Shared Experiences - ADHD in Academia: My Journey, Challenges and Strategies (Online)

ADHD is often misunderstood as simply being a difficulty with attention, but for many people it affects organisation, time management, emotional regulation, memory, motivation, and energy levels. In an academic environment that relies heavily on self-management, competing priorities, and complex workloads, these challenges can have a significant impact on both work and wellbeing.

In this shared experiences session, Tracy Nevatte will introduce herself and share her personal journey as a senior leader working in higher education with ADHD. Tracy will explain what ADHD is, how it affects her in practice, and some of the realities of navigating academic and professional life as a neurodivergent person. She will also discuss the strengths that can come with ADHD, including creativity, curiosity, problem-solving, and innovative thinking, alongside the challenges of overwhelm, executive dysfunction, rejection sensitivity, and maintaining focus. Finally, Tracy will share practical strategies, tools, and adjustments that help her manage ADHD day-to-day, in the hope that others may find approaches that work for them too.

The session is intended to be open, honest, and conversational, creating a space for reflection, learning, and discussion about neurodiversity in academia.