ADHD Aha! Rejection sensitivity and ADHD as an Emmy-winning comedy writer (Dan McCoy’s story)
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Feb 4, 2025 
Dan McCoy, an Emmy-winning comedy writer recognized for his work on The Daily Show, shares his journey with a recent ADHD diagnosis. He discusses how this diagnosis helped him understand his mood swings and fear of rejection. Comedy writing serves as a unique form of exposure therapy for him, merging humor with the emotional challenges of rejection sensitivity. Dan also reflects on the impact of ADHD on creativity and productivity, offering insight into the complex emotional landscape many creatives navigate.
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Late ADHD Diagnosis
- Dan McCoy discovered he had ADHD after his brother wrote an essay about his autism diagnosis.
- This prompted Dan to seek an evaluation, realizing they shared similar traits.
Inattentive ADHD
- Dan wasn't hyperactive as a child, so he didn't consider ADHD as a possibility.
- He was diagnosed with inattentive ADHD, realizing there are different types.
Emotional Blindness
- Dan experiences difficulty recognizing his own emotions, a trait sometimes associated with autism.
- However, he is overly empathetic to others' emotions and seeks to please them.