ADHD Aha! How do you make invisible struggles visible? (Kate Hammer’s story)
Aug 5, 2025
Canadian writer and performer Kate Hammer, now based in Scotland, talks about her journey with ADHD and the emotional rollercoaster of seeking a diagnosis. She reveals how candid feedback from loved ones influenced her understanding of herself, alongside her experience navigating the UK evaluation process. Kate shares insights into her short film 'Bear,' a creative representation of ADHD through the metaphor of a clumsy bear, shedding light on the chaos of neurodivergence and the power of humor in addressing invisible struggles.
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Diagnosis Required Personal Letters
- Kate described the UK diagnosis process requiring multiple letters from people who knew her for different periods and parents.
- Reading those honest letters revealed traits she didn't notice and felt both confronting and cathartic.
Outside Eyes Reveal Hidden Patterns
- Reading others' observations helped Kate see she couldn't fully hide ADHD traits and that some behaviors felt invisible to her.
- That outside perspective prompted her to accept limitations and learn communication strategies to avoid hurting people unconsciously.
Diagnosis Reduces Shame And Enables Tools
- Diagnosis freed Kate from shame by reframing differences as alternate ways of working rather than failures.
- She described learning to adapt her methods instead of forcing herself into ill-fitting norms.