According to the World Health Organization, ADHD affects about 5% of children and 2.5% of adults, impacting millions of people across the globe. To find out more about what it’s like to live with this condition, Bored Panda got in touch with Sidney, the creator of ‘ADHD Memes.’
“It was a long, winding road to understand why my brain works the way it does,” Sidney shares. He was inspired to set up the meme account after being diagnosed with AuDHD—a combination of autism and ADHD—later in life. (Recent research estimates that 50% to 70% of autistic individuals also have ADHD.)
“Memes became a way for me to process this experience by breaking down complex feelings into digestible, relatable humor,” he says. “I quickly realized that what resonated with me was also striking a chord with others. The page became a space where we could laugh at our struggles, find community, and, most importantly, spread awareness.”
With over 93K followers, Sidney’s page has become a refuge for the neurodivergent community. The feedback has been overwhelming, he says. “I get at least two DMs a day from people sharing that my memes were the catalyst for them to seek a diagnosis. They tell me that seeing their experiences mirrored back at them in a humorous, non-judgmental way gave them the push to get tested and start treatment. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that something as simple as a meme can have that kind of impact.”
The growing awareness of neurodivergent conditions has made them a big topic of discussion online. Unfortunately, they’re also often the subject of jokes by people who don’t fully understand them. To get a better perspective, Bored Panda spoke with psychologist Sabina Nazarova.
“ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how people think, focus, and control their impulses,” Nazarova explains. “It’s commonly discussed in terms of two main types: inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. Some people may struggle more with focusing and staying organized, while others may be more hyperactive or impulsive. Many experience a combination of both.”
Nazarova generally prefers using the terms neurodivergent and neurotypical instead of simply labeling ADHD. “I believe these terms better capture the diversity in how people’s brains work,” she says. “There are so many variations in brain function, and calling it ADHD doesn’t fully reflect that.”
Indeed, this condition is not as straightforward as some might think. It primarily affects the brain through differences in dopamine regulation, which impacts focus and motivation. Key areas like the prefrontal cortex, responsible for planning and impulse control, often show reduced activity. Additionally, ADHD can lead to delayed brain maturation, smaller brain volumes in certain regions, and communication issues between brain networks. These differences result in challenges with attention, impulse control, emotional regulation, and time management.
Due to stereotypes surrounding ADHD, many people don’t recognize that they’re experiencing its symptoms—fewer than 20% of adults with ADHD are even aware they have it, let alone that they should seek treatment.
“People often associate ADHD with attention issues, hyperactivity, and distractibility, but they often overlook the emotional toll it takes,” Nazarova says. “It’s not just about getting distracted; it’s about the intense struggle and frustration that comes with trying to focus, the overwhelming effort it takes to sit down and work on a project, and the feelings of inadequacy when it feels impossible. ADHD is more than just a challenge with attention—it’s a deeply felt experience.”
Sidney agrees that living with ADHD or other mental challenges can be a tiring experience. “People often underestimate the mental exhaustion, the constant battle with executive dysfunction, or the anxiety that comes with trying to keep up in a world that isn’t designed for neurodivergent minds,” he says.
Nazarova adds that a common misconception about ADHD is that people with it are lazy or unmotivated because they have trouble getting things done. “ADHD is a neurological condition that affects focus and impulse control, and individuals often work hard to complete tasks despite their struggles,” she explains.
Another myth is the belief that people with ADHD can’t be successful, a view that was more common before social media began glamorizing the condition. “Many people with ADHD can and do achieve great success,” says Nazarova. “However, I strongly oppose this glamorization, as not being able to focus sometimes does not equate to having ADHD. Those with an ADHD diagnosis face significant challenges that go beyond occasional distractions.”
