Loops, Not Lines
Jerome Wong is a law student, industrial design graduate, and author whose ADHD journey has shaped his creative process. From excelling in National Service to producing a thesis that will become a guidebook for parents of teens with ADHD, Jerome has discovered that his wiring is not a weakness but a source of strength and innovation.
Quotes
“Stop trying to think like everyone else. You’re not behind – you’re just wired to think in loops, not lines.”
“ADHD doesn’t make us less; it makes us different. And sometimes, that difference is what drives change.”
Early Signs
There wasn’t a single moment when ADHD revealed itself. It surfaced in fragments. As a child, I was fast—quick to learn, move, and react. Slowing down was the hard part. Teachers didn’t always know how to handle me. I did well enough but struggled to focus when the style of learning didn’t fit. Memorising facts for tests never stuck; I needed to know why they mattered.
I became a bit of a “jack-of-all-trades,” always chasing whatever sparked my curiosity. One moment I was racing down slopes as captain of Hong Kong’s national ski team; the next, I was exploring visual arts or diving into psychology. Along the way, I placed third in cross-country and javelin, constantly following novelty, stimulation, and instinct. To others, it looked unfocused. What they didn’t realise, and what I didn’t yet know, was that there was a name for how my brain worked.
National Service
In National Service, I was placed in a leadership role overseeing operations, welfare, and training. It was high-pressure, but I thrived. While others were still balancing demands, I was already three steps ahead. My ability to juggle moving parts, once seen as chaotic, became invaluable.
That was when I learned something important: the right environments allow traits to unfold without friction. I wasn’t aiming for recognition, but I was awarded the Sword of Honour, the highest cadet award. It wasn’t just about discipline or technical skill—it reflected systems awareness, emotional acuity, and adaptability. I now see those as core to how my ADHD brain works.
Finding My Fit in University
I entered university fearful. My past academic record was uneven, and I worried about repeating old struggles. But studying design changed everything. For the first time, I could shape how I worked. I was curious, engaged, and hyperfocus worked in my favour. I ended up at the top of my cohort—not by trying harder, but by finally caring deeply about what I was learning.
ADHD hadn’t stopped me; it enabled me to succeed once I stopped fighting my wiring. The lingering challenge was learning when to stop. When I’m engaged, I can go endlessly, not from pressure but from flow. I’ve had to teach myself that even excitement needs pacing.
Strategies That Work
I’ve learned to start small—sketch a mind map, do a five-minute trial, lower the stakes until I can begin. I think big-picture first, working from the outside in. It may look messy, but it’s how I understand. And I’ve learned to watch for my warning signs. If I feel myself spiraling, I pause and reset instead of pushing into burnout.
My Proudest Work
What I’m proudest of is my thesis: Parent First, ADHD Later—a guidebook for parents of teens with ADHD. It isn’t just clinical advice. It combines emotional clarity, visual tools, and real-world scenarios. I spoke with parents, teens, clinicians, and advocates, gathering a range of perspectives. Workshops helped me test and refine my ideas. Balancing the roles of researcher, designer, and community builder was exhilarating. Next, I’ll be collaborating with Unlocking ADHD to release the book in 2026.
The thesis earned the top score in my school, was recognised by the CEO of the Institute of Mental Health and is on track to be launched in 2026. ADHD helped me hold complexity without being overwhelmed. I could zoom out to see structure, zoom in to feel the tension, and transform the “mess” into clarity.
Looking Back
If I could talk to my younger self, I’d say: Stop trying to think like everyone else. You’re wired differently, and that’s your strength. You don’t have to prove yourself through exhaustion. Rest is part of your rhythm. Be kinder to yourself and trust that once you find your entry point, things will move fast.
I want the world to see ADHD not as something to manage, but as something to understand. Executive dysfunction isn’t carelessness—it’s often carrying more in your head than others can imagine. ADHD doesn’t make us less; it makes us different. And sometimes, that difference is what drives change.
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