Being a developer with ADHD

Episode Deep Dive

Guests introduction and background

Chris Ferdinandi is an experienced front-end web developer, entrepreneur, and educator who has ADHD. He runs Go Make Things and creates resources and courses to help people build simpler, more resilient websites using just HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. He also runs a newsletter on ADHD and productivity at ADHDfortheWin.com/talkpython, where he shares actionable tips on thriving with ADHD as a programmer or data scientist.

What to Know If You’re New to Python

• Recognize that Python’s clean syntax and built-in data structures can help you stay focused.
• If you’re just getting started, keep your setup simple—avoid too many libraries or frameworks that can overwhelm you.
• Break your project into small, doable chunks so you can more easily maintain momentum.
• Look for immediate feedback loops in your code to keep your engagement high (e.g., run your code often and see the results).

Key points and takeaways

1. Thriving as a Developer with ADHD
   ADHD can actually become a superpower for developers who harness hyperfocus and creativity while learning to manage the inevitable downtime. Working environments with flexible schedules and accommodations (like no-meeting blocks) often help maintain productivity cycles.

   • Links and Tools:
     • ADHDfortheWin.com/talkpython

2. Understanding ADHD Beyond the Label
   ADHD is less about having no attention and more about regulating it. Hyperfocus, time blindness, and emotional intensity are just a few elements that shape the ADHD experience, so recognizing these factors is crucial for finding effective strategies.

   • Links and Tools:
     • CHADD.org (generally recognized ADHD resource)

3. Productivity Strategies and Overcoming ‘Stuck’ Moments
   Traditional productivity advice—like “tackle the biggest task first”—often backfires. Starting small to gain momentum, stepping away to reset, and using tools that let you “capture” stray ideas can be highly effective for preventing freeze-ups.

   • Links and Tools:
     • ToDoist – Task management
     • Microsoft To Do – Simplified list-based organizer

4. Building a Second Brain with Minimal Note-Taking
   Offload tasks from your head into a consistent system. Using tools like Obsidian, Notion, or even simple text files helps reduce mental clutter—just avoid overcomplicating the setup so it doesn’t become its own distraction.

   • Links and Tools:
     • Obsidian – Markdown-focused note-taking
     • Notion – Collaborative workspace

5. Remote vs. In-Office Work
   Remote setups can reduce pop-in distractions and give room for deep work. Yet some folks with ADHD prefer in-office accountability and social cues—so it’s about discovering what environment truly supports your focus.

   • Links and Tools:
     • Slack – Workplace messaging, can distract or assist

6. Managing Meetings and Blocked Time
   Frequent meetings break coding flow, especially for ADHDers who struggle with task switching. Strategies like bundling all meetings together or designating “meeting-free” days can preserve extended blocks of deep focus.

   • Links and Tools:
     • Google Calendar or Outlook Calendar

7. Choosing Suitable Tech Roles
   ADHDers often excel in roles that feature diverse, complex challenges but aren’t locked into rigid hour tracking. Agency or consultancy gigs that offer variety can be ideal—just ensure they don’t require micromanaged time logs.

   • Links and Tools:
     • NASA.gov – Mentioned example where Python + JS integration happened

8. Leveraging Simple Tools for Day-to-Day Management
   Gadgets like smartwatches, along with strategic use of timers and reminders, can prevent missed meetings and help transition between tasks. Offloading memorization to devices gives your brain space to focus on creative problem-solving.

   • Links and Tools:
     • Apple Watch – Timers and notifications on your wrist
     • Voice assistants (Siri / Google Assistant) – Quick dictation for note capture

Interesting quotes and stories

• Blocking Time and Getting “Stuck”:
  “Sometimes I literally stare at the screen for hours and can’t type a single line of code until I reset with a walk or some sunlight.” – Chris Ferdinandi

• Over-Fixating:
  “That moment where you realize it’s dark, you haven’t eaten, and it’s been eight hours is classic hyperfocus.” – On coding sprints

• Phone Call Avoidance:
  “It took me three years to make a 15-minute phone call.” – Highlighting how small tasks can feel huge for ADHDers

Key definitions and terms

• ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder): A neurodevelopmental condition centered on challenges with attention regulation, impulsivity, and possible hyperactivity.
• Hyperfocus: An intense, unwavering focus on a task that can make hours pass by unnoticed.
• Time Blindness: The inability to perceive time accurately, making task duration estimates especially tricky.
• Body Doubling: Pairing up to work silently together, promoting accountability and motivation.

Learning resources

• ADHDfortheWin.com/talkpython: Chris’s own hub for ADHD productivity insights.
• Go Make Things: Chris’s website for front-end resources and simple web development practices.

Overall takeaway

Working and thriving with ADHD in tech is wholly possible—and can even be an advantage—when you embrace self-awareness, tailor your workflow with the right tools, and foster an environment that allows for both deep hyperfocus and self-care. By acknowledging how ADHD actually functions, developers and data scientists can transform potential pitfalls into a source of motivation, creativity, and innovation.