'Failing at Normal; living with ADHD' Jessica McCabe's story

A diagnosis of ADHD does not have to put a person at a disadvantage in life. Instead, ADHD can, and should, contribute to the individual’s success. There are many people with ADHD who have reached the pinnacle of their fields. When researching successful people who have ADHD, the lists are often dominated by men— from Will Smith and Michael Phelps to Channing Tatum and Justin Timberlake. They are celebrated as trailblazers who overcame their disorder. Many describe themselves as being the ‘class clown’ in school and then going on to do amazing things, from earning Olympic gold medals to receiving critical acclaim for their art and music.

Whether leaving women off these lists is intentional or accidental, a lack of female role models can perpetuate the myth that ADHD is only a male issue. Additionally, there’s another hurdle when it comes to women making these lists: they have to have publicly talked about their diagnosis — something many women struggle with, due to stigma. However, the following are notable, successful and inspirational women with ADHD who have spoken publicly and are just the ‘tip of the iceberg’. Maybe you will be able to relate to their experiences and find some encouragement in their stories.