Conducting a Successful First Meeting with a New Employer as an Individual with ADHD

If you have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and are meeting with a new employer, it can be challenging to figure out how much to disclose about your neurodiversity. Here are some tips for having an open, productive conversation:

Focus on Your Needs, Not the Label

While labeling your neurotype can help you access formal support, the "ADHD" label may also lead to assumptions. Instead, focus the conversation on how you work best. Explain what types of support help you thrive without worrying about checklists for ADHD accommodations.

Emphasise Your Strengths ?

It can be tempting to use this meeting to focus on areas you struggle with, but make sure to spend time on your assets too. What skills, talents and accomplishments would this employer be gaining by hiring you? Highlight your love of learning new things, creativity, caring nature, your successes, managing teams or projects. ?

Explain How You Approach Tasks

Break down how your neurodiversity influences your workflow - i.e. needing to verbally process new information rather than simply reading it; getting very absorbed in high-interest tasks but struggling to stay motivated with repetitive administrative work. Ask about flexibility for when hyperfocus sessions are followed by periods when your brain needs a break.

Address Environment and Energy Management

Since you are likely to manage a lot of this privately, explain how regulating environments, activity levels, etc. allows you to be more productive. Noise-cancelling headphones, movement breaks, working from home and having places to stand during meetings are simple supports that set you up for success.

I hope these tips help you have a productive, supportive meeting with your new manager!