Great Careers Network Career Management Overcoming Challenges to Update LinkedIn with Neurodiversity

Overcoming Challenges to Update LinkedIn with Neurodiversity


Overcoming Challenges to Update LinkedIn with Neurodiversity

Are you struggling to update your LinkedIn profile because you find it difficult to focus, organize, or plan your approach? Do you suspect you might have ADHD or received a diagnosis later in life? You could experience inattentiveness, hyperactivity-impulsivity, or a combination of both.

According to Epic Research, there has been a significant increase in ADHD diagnoses among adult women aged 23 to 49 between 2020 and 2022. ADHD is more than just a label—it’s a reflection of a unique brain structure, as explained by Dr. Judith Joseph.

The challenges are that you might have spent years feeling unmotivated, lazy, or misunderstood, and perhaps you’ve internalized shame around these perceptions. But, you’re likely bright, creative, and an exceptional problem solver. When you’re “in the zone,” your ability to laser-focus on tasks can be extraordinary. Many individuals with ADHD compensate for perceived weaknesses by overachieving in specific areas, leveraging their unique strengths. Remember, your potential for success is not limited by your challenges.

If you’ve started reflecting on your experiences and suspect you may also be autistic, you’re not alone. There are several online checklists and tests that can provide insight. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. There is a wealth of support available, from online communities to qualified health professionals such as psychiatrists, psychologists, or primary care physicians, who can provide a comprehensive evaluation.

For those with ADHD or autism, managing tasks like updating a LinkedIn profile can feel overwhelming. However, tools are available to improve focus, capture information, and manage time. Explore strategies to enhance prioritization, project management, routines, scheduling, task initiation and completion, time tracking, and transitions.

When it comes to your career, accommodations can make a significant difference. The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is a valuable resource to help you understand what workplace accommodations might enable your success. Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps can help you overcome procrastination and maintain momentum.

Don’t let challenges hold you back from updating your LinkedIn profile! Career coaches can provide tailored guidance, or you can use tools and strategies to tackle this project at your own pace.

This December 3rd, in recognition of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, attend a special session on Neurodivergence in the Workplace: Challenges, Disclosure, and Accommodations for Success with Viktoriya Selden. Learn from experts like her, connect with others, and bring your questions to the table.

Updating your LinkedIn profile—and thriving in the workplace—is entirely possible, even with ADHD or other neurodivergent conditions. With the right resources and support, you cannot only manage your challenges but also highlight your unique strengths. You have the potential to achieve your career goals and make a significant impact in your chosen field.

Want to learn more? Here are some specialty articles on ADHD, Autism, & Neurodiversity

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BIO

Lynne M. Williams is the Executive Director of the Great Careers Network, a volunteer-run 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides career development and networking connections for 1) job seekers in career transition, including veterans, and 2) employed and self-employed for career management.

Aside from writing keyword-focused content for ATS resumes and LinkedIn profiles, Lynne is writing her doctoral dissertation on LinkedIn for Job Seekers. She is a contributing author on “Applying to Positions” in  Find Your Fit: A Practical Guide to Landing the Job You Love, along with the late Dick Bolles, the author of What Color is Your Parachute?, and is also a speaker on career topics.