6 Takeaways About ADHD from Finding Nemo and Peep Show
Reviewing ADHD Representation in Media (Plus Some Exciting Changes)
Did you know…
You may have come across an animated fish with ADHD in mainstream media? AND YOU DIDN’T KNOW?!!!!!
Shocked as I’m sure you are, you’re asking yourself:
“how can I spot the signs in future so I can start consuming films/series in an alternative yet engaging perspective, Jordan?”
Let me help out. I’ve spent a couple hours on my day off (with a cold, get the violins out) analysing how accurately ADHD is represented in media for kids and adults alike. Sometimes they get it right, sometimes not so much.
This article gives you a novel approach to observe symptoms in a way that doesn’t involve staring at random people in the street.
Back in a post earlier this month, you voted for me to look at Dory in Finding Nemo as a starter, our animated fish comrade👇
I also looked at Jez from Peep Show (after my 8th rewatch). For any non UK readers that haven’t seen this British Sitcom, I HIGHLY recommend it!
Here are some key takeaways…
Finding Nemo
The child in me relates to Dory’s memory issues. Homework. Attendance. Getting ready. Stuffy school shirts. Clip on ties. Books & stationary. Etc. Etc. School was such a grinding crush of admin which was not exactly conducive to my unbeknownst ADHD at the time. Dory has trouble recalling details (yes I know she’s a fish), but was able to recall certain memories when the outside world prompted her, such as sights, smells or sounds (of whales). I had many a ‘Dory’ moments in school, and felt I was just born to be forgetful, yet certain external factors do vividly remind me of things too. Which song reminds you of a certain memory?
Nemo’s dad is a lot of the adults from my childhood. Despite being overprotective, Marlin doesn’t quite understand Dory’s forgetfulness or general inattentiveness. As a child, this mirrored the majority of grown ups around me at home and in school - a lack of understanding, combined with myself not knowing why I was like I was, made for a strong cocktail of self-doubt. Marlin does come around more in the end though! By experiencing a lack of empathy and knowledge from my supposed role models, I was ‘Stockholm Syndromed’ as a kid, this means now I sometimes get irritated by others that display neurodiverse tendencies on occasion because they’re ‘a nuisance’ or ‘too loud’. I’m sometimes like Marlin.
Hang on. Pause for thought. What would the 12 year old me say?
If an adult took the time to understand my behaviour a little more, and just asked:
‘how are things Jordan?’
that would’ve meant the world to me.
It would’ve helped simmer down the anger and frustration inside me. I don’t want to blame everyone else though, the perception and awareness of ADHD in the early 2000s wasn’t the same as now.
With the increased positive reception to ADHD today, it’s a great time to flip the script and show understanding to kids and teenagers who seem to be ‘problem kids’ on the surface. Active listening, sincere questions and increased knowledge of ADHD can help us understand our Dory’s a little more. Cos they're special, and can bring unique perspectives if we don’t shut them down and let em’. 🫂
Peep Show (this ones a little more concise, I know you have a day job and I’m on annual leave)
I see myself today in Jez’ chaotic wandering mind
and his impulsivity…
and his inability to focus…
am I Jez?
Have a watch of this and then stream Peep Show if you haven’t seen it.
Final Thoughts
If you encounter a Dory or Jez in everyday life -whether adults, teenagers, kids- or notice it on film/TV, try to remember this article.
I think there’s an opportunity for me to show a little more grace and empathy to those I sometimes instinctually dismiss, without knowing the full context of their life. Many people have the empathy, but knowledge is the key. The latter is what I’ll keep giving you via ADHD & Me.
Whilst I have you here…
Exciting change is afoot
I am introducing an optional paid subscription at £5 per month for ADHD & Me (about £1.25 a week, which is the same as a third of a latte in London. Maybe not in Mayfair). I’ve also included a discounted annual payment option of £37.50 which is live until the end of 2023 - more details here.
Why? I will be investing time into creating additional podcast episodes, handy resources, and web apps that will make a difference to people who want to be a little more organised and a little less overwhelmed day to day (I do also have a 9-5!)
I LOVE sharing my ADHD experience and tips, and will continue to do so with no change to the free content, but I also want to build tools that will give you a great return on investment when used in day to day life.💥
I want to stress again: there is no change to free subscribers and content, you just might get some extra emails from me sometimes - I’ll show you how to switch these extra ones off before paid content starts in November. ADHD & Me will always provide free insights, perspectives and deep personal essays. You’ll continue to get these in the regular Tuesday / Friday posts, just like normal. *chefs kiss*
If you’re curious and choose to become a paid subscriber, starting in November this is what you’ll get in addition to the free content…
ADHD Corporate Files - Podcast Episodes and Guides💡
As I’ve been working in the financial industry for 12 years, I know how hard it can be to manage difficult situations across various roles (even if you don’t have ADHD). That’s why I’ll be releasing a twice monthly podcast on Substack, where I talk about navigating the corporate behemoth with ADHD, depression, and anxiety, so that others can learn from my challenges. I’ll be going through real life stories where my symptoms have been at their worst across a variety of business type roles, followed by tips that helped me and lessons learned
To complement this, ADHD quick guides will be released as a visual aid to help reduce symptoms that are specific to certain jobs. These will be accessible on your phone or laptop in a time of need. Sneak peek below 👇(I’ll also be releasing the first couple for free to everyone, and there will be loads of different guides for different jobs)
Technology Stack Community 👨🏻💻👩🏻💻
A big part of my ADHD is getting overwhelmed and confused by technology in day to day life: cluttered websites, too many open tabs, following instructions, keeping on top of apps. It’s all too much sometimes. With that in mind, I am learning programming to build apps to help people who experience the same, so that we can feel a little more organised:
All subscribers will get updates on how app builds are going, and everyone will also have the chance to give feedback and test it out to see if it helps your daily admin. The free apps I make will be open to all.
Paid subscribers will get early access and 2 months free for any paid version of every productivity and time-saving app I launch (such as Tabr, which will be an app that automatically organises all of your open phone/laptop tabs).
You can follow along with me programming from scratch whilst having a 9-5 here (it’s free!) 🐝
Media Corner 📚
A new section on ADHD & Me dedicated to sourcing the latest & greatest resource ADHD resources that you can use.
And of course, my appreciation. Whether you’re a free or paid subscriber, thank you for your continued support and engagement!
What Next?
Paid content will start in November, so watch out for the usual content schedule at the start of next month to see upcoming posts relating to the above. I’m flexible, so as time goes on I’ll make tweaks to the content library / themes to align with your needs. Please leave comments / feedback!
*If you aren’t happy with your purchase you can cancel any time, and request a refund within 30 days.*
Do you wanna do this on Bart anyway? I'd read it!