Local women entrepreneurs turn neurodivergence into a business superpower

When people hear the term ADHD, they might imagine rowdy kids disrupting their classroom, or little boys running around their homes being chased by exhausted mothers.

But that isn’t the whole picture.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 4.4 per cent of the adult population has been diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), though women are twice as likely to go undiagnosed due to a lack of hyperactivity.

This means a woman could go her entire life without a diagnosis, leaving her to feel lazy and inadequate, when in reality, she could be sitting on untapped superpowers.

A collection of advocacy groups brought ADHD Awareness Day to life two decades ago, which has since evolved into the month of October becoming ADHD Awareness Month.

October is dedicated to sharing reliable information, highlighting the importance of getting a diagnosis, and helping to break stigma surrounding what is generally thought of as a childhood condition.

ADHD tends to present as hyperactivity, the inability to pay attention, and impulsiveness.

In childhood this can lead to issues in school and exasperate parents, but as an adult it can negatively impact the completion of higher education, severely hinder job success, and lead to major issues in personal relationships.

But what if, instead of the symptoms of ADHD being a hindrance, they become an integral part of entrepreneurial success?

When managed effectively, ADHD symptoms can be assets for women business owners who may have traditionally had issues with job retention due to the rigid schedules and lack of flexibility and creativity.

For instance, hyperfocus can fuel perseverance in research, writing, and product development.

And brainstorming sessions with the non-stop creative ADHD brain can lead to unconventional ideas and unique solutions.

Speaking with local women in business who are channeling their ADHD superpowers, this overlap is clear.

“ADHD and entrepreneurship go hand in hand,” said Megan Muir from Muir Image Photography in an interview with Fort Erie Radio.

“You are constantly juggling multiple tasks, and I’ve already been thriving with multiple tabs open in my brain for as long as I can remember,” she added.

Robin Bannerman, who owns the Crystal Ball Cafe, told Fort Erie Radio that she attributes much of her success to her ability to multitask, and she feels her undergraduate degree in a second language forces her brain to slow down enough to listen to her customers and properly process their words.

Melissa Roth from Buddha Fitness Studio echoed those sentiments.

“ADHD has given me the ability to understand many walks of life,” said Roth.

“When someone comes into the studio with a concern or injury or health complication, I have the ability to deep dive into research that typically wouldn’t be done and figure out their best course of treatment and action,” she added.

Getting a proper diagnosis can validate past experiences and is key to managing symptoms which can otherwise be crippling.

Visiting a primary care physician is a good first step, as they can often refer patients to a licensed professional who can properly diagnose ADHD.

Skerret Psychology on Garrison Road also offers full ADHD assessments without a referral and accepts extended health benefits.

After a diagnosis, there are many options for symptom management without solely relying on medication.

Bridges Community Health Centre, also on Garrison Road, offers free counselling to those who qualify and have a referral from a doctor.

John Tucker, PhD is a dedicated ADHD coach in Crystal Beach who specializes in advocacy and offers support to students struggling with issues related to neurodivergence. He helps mediate strained relationships when neurodiversity is present.

And in recognition of ADHD Awareness Month, Fort Erie Radio will be airing a special broadcast on October 25 at 6 p.m.

Roth and Muir will be joining morning show co-host Brent Jones in the studio for an intimate, one-hour program featuring in-depth discussions about living with neurodivergence, diagnosis, treatment, breaking down stigma, and finding support.

This special broadcast will air a total of six times before the month is over. A full broadcast schedule is available by downloading Fort Erie Radio’s free app for iOS or Android.

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