Finding Validation, Living with Purpose
Amrun Hisyam is a lawyer who was diagnosed with ADHD at 26 after years of wondering why he felt “different.” His discovery brought both validation and tools to navigate life with greater clarity. Today, he embraces his quirks, builds coping mechanisms that work for him, and advocates for understanding and empathy. Amrun recently shared how ADHD shapes his life, work, and relationships on CNA’s Work It: Wired Differently podcast.
Quotes
“ADHD doesn’t mean you can’t focus; it means your focus is driven by interest. That’s why I call it an interest-driven condition.”
“I don’t waste energy worrying. It’s a practice I call ADHD-proofing my life: Have backups, design visible reminders, and reduce the chances of tripping over my forgetfulness. Even carrying a tote bag ensures I don’t leave things behind, since I used to forget paper bags on buses.”
Early Signs and Diagnosis
I first suspected I might have ADHD in 2022, when I was 26. I had always felt different—not in a “special, unique” way, but in a confused, “why am I not more like others?” way.
One day, I saw a Reddit post where someone said “hobby hopping” was how they discovered they had ADHD. That caught my eye because it sounded exactly like me. I would spend weeks devouring books and videos on astrophysics, then switch suddenly to old films, drawing, whittling, scuba diving, bird watching, Russian literature, or hip hop music. I loved learning, but I couldn’t stick with one interest for long.
I often envied people who focused on one or two things and became experts. I’d get decently good at something, then drop it for months or years. Since learning about ADHD, I’ve embraced this pattern and have fun with it. That Reddit post sent me down the rabbit hole of learning everything I could about ADHD.
Eventually, I brought it up to my psychotherapist, who referred me to a psychiatrist. The assessment confirmed ADHD, and I received medication, affirmation, and validation. It helped me forgive myself for being forgetful, distracted, or daydreamy — traits I once thought made me difficult.
Insights and Growth
One memory stands out. On the eve of my 18th birthday, I told myself, “This is it, I’m grown! I’m a responsible adult!” I was interning at a law firm and attending court the next day. I had my bag and jacket ready. But in the car the next morning, I realised: no jacket. First day as an adult, first mistake—a classic ADHD moment.
Now, I keep one suit jacket by my door and another in my office. That way, I don’t waste energy worrying. It’s a practice I call ADHD-proofing my life: have backups, design visible reminders, and reduce the chances of tripping over my forgetfulness. Even carrying a tote bag ensures I don’t leave things behind, since I used to forget paper bags on buses.
Strategies for Daily Life
In the past, I often forgot essentials like my wallet or watch. Now I keep a small trolley by the door, with racks for my daily items: car keys, wallet, watch, tissues, wet wipes. Even after putting on my shoes, I can grab what I need. It’s simple, but it works.
These little hacks might look trivial, but they’ve transformed my day-to-day life. They give me confidence that I can manage, even if my brain works differently.
Strengths and Achievements
Every small achievement means a lot to me. Each time an ADHD hack works, it’s a victory. Appearing on CNA’s Work It podcast to talk about ADHD was another milestone — humbling and empowering.
As a lawyer, every court hearing I complete feels like an achievement. I used to fear ADHD would destroy me in court: speaking while struggling to listen, listening while unable to retain, remembering only fragments. But each time I get through a hearing, I pat myself on the back. ADHD doesn’t mean you can’t focus; it means your focus is driven by interest. That’s why I call it an interest-driven condition.
Reflections
If I could advise my younger self, I’d say: Keep going. The mistakes and downfalls shape you. They’re part of becoming who you are meant to be.
To the world, I say this: When we are trying our best to keep up or improve, please believe us. We don’t need pity— just trust that we are doing our best, even if it doesn’t always look like it.
Today, I’m a lawyer, enjoying downtime with my hobbies and life with my fiancée, who loves my random thoughts and “rubbish.” ADHD is still part of my daily life, but with support, strategies, and acceptance, I’ve learned to embrace it as part of who I am.
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