Intensity and Variable Attention : Counter Narrating ADHD, from ADHD Deficits to ADHD Difference

Literature on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has historically comefrom a cognitive deficit approach and lacked community authorship. In contrast, thisarticle utilises a neurodiversity framework to explore ADHD as a cognitive differencethrough ADHDers’ experiences. Specifically, here we analyse collective autoethnographic writings from neurodivergent academic researchers writing to one otherabout their experiences of intensity and variable attention or interest-based attention.Through the process of collective writing, we started to rename and restory our experiences, which has enabled us to understand intensity and variable attention as a valuable facet of human diversity, with both strengths and challenges. This project offersan example of how community-based research can elucidate individual experiences asADHD/AuDHD researchers, facilitate exploration of varied experiences with intensityand attention and increase self-awareness and ability to give and receive neuroaffirmative support.