Managing ADHD can be tough, especially when you’re trying to stay focused during long work meetings. For one Redditor, knitting and crocheting during meetings was the key to keeping her attention, and she had already cleared it with her manager.
But when a colleague raised a fuss, claiming it was unprofessional and distracting, she began to question if she was in the wrong. After all, she wasn’t ignoring the meeting or being disengaged; she was actively contributing while working on small, simple projects that didn’t make noise or take up space.
Was her crafting truly disrespectful to the team, or was it just a necessary coping mechanism for her condition? Read on to see how others weigh in on this complicated situation.
A woman with ADHD knits during meetings to stay focused, but a colleague objects
Balancing personal needs with professional expectations can often be challenging, especially when it comes to individuals with neurodivergent conditions like ADHD.
In the Reddit story, the poster (OP) explains that they craft during meetings to help with focus due to ADHD and dyslexia. For OP, crocheting or knitting during long meetings is a strategy that helps them remain engaged.
However, when a colleague raised concerns, questioning whether this behavior was disrespectful, it sparked a deeper conversation about neurodivergence and workplace dynamics.
At the heart of this situation is the emotional struggle between OP’s personal coping mechanism and the professional norms in their workplace. For individuals with ADHD, it’s not just about being distracted, it’s a neurological condition that impacts focus and attention. Fidgeting, such as knitting or crocheting, is a method many people with ADHD use to manage their symptoms.
According to Berkeley Psychiatrists, “Regular physical activity can help those with ADHD by increasing dopamine levels. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in mood, attention, and reward processes. By promoting the release of dopamine, exercise can help manage symptoms like hyperactivity and impulsivity.”
OP’s crafting helps them focus on the meeting, process the information, and stay involved, as opposed to mentally checking out during long discussions.
However, the situation reveals the complexities of professional environments. OP’s manager approved of their crafting as a way to help them stay on task, but a colleague’s view that this behavior is disrespectful highlights the misunderstanding of ADHD and the diverse ways people engage in meetings.
This conflict stems from the differing perceptions of professionalism, where some might see crafting as unprofessional, others may see it as a necessary coping mechanism for those with ADHD.
Psychological insights support the idea that individuals with ADHD often thrive in environments that allow for alternative focus strategies. Ph.D. Ellen Littman, a leading expert in ADHD, explains that for people with ADHD, stimulation from hands-on activities can help them focus by providing the necessary sensory input to keep their brain engaged.
Or thinkADHD indicates, “For those who experience hyposensitivity, sensory-seeking behaviours like using fidget toys or textured objects can help provide the necessary stimulation to stay focused.”
This perspective offers valuable insight into OP’s decision to knit or crochet during meetings; it’s a way to manage ADHD symptoms while still contributing to discussions.
In conclusion, OP’s use of crafting as a coping mechanism is rooted in a need for focus, not disrespect. Understanding and acceptance of neurodivergent behaviors in the workplace could reduce misunderstandings and create more supportive environments.
It’s crucial to foster empathy, allowing employees to find ways that work best for them without judgment, which can lead to better participation and productivity for all.
Let’s dive into the reactions from Reddit:
This group supported knitting in meetings when cleared with management, stressing focus and participation
These commenters highlighted the potential distractions knitting might cause for others, advocating for clearer communication and possible accommodations
This group recommended using discreet fidget toys or discussing the issue with the manager
These Redditors acknowledged the benefits of knitting for focus
This user emphasized that knitting could be a reasonable accommodation, especially when approved by management
What do you think? Should employees be allowed to fidget or engage in creative tasks to stay focused, or should they stick to more traditional methods of engagement? Share your thoughts below!
