Something magical about ADHD and Autism (myself being diagnosed with both) is that some part of us stays way more childlike than your average person into our elder years. Something playful lingers in us way beyond its expected death from bills, disappointments, and tragedies. It can often be seen in the mischievous glimmer in our eyes, the fact that most people guess we're younger than we are, or in our uncontrolled glee at tiny things when no one is looking.
We have trouble focusing on what we need to sometimes, yes, but much of the time we are actually fixated on a beautiful little moment the world is missing from all its seriousness; light dancing on water, a new way to combine ingredients, or the fascinating book someone across the room is reading. We may not be watching the clock, as ADHDers are often late for everything, but we are watching.
One of the glorious moments of childlike freedom for me was two weeks ago when I discovered an extremely beautiful treehouse made with
We have trouble focusing on what we need to sometimes, yes, but much of the time we are actually fixated on a beautiful little moment the world is missing from all its seriousness; light dancing on water, a new way to combine ingredients, or the fascinating book someone across the room is reading. We may not be watching the clock, as ADHDers are often late for everything, but we are watching.
One of the glorious moments of childlike freedom for me was two weeks ago when I discovered an extremely beautiful treehouse made with
great care hidden in the woods. It was artistic and blended seamlessly with its environment. And it was also all I could think about since I found it. I went back twice and it was still there, gleaming in the sunlight, filled with magical mysteries and potential. I was just so taken by the creator's vision, having the brilliant moment of inspiration to add shutters on the "windows" and two cans connected with a string to talk on its different levels (of which there were three that could be inhabited, the ground, main floor, and roof). There was also a front garden, delineated by expertly placed large branches all around for a fence. Small, homebuilt benches and ladders were placed all through the dwelling. Whoever had made this had put so much love into the place and I could sure feel it as I sat there marveling at the time and care they had put in.
And this new fixation of mine is not unusual in ADHD & Autistic communities. Most of my Neurodivergent clients can tell me long, detailed tails about their favorite things, the same excitement gleaming in their eyes as they try to tell me everything about it without taking a breath. We are creatures of whimsy, curiosity, potential, and great emotion and I wish for a world where more of us, but also more neurotypicals, can stay connected to this endless energy source. It has been a deep pain for me to see the light in some client's eyes go out as the world crushes their dreams over and over and punishes them for their levity and takes advantage of their good natures. The next best painter may not ever release their work as they may have been told too many times that they're just goofing off, the next best astronomer may not discover a new planet we could inhabit if this one dies because they were told they had their head in the clouds too much and to get inside and do their homework.
I wish for all of us that we lived in a world that embraced the innate curiosity and love of learning that exists in most of us before the world gets in the way; the part that looks at things we don't understand and just...wonders...rather than tears it down to try to maintain the illusion of order in the chaos we call life. Until then I'll be trying to keep my own spark of childhood glee alive and creating supportive spaces to protect and mend those who can still find joy in the most missable of things.
Alina Kislenko
Centre Founder
Neuroscience & Psych Professor (and proud Autistic & ADHDer)
And this new fixation of mine is not unusual in ADHD & Autistic communities. Most of my Neurodivergent clients can tell me long, detailed tails about their favorite things, the same excitement gleaming in their eyes as they try to tell me everything about it without taking a breath. We are creatures of whimsy, curiosity, potential, and great emotion and I wish for a world where more of us, but also more neurotypicals, can stay connected to this endless energy source. It has been a deep pain for me to see the light in some client's eyes go out as the world crushes their dreams over and over and punishes them for their levity and takes advantage of their good natures. The next best painter may not ever release their work as they may have been told too many times that they're just goofing off, the next best astronomer may not discover a new planet we could inhabit if this one dies because they were told they had their head in the clouds too much and to get inside and do their homework.
I wish for all of us that we lived in a world that embraced the innate curiosity and love of learning that exists in most of us before the world gets in the way; the part that looks at things we don't understand and just...wonders...rather than tears it down to try to maintain the illusion of order in the chaos we call life. Until then I'll be trying to keep my own spark of childhood glee alive and creating supportive spaces to protect and mend those who can still find joy in the most missable of things.
Alina Kislenko
Centre Founder
Neuroscience & Psych Professor (and proud Autistic & ADHDer)
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