There’s another misunderstanding that I want to address: the assumption that a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) automatically means a person has a heightened desire for attention. In reality, the term "attention deficit" refers to the difficulty in being attentive and focusing, and in some cases, it’s about balancing between hyperactivity and hypoactivity - meaning swings between high energy and low energy.

This misunderstanding is often reinforced by the fact that people with ADHD naturally draw more attention because of their deviation from the norm - what is often labeled as a "disorder." Unconventional thoughts and behaviors naturally stand out more than what is considered "normal". It’s perfectly natural for people to try to make sense of these differences. How they interpret these situations, however, is crucial. Often, people project their own experiences and expectations onto what they observe.

Yes, I do attract attention on Instagram, and I do so intentionally. I use my uniqueness to actually draw attention because I’ve realized it can help me gain reach for this project. However, reducing my activities to simply seeking attention is condescending and says more about others' perceptions than about my intentions.

In reality, I invest a lot of work into this project. It’s clear that the focus is on biocultural diversity. My approach is fundamentally different from the typical self-promotion you see with vacation photos and personal experiences. My goal is to highlight the importance of biocultural diversity, not to put myself in the spotlight.

An important aspect of this is recognizing that neurodiversity is also a vital part of natural biodiversity. Just as the diversity of species in an ecosystem strengthens and enriches it, so too does the diversity of minds within our society. My creativity, combined with my personality and the valuable experiences I share, serves as a vehicle for this broader message: the significance of our natural world, its smallest inhabitants, and the diverse ways we all contribute to it.

🤗 For a more nuanced discussion, please feel free to use the comments section, private messages or the anonymous contact form on my website.