I’m a PR professional with ADHD, and I’m thriving

Even a year ago, I’d have hesitated to tell an employer I have ADHD. Neurodiversity is still widely misunderstood, even by those who live with it. I’d heard stories of talented people leaving agencies after being judged poorly following diagnosis, and I didn’t want to be one of them.

But, things are starting to change. Since the pandemic, conversations around mental health have become more open. Public figures like Sam Thompson, Johnny Vegas, and Christine McGuinness have spoken candidly about their diagnoses, inspiring others to seek clarity of their own. Still, negativity lingers. Some dismiss the rise in diagnoses as a fad; others question their validity altogether.

Neurodivergence in PR

ADHD is estimated to affect just 3-4% of the general population, but the numbers look very different in PR and marketing. A Go Amplify poll found that 38% of industry professionals identified as having ADHD.

Meanwhile, the UK Creative Industries Council estimates that 20–30% of the sector is neurodivergent.

For too long, ADHD and other forms of neurodiversity have been seen through a negative lens. Yes, those with ADHD may struggle with some tasks, but so can anyone. Traits like hyperactivity and impulsivity are often viewed as problems to suppress, rather than qualities to celebrate.

And, while it’s encouraging to see more companies adjusting for neurodivergent employees (softer lighting, flexible working, shorter meetings), focusing solely on accommodations misses the point. ADHD isn’t just something to manage. In the right context, it’s a powerful professional asset.

The high concentration of ADHD professionals in PR suggests this is an industry where neurodivergent minds can excel but must be empowered to do so. From exploring my own relationship with ADHD, I’ve come to see how traits that I struggle with such as, nodding off in long meetings, are not only manageable but are also outweighed by those that help me thrive; speed, enthusiasm and entrepreneurialism.

The perfect storm of skills

I’m not alone. Creative, divergent thinkers who find repetitive tasks draining often shine when tasked with generating original, attention-grabbing campaign ideas. Hyperfocus, sometimes viewed as a liability in rigid environments, can become a major strength in fast-paced scenarios like crisis comms or during deadline-driven content creation.

We all know PR is unpredictable. It requires balancing a complex web of clients, campaigns, and shifting priorities. That environment mirrors the ADHD brain’s natural craving for variety and stimulation. While others burn out, some with ADHD are thriving on adrenaline.

In pitches, hypersensitivity is also an advantage. Many with ADHD are highly attuned to tone, body language, and energy shifts, allowing them to adjust messaging in real time. If a pitch isn’t landing, they can pivot on the spot with instinctive ease.

As the conversation around neurodiversity continues to evolve, the PR industry has a real opportunity to lead, not just by accommodating neurodivergent minds, but by actively celebrating the strengths they bring. In my view, diversity isn’t just a value, it’s the smartest strategy an agency can take.