives with mental illnesses like depression, OCD, and anxiety. However, he's built a career speaking publicly about mental health. He often travels the country speaking at events and promotes his mental illnesses as assets instead of liabilities.

The best jobs for people with ADHD

The best jobs for an individual with ADHD will typically depend on several factors, including their education, experience, interests, and specific competencies. However, certain career options provide an environment, schedule, and workflow that can help people with ADHD thrive. While an overly structured job may not be right for someone with ADHD, a career that provides stimulation, natural motivation, and opportunities for creativity can be ideal. Optimal jobs for people with ADHD can range from emergency medical technician to special education teacher to small business owner. Below, explore several career paths that may empower you to use ADHD traits to your advantage.

Teacher

To teach, you will likely need to obtain a college degree, which can be challenging for people with ADHD who might struggle with studying. Still, there can be many tips and treatments to get you through your college years, and teaching can be a great job for people with ADHD once you have your degree.

As a teacher, you usually won't be stuck sitting at a desk doing the same thing day in and day out. When teaching, you may need to be able to quickly switch from one topic to the next to keep up with your students. You can use plenty of creativity every day. Plus, your own experiences with ADHD may help you accommodate any difficulties your students may be living with.

Early childhood education worker

Working at a daycare can be a great fit for people who have ADHD. Infants, toddlers, and preschoolers can keep you busy, jumping from one activity to the next.

In this job, you can have multiple activities going on at once as the kids are at play, and you can easily give each of them your undivided attention when they need it before moving on to the next student.

Chef

Being a chef at a restaurant can help people with ADHD express their creativity with food. With new orders constantly coming in, there may almost always be a new task to keep you entertained. If you have a love of food and cooking, this can be a great fit for you.

Cosmetologist

Cosmetology can allow you to be constantly on the move, which can help if you experience hyperactivity. As a cosmetologist, you're typically on your feet most of the day, and you generally don't have one client for more than 30 minutes. This may enable you to keep things fresh and moving throughout your day. You may not necessarily have to stay focused on any one task for a long time because what you're doing may change frequently.

Business owner or entrepreneur

Some people with ADHD find that they do much better when they're working for themselves. The risk-taking, creative nature of many individuals with ADHD can lend itself to entrepreneurship. If you have a passion or successful side hustle, you might consider turning it into your full-time occupation. Many people with ADHD have become successful entrepreneurs, including Bill Gates and Richard Branson. 

When you are your own boss, you might work more hours, but you're generally in control of when you work those hours and what you spend your time doing. Because you're usually spending your time doing something that you truly like and are passionate about, it can help you to focus your attention on it more than if you're doing a job that bores you.

First responder jobs for people with ADHD

Being a first responder, like a police officer, firefighter, or emergency medical technician (EMT), can be a very difficult job. There tend to be a lot of stressful situations to encounter, and you may be forced to make split-second decisions. This can be very stressful for some people, but ADHD symptoms can make it feel more natural. Your brain may be able to kick in and see things clearly that other people might miss because of the way you think. With this type of job, there is nearly always a new activity to do, and you may always be moving. Those who are interested in responding to crises without working in the field may want to seek jobs in an emergency room or as a police dispatcher.

Tips for people with adult ADHD to succeed at work

Every job typically comes with challenges and tasks that might not be your favorites. Although ADHD symptoms can make it difficult to get through these tasks, here are a few tips to help you succeed.

Focus more and avoid multitasking

Your brain might want to jump to a million different tasks at once, but it's usually best if you can stay focused on one task at a time. Studies generally show that it's more time-consuming for you to switch from one task to another and usually makes it more likely that you'll make mistakes. 

If you are struggling to stay on task, you might set a timer and work on one task until the timer goes off, and then switch to something else. This may help you stay more focused on the task at hand. 

Use organization skills to break down big tasks

Taking on a big job can be overwhelming. This can make it difficult for you to decide where to start, sometimes leading to procrastination. It can be incredibly helpful to take each of the big tasks and break them down into small steps. Then, you can accomplish a small step quickly and check it off your list before shifting your focus to something else.

Utilize your calendar

To help yourself stay organized, it can be important to be aware of deadlines. Make sure that you write everything down on a physical or digital calendar so you're able to prioritize your tasks as needed. You can set alarms and reminders to keep yourself on track.

Allow yourself to fidget

If you struggle with hyperactivity and have a hard time staying still, attempting to fight it may become a distraction that hurts your productivity. Instead, you might look for an appropriate way to fidget during long meetings and other situations so you can keep your attention on the task at hand. This could include rolling a pen between your fingers, doodling on a piece of paper, or taking notes. If a thought jumps into your mind and distracts you, you might write it down so you can come back to it later and return your focus to the task at hand.

Find a quiet place to work

If you have control over where you work, try to find a quiet space where there will be fewer distractions. However, if you're working in the middle of a cubicle jungle, you may need to find some form of white noise, such as soft music or noise-canceling headphones, in order to block out the background noise and stay focused on your work.

Seek the job you want, especially if it supports your strengths

Being diagnosed with ADHD (or any other mental health disorder) doesn't mean you can’t go after your dream job. While the jobs included on this list may be more suitable for those with ADHD, they aren’t your only options. Many forms of treatment for ADHD can help you take control of your symptoms and improve your performance at work. If there’s a job you’ve dreamed of doing, ADHD symptoms don’t have to hold you back. 

With ADHD treatment, you can develop effective coping strategies, work through the emotional challenges of the disorder, and address any co-occurring mental health concerns. Additionally, the Americans with Disabilities Act gives people with ADHD the right to workplace accommodations, such as a quiet work environment, schedule modifications, and more comprehensive project instructions. Managing ADHD symptoms can help you stay productive and continue to utilize the ADHD traits that make you unique. 

Online therapy to improve organization, develop multitasking skills, and enhance creativity 

In order to fully experience the benefits of therapy, it can be crucial to find a mental health professional you feel comfortable with. Online therapy can make this process simple by empowering you to match with a therapist who meets your needs and preferences by taking a brief questionnaire. For example, you might specify that you’d like to work with a therapist who has experience helping people with ADHD or aiding people in career choices. Plus, you can easily switch therapists as needed. Here are some of the benefits you can take advantage of.

Creativity in therapeutic approaches

Online therapy offers vast therapeutic approaches. Whether you're looking for creative methods such as art therapy or want a therapist who utilizes innovative techniques to address your concerns, online platforms provide the flexibility to explore these options.

Multitasking in therapy sessions

One of the advantages of online therapy is the ability to integrate sessions into your busy schedule. Whether you are balancing work, family, or other responsibilities, online therapy allows for multitasking without compromising the quality of your sessions.

Accommodations for your specific needs

Online therapy platforms often provide accommodations that traditional therapy may not. This could include having sessions outside regular business hours, various communication methods (video, text, or phone), or finding a therapist who understands and accommodates specific conditions.

Ongoing support and resources

Online therapy isn't just about the sessions; it's about the continuous support you receive. Many platforms offer resources such as worksheets, chat support, and self-help tools that you can have between sessions. 

Effectiveness of online therapy for ADHD symptoms

Studies have shown that online therapy can reduce the symptoms of ADHD, as well as improve social skills and emotional distress. An online therapist may offer the support you deserve as you navigate your chosen career path.