ADHD as adults
Whether you’re an ADHDer or not, this post is for you, we all have the privilege of making our corner of the world a better place for all neurotypes.
A few weeks ago, I attended an event on ADHD, hosted by the Mental Health and Pastoral Care Institute (MC&PCI) in Sydney, Australia. Clinical psychologist, Dr Sarah Hindle, spoke about the realities of ADHD in adults, and Rev Simon Carter was interviewed about his experience as a minister with ADHD. I found it incredibly helpful, and I wanted to share my write-ups with you (links at the bottom).
Sarah was neuro-affirming, well-researched, and experienced. She discussed how ADHD presents in adults, what support options are available, and some thoughts on navigating faith and church life. She also shared a guide on neuro-affirming language and principles, encouraging a community that values everyone as God’s precious creation.
The minister, Rev Simon Carter, was an encouragement to all, emphasising the profound impact of self-awareness in celebrating each person’s unique brains, leveraging strengths, and using God-given gifts to navigate challenges. He encouraged those with ADHD to openly communicate their needs and he urged everyone to inquire about the needs of others, embracing the beautiful diversity within the body of Christ. These principles should underpin all our endeavours, guiding us to be flexible and devoted—not to human routines or structures, but to God.
My write-ups are in the links below, it’ll take around 5 minutes to read each. Please let me know if these things ring true to you or if they’re helpful for you as you care for yourself, a loved one, or a child. You can reply to this email or comment on the post.
(This is a bonus post; we'll return to our regular format next week)
https://mentalhealthinstitute.org.au/neurodiversity/living-with-adult-adhd-part-1/
https://mentalhealthinstitute.org.au/neurodiversity/living-with-adult-adhd-part-2/
As a Christian ADHDer and occupational therapist working with neurodivergent people I am so encouraged to read of the increasing awareness of ADHD and neuro affirming people in the Christian community ☺️Thank you for sharing!
Hi Kate, I'm glad to have found your blog.
I'm pretty sure I have ADHD myself. My brother was diagnosed as an adult a number of years ago, and my teenage daughters were diagnosed over the last couple of years. I have a referral to see a Psychiatrist and am procrastinating making my appointment (!)
I am currently doing an MDiv at Ridley College and I did a spiritual formation subject last semester that involved learning about practical theology and the action-reflection model. I became acutely aware of how my brain gets in the way of spiritual disciplines as we understand them in our culture. I did a small amount of research to see if there were any resources about this and came up with one Christianity Today article. I found you today through the MH+PC website. I had bought tickets to the ADHD event to watch the seminar online and then never watched it before the deadline- like I said I'm pretty sure I have ADHD! I look forward to reading your work! If you have any recommendations, around resources or research into ADHD and spiritual disciplines, I'd be grateful.