Silencing The Stigma Against Neurodiversity

August 19, 2024 Katherine Lizardo, Esq.

Published: August 18, 2024 (Sunday)

It's 2024, and the stigma against neurodiversity doesn't just exist but is sadly stronger than ever.

I often get asked if the stigma against neurodiversity still exists when "everyone" is talking about it on social media.

Here’s my response.

Data and Numbers

For those needing data and numbers, the results of the recent May 2024 ADHD and Women's Survey conducted by Understood.org (a leading non-profit supporting 70 million plus neurodivergent people) speak for themselves.

After surveying 2,100 U.S. adults:

49% believe that the negative stigma surrounding neurodiversity is stronger than ever.
Over half (53%) prefer to keep their diagnoses to themselves.
Signaling an inherent gender bias, 66% of young women (ages 18-34) prefer staying silent compared to 42% of young men.

You might be asking —> why they are staying silent still.

Staying silent about ADHD stems from years of shaming and stigma…

From people you love to people you hardly know who keep saying and showing you that "there's something wrong" with you.

That's why it's challenging to speak up.

I know because I've personally experienced ADHD stigma and shaming for over 20 years since my diagnosis.

Recently…

I was at a party, having an intimate conversation with a small group of innovators.

We took turns talking about what we do and how we were trying to make a difference.

When it was my turn, I explained how I intend to reframe the global narrative into mental health compassion, starting with embracing ADHD using compassionate methods.

The lady who had just been talking about changing the world through her philanthropic endeavors turned to me and said, "Thank you for doing what you're doing."

I smiled, thinking how gracious she was.

She added, "It's so important to talk about ADHD."

I nodded, convinced I found an ally.

But then she dropped this shaming comment:

"Many people take medication for ADHD, and it's so, so sad what they do to their bodies. ADHD medication is so bad for them."

I still smiled, this time extending compassion towards her misinformation and lack of compassion for people with ADHD.

Then, I explained to her:

How I've been taking ADHD medication for over 20 years since my diagnosis
That doing so changed my life for the better and
I respect the decision to take or not take medication by people with ADHD who are struggling with their symptoms daily.

She had a poker face about it, but her next move echoed her discontent with my response.

She asked only the two other people in our intimate four-person group for their contact information and walked away.

Why I Am No Longer Silent

As I type this, I smile as I continue to send compassion her way and reflect on the blatant stigma and shaming I often experience at random places from random people because of my ADHD and my treatment choices.

“I used to stay silent like the 66% of young women in the survey.

But not anymore.”

It took me many years, tears, and fears to develop the skills and mindset to courageously speak up, especially to those not open to new perspectives.

Because I understand how hard it is to speak up…

I speak up for those who are not yet ready.

I speak up about my neurodiversity even in front of the camera, with a global audience, when I appear on TV as a legal analyst.

For example, when we are discussing a high-profile trial that mentions ADHD or neurodiversity…

I am willing to say —> that I have ADHD.

Why?

So people with ADHD can hear it.

And they heard it worldwide!

I've received messages from other countries asking how I became a lawyer and have ADHD.

The thought of thriving with their ADHD is so foreign for them because of the constant daily negative message they hear about their ADHD.

That's why I speak up for those who can't.
That's why I intend to share everything I know with those who want to speak confidently with precision, purpose & poise.
That's why I’m sharing how to implement what I know to help others advocate for themselves.

They, too, can speak up whenever they are ready.

And I can help them get ready faster!

It took me over a decade; you don’t have to wait that long.

I can help you get there faster!

Thriving with ADHD in Public Speaking

Public speaking can be daunting, especially for those with ADHD.

“Perfectionism has become a destructive coping mechanism for many people with ADHD because we’re afraid to screw up.”

It’s time we show (not just tell) our ADHD not as a barrier but as an asset in Live public speaking settings!

And to succeed truly, you must know the good, the bad, and the ugly about Live settings, interviews, and podcasts.

Then, you can learn effective strategies for leveraging your strengths, managing your focus, and excelling in any live setting without freaking out.

Don’t Know Where To Begin?

I will do it with you!

Merely knowing the information is NOT enough.

Implementing that information is the next step!

So, I'll share both the information & implementation.

And we'll do it together!

Why?

Because if you know me or have been following me for a while on social media, you know that…

I genuinely want YOU to thrive.

That’s why I thought about this workshop.

So I can share what I know.

If I can help at least one person feel more confident in advocating for themselves…

Then this workshop has been worth it.

So I invite you to the…

>> "Become Un-Stumpable Workshop: Insider Public Speaking Tips for LIVE Interviews & Podcasts" <<

I'll show you exactly how to:

✅ Respond to stumping questions with precision, purpose, and poise.

✅ Transform your fear of making mistakes into an asset to speak like a pro.

✅ Supercharge your confidence before, during, & after Live appearances.

✅ Navigate live interactions with ease while keeping your audience engaged.

✅ Play up your strengths, compensate for your weaknesses & embrace your ADHD.

Then off you go to step up to the mic! 🎤

The BONUS: You can apply these skills to your everyday life!

Here's a super scrappy signup if you like the idea ➡️ Click HERE to sign up now!

I'm intentionally making it scrappy & fast because…

It's part of the "golden nuggets" I'll show you inside my workshop and…

I recognize how most of us crave simple and quick workshops. 🏃‍♀️💨

That's why it's only $4.99.

Sounds fair?

I plan to do this workshop on August 21, 2024 (Wednesday) at 10 am CST.

And, of course, you get the Replay and Templates of everything I do if you can’t make it live.

So, if you have ADHD and want to speak up confidently —> sign up for my workshop.

These insider public speaking tips can help you be heard and be remembered.

“The world is waiting for what you have to say.”

Your voice deserves to be heard.

Together, we can silence the stigma.

🥰 I hope to share the mic with you soon!

I appreciate you 🙏

~ Katherine

👉Your Journal Prompt:

Do you prefer to stay silent about your diagnosis and why?

I invite you to share in the comments below. Your words might change someone’s life.

I appreciate you, 🙏