From a Feature to a Bug

A foundational framework for understanding ADHD is Evolutionary Mismatch theory, which suggests a connection between ADHD and human evolution. Many traits associated with ADHD were once  "features" that supported human survival.  In the modern world, when those traits are heightened in people with ADHD, they can become symptoms—or “bugs.” While this perspective doesn’t lessen the disruptive implications of these symptoms, it can help with learning how to live better with a Kinetic Brain.

 The Kinetic Brain reframes the ADHD mind not as broken or deficient, but as adapted for a world very different from the environment many of us live in today. It describes an "always on" brain that is constantly in motion — powered by high energy, curiosity, and emotion — capable of oscillating between periods of intense engagement and hyperfocus, and stretches of complete mental gridlock and exhaustion. 

I was diagnosed with ADHD late in life.  As I learned about the condition, so many things I struggled with suddenly made sense.  

This website is my way of sharing what I have learned and what has helped me. My understanding started with a podcast, shared on the ADHD Content page.

TWO IMPORTANT NOTEs: 1) I have no medical background whatsoever. I'm just someone who has thought a lot about why I am the way I am; 2) I use AI to help me develop and organized this information to be more accurate, understandable and (hopefully) helpful.