The problem with attention “deficit” (Ernie’s story)
Jan 23, 2024
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Ernest Anemone, actor and executive coach, shares his personal journey with ADHD. He discusses the lack of control and shame associated with executive dysfunction and challenges the idea of ADHD being an attention 'deficit'. Ernie also explores his self-perception, the power of storytelling, and creating connections through film.
Understanding different ways of thinking and learning can prevent negative outcomes in individuals with ADHD.
Embracing the concept of attention difference, rather than deficit, can allow individuals with ADHD to appreciate their unique perspectives and thrive in their own way.
Deep dives
Discovering a Sense of Identity and Place
Ernie, the guest in the podcast, reflects on his struggles growing up, feeling a lack of control over his life and struggling in various areas. This resonates with a 14-year-old boy he represented as a criminal defense attorney, who showed impulsive behavior and difficulty focusing. Sharing his own story and advice with the boy resulted in positive changes in his behavior and learning. Ernie emphasizes the importance of understanding different ways of thinking and learning, and how space for reflection can prevent negative outcomes.
The Journey to Acceptance and Diagnosis
Ernie discusses his career transition from a criminal defense attorney to an executive coach. Through his coaching work, he gained insights about his own thinking and learned to appreciate the value of his unique perspective. After experiencing depression and a lack of focus, he sought an evaluation for ADHD, which resulted in a diagnosis. Initially resistant to medication, Ernie eventually discovered the positive impact it had on his ability to work through challenges. He encourages individuals to reject shame and guilt associated with ADHD and to embrace their own stories.
Redefining Attention and Finding Integration
Ernie challenges the notion of attention deficit and argues that it should be viewed as an attention difference. He believes society favors a specific type of attention related to rote memorization and technical skills. Ernie, as an executive coach, helps individuals unlearn this conditioning and appreciate curiosity, imagination, and novel ideas. He shares how his attention thrives in situations where he can work with people, offering a unique perspective and helping them see things differently. Ernie's ultimate goal is to provide spaces for reflection, dialogue, and storytelling through his nonprofit project, My Voice.
Back when he was a criminal defense lawyer, Ernest Anemone related to one of his clients: An impulsive, irritable teenage boy who burned down the penalty box of a hockey rink. But what Ernie related to wasn’t just the ADHD behaviors. It was the teen’s feeling of having no control over his own life.
Now, Ernie is an actor, filmmaker, and executive coach for Fortune 500 companies. Growing up, Ernie felt like he had no agency. He knew he didn’t have the type of focus society favored. But he was (and continues to be) good in a crisis. Ernie can focus — one could argue — when it really matters.
Also in this episode, the embarrassment and shame that comes with executive dysfunction. And is ADHD really an attention “deficit”?
Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give
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