Redesigning success for the neurodivergent mind | Alyece Smith | TEDxMissouriS&T

Core Argument - The presentation advocates for "flow first thinking," a methodology designed to align with neurodivergent minds, particularly those with ADHD, to enhance productivity and unlock individual potential [7][8] - The central problem isn't ADHD itself, but rather forcing neurodivergent individuals into systems that don't accommodate their unique cognitive styles [6][7] Scientific Basis - Research indicates that ADHD brains process dopamine differently, leading to both challenges in motivation and focus, as well as heightened creativity and hyperfocus [9] - A study in The Lancet Psychiatry revealed that up to 70% of adults with ADHD experience flow states regularly, compared to only 16% of the general population [9] - A 2019 study demonstrated that ADHD brains underperform not because they are scattered, but because they are understimulated, craving novelty, challenge, and speed [11][12] Practical Application: The FLOW Framework - The presentation introduces a simple framework called FLOW, with each step building upon the previous one: Find your spark times, Link the boring with the stimulating, Organize your overflow, and Work your week around your peaks [14] - Harvard Business Review found that people working during their peak hours are up to 20% more effective at creative and problem-solving tasks [15] - Context switching can cost up to 40% of productivity, highlighting the importance of streamlining communication with oneself [20] Case Study - A client named Tim, initially perceived as lazy and difficult, saved his company over $300,000 on a single project within a year by being allowed to work with his energy and utilize his flow [13] Call to Action - The presentation challenges the audience to spend the next 10 days tracking their energy levels to identify their "spark times" and patterns of focus [23]