ADHD Aha! ADHD, autism, and the pressure to be “man enough” (Shane Thrapp’s story)
May 13, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Shane Thrapp, Operations Director of the Men’s ADHD Support Group and advocate for neurodiversity, reflects on his journey with ADHD and autism. He delves into the challenges of societal expectations about masculinity and masking one's true self. Shane emphasizes the strength found in authenticity and the importance of community support among men with ADHD. He also sheds light on misconceptions surrounding neurodivergent men and the need for a more inclusive future for their children.
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ADHD Discovery Through Family
- Shane discovered his ADHD indirectly through his son's diagnosis and his wife's observations.
- He masked his symptoms unknowingly and only confirmed his ADHD diagnosis years later.
Three-Way Brain Battle
- Shane describes a three-way battle between ADHD, autism, and societal expectations.
- His ADHD craves novelty while his autism craves structure, causing internal conflict.
Creativity vs Structure Conflict
- Shane's ADHD fuels creativity and impulsiveness, while autism demands structure and perfection.
- This clash leads to burnout or boredom and constant balancing between ideas and organization.