How being neurodivergent shapes my work in learning design

Hi everyone,

Something I do not talk about often is how being neurodivergent, specifically ADHD, has shaped the way I approach learning design. For a long time, I thought of it as something I needed to manage quietly. Over time, I realized it has actually helped me see learning experiences in a very unique way.

It makes me pay close attention to clarity.
It makes me sensitive to moments where a learner might lose their place.
It helps me notice when information is doing too much or arriving without enough context.
And it reminds me that people process ideas in many different ways.

When I build or review a Storyline or Rise course, I often think about:

• What helps someone stay oriented
  • What reduces unnecessary cognitive effort
  • What keeps the experience predictable enough to feel safe
  • What gives the learner room to pause and understand

These are things I learned because I needed them myself.

I have come to see neurodivergence as something that sharpens my awareness rather than something separate from my work. It helps me design with more empathy, more structure and more intention.

Did you know that ADHD is over-represented in creative and human-centered fields?
It often shows up as strengths in structure awareness, flow and learner perspective.

If you feel comfortable sharing, I would love to hear how who you are influences the way you design.
Which parts of your own lived experience shape your approach to learning?