ADHD masking: Breaking free and going viral

Aideé Chávez Frescas is a senior social media manager at Understood. She also has ADHD and creates her own social media content that has gone viral again and again. She shares about her life as a Mexican person living in the United States, and the intersection of being Latina and having ADHD. Her videos and posts help end stigma and show others they’re not alone. 

Understood is the first workplace where Aideé has been open about her ADHD. She felt comfortable disclosing because of Understood’s mission to help people who learn and think differently thrive. In the past, she relied on masking her symptoms, toning her energy and personality down to fit into spaces. Now, Aideé is proud to be herself at work. And she encourages her team to do the same.  

Hear how Aideé thought masking her ADHD was code-switching at first — plus her formula for going viral. 

To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood.  

We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at thatjob@understood.org.  

Related resources

• Aidee’s personal Instagram account, and her ADHD Instagram account @totallyadhd_
• Understood’s Instagram account
• ADHD runs in the family (Michelle’s story)

Introducing "MissUnderstood", the first-ever podcast channel for women with ADHD. Listen Now: lnk.to/missunderstood

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