Attention seems to be something that not only us neurodiverse folk struggle with these days. I’ve personally struggled a bit with the whole ‘deficit’ part of the label of ADHD because it doesn’t really seem to be the most appropriate description. For me, ‘unable to control where my attention is focussed’ seems to be more in line but it doesn’t have a ring to it.
Today’s guest is the wonderful best selling author of ‘Stolen Focus. Why You Can’t Pay Attention’ Johann Hari. Johann went on a long journey to figure out why all of us seem to be struggling with attention. Parts of his book specifically questioned some of the more controversial sides of ADHD in regards to the biopsychosocial model and medication of kids.
In today’s episode we spoke about:
- Why none of us can pay attention anymore
- Why ADHD brains need to be more attuned to the things that can impact focus and attention
- Diagnosis can often be ‘brain or blame’ - either it’s completely biological and there’s nothing you can do about it, or it’s not completely your biology and therefore you are to blame for not being able to pay attention
- How food can impact attention
- How technology is designed to steal our attention
- Whether we can do anything about it
- Why sleep really impacts our attention
- Some of the reasons behind the controversy of questioning ADHD medication
You can find all of Johann’s books and further information at his website.
You can follow Johann on Instagram
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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