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Developer With ADHD? You’re Not Alone.

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[!tldr] There is a connection between programming and ADHD, as many developers with ADHD feel that their job is a perfect fit for how they think and approach problems. Coding provides the kind of stimulation that ADHD brains crave, and it rewards a state of hyperfocus, which is a symptom of ADHD. However, ADHD can also present challenges such as inattentive mistakes and missed deadlines. It is important to have an open dialogue about ADHD and other forms of neurodiversity in order to combat stigma and create psychologically safe environments in the tech industry.

Highlights

Many 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.” View Highlight)

coding can reward and encourage a state of hyperfocus: a frequently cited symptom of ADHD that developer Neil Peterson calls “a state of laser-like concentration in which distractions and even a sense of passing time seem to fade away.” It’s easy to draw parallels between hyperfocus and the flow state, a distraction-free groove in which programmers, writers, musicians, artists, and other creators produce their best work (occasionally while forgetting to eat). View Highlight)

ADHD can make people more vulnerable to inattentive mistakes, missed deadlines, or unfinished projects. A perennial question on Reddit is some variation of “Programmers with ADHD, how do you stay on track?” View Highlight)

Note

Inattentive mistakes: Errors that occur when an individual fails to fully focus on a task, often resulting in oversights or miscalculations. These mistakes can stem from distractions, fatigue, or cognitive overload, and are frequently associated with conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Inattentive mistakes may manifest as missed deadlines, incomplete work, or simple errors in judgment, highlighting the importance of attention and concentration in effective task management.