Neurodiversity Celebration Week

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects the executive functions of the brain, mainly the areas related to memory, organisation, and focus.

While the diagnosis wasn’t entirely unexpected, it prompted me to reflect on how I could thrive in a fast-paced role known for juggling multiple tasks, tight deadlines, and frequent context-switching, and made me question if I was truly suited for such an environment. After all, I had often heard that agency PR professionals are known for their exceptional organisational skills.

However, despite feeling unsure if I’d fit the mould, time and open conversations as well as focusing on understanding how I work best, I’ve realised that there’s no one “right” way to succeed in this industry. With the support of my team, I’ve been able to build systems that work for me while also embracing my strengths and developing new skill areas.

So, considering Neurodiversity Celebration Week, I wanted to share some tips from my experience working in a fast-paced agency environment, that might encourage others to enter the PR industry.

Body doubling

I first learnt about body doubling on TikTok, and after researching it further, I discovered it’s an effective technique for people with ADHD to optimise their workday.

Body doubling involves working on tasks alongside another person who serves as a ‘body double.’ This approach is easy to implement in an office setting and likely explains why productivity levels tend to be higher in shared workspaces, whether you’re neurodiverse or not. I’m sure many of our property clients will be pleased to hear there’s a reason tenants should be bringing people back to the office.

For example, completing tasks like email admin while sitting next to someone else enhances focus and motivation by providing both accountability and a sense of structure. Interestingly, I’ve always done this subconsciously. During my A-Levels and my degree, I would often go to coffee shops or libraries with friends to maximise productivity, instead of working alone at my kitchen table.

Since realizing this can be a helpful technique for ADHD, I ensure that I complete more challenging or administrative tasks in the office, where I can mirror the productivity of those around me and stay on track better.

Multitasking

Initially, I was concerned about the constant context-switching – going from supporting one account in my previous role to multiple different clients now at Aberfield in various sectors. But over time, I’ve come to view my ADHD as a quiet superpower. It enables me to pivot between clients and industries throughout the day, sometimes even within the hour, with energy and curiosity. Agency PR has proven to be a great fit for me, especially given my deep yet wide-ranging interests. Whether I’m working on frozen food, engineering, or tourism, I can shift my focus based on where my bandwidth and enthusiasm lie.

I also use a ‘fun’ or interesting task as a reward. For example, if I get through an hour of admin, I allow myself to move on to something more engaging, like researching or writing. This taps into my goal-directed behaviour patterns and gives me the dopamine boost I need to keep going.

The flip side? When a task aligns with one of my hyperfixations, it can be hard to step away. But with awareness and the right structures in place, even that intensity can become an asset.

Think About the ‘Why’

Everyone has their own preferred way of receiving information, and for me, my biggest challenge lies in understanding the “why” behind tasks – why they are done a certain way and what makes them effective? Without this context, instructions can sometimes feel like they go in one ear and out the other. For someone with ADHD, a lack of context makes it even harder to engage with the task at hand and maintain focus.

When I understand the purpose behind a task and the impact it will have, I can connect with it on a deeper level and find my own way around the task.

If you’re working with someone who operates similarly, take the time to ask how they prefer to receive instructions. Personally, I find written communication, combined with a clear explanation of why a task matters and how it fits into the bigger picture, helps me stay focused and organized. This approach is key for me to stay on track. While it might seem like providing more context could slow things down, for me, it leads to better results in the end.

In fact, getting context around our work is one of the foundations of Aberfield, everyone is focused on understanding their clients’ sectors and business objectives so that as communications solutions can deliver a positive influence against them.

Advocate for yourself

When I first received my formal diagnosis, my initial reaction was that it would be something that I didn’t share with others. After managing it for the first 23 years of my life without formal recognition, it felt futile to now begin asking for an accessibility arrangement. After some thought, I realised this shouldn’t be the case for me or anyone else. I had an opportunity to be open and honest, and to ask for help in the areas I need it. Importantly I now remind myself that when I forget something, it’s not because my brain is faulty – it’s just different.

Focus on your strengths

The key lesson I’ve taken from my ADHD journey so far, is to find and use my strengths, even if they aren’t always an obvious part of my formal job description.

For example, I’ve always loved desk research, analysis, and understanding why things happen. I channelled this passion into my work by researching the impact of brands using X and sharing my findings with the team, to ensure we can all offer clear actionable insight to our clients.

In fact, these ‘extracurricular’ tasks, like writing this blog, help me stay engaged and remind me that I’m contributing in meaningful ways.