Something is going on with me… I’m not good at doing what I’m told, I can’t sit still, and I can’t remember anything.

Those words got engraved in my mind the first time I listened to them; if you are not familiar, they are from Bluey, an Australian preschool TV show which is charming, funny and has the power to kick you with emotion when you least expect it.
I’m referring to the episode Army, Episode 16, from Season 2 (Available on Disney+) if you want to watch it.

“Army” introduces us to Jack. Although it’s not explicitly stated in the episode, someone familiar with the condition might infer that he has a deficit disorder. Jack’s story feels authentic. It brings attention to the difficulties and realities of living with ADHD. The episode avoids using direct lessons, making fun of the condition or falling into cliches; instead, it presents a genuine portrayal of a child, highlighting his strengths and challenges without sounding preachy.

For many people with ADHD, like Jack and myself, the world can feel like it’s moving at a different speed. We may get distracted, forget simple tasks, or find it challenging to stay focused. It’s important to understand that it’s not because we don’t care, are lazy, or by a lack effort. It’s just that our brains function differently. What seems easy to others might be an overwhelming endeavour for someone with ADHD.

These challenges don’t change much as we grow into adults. In a professional settings, I face similar difficulties to Jack’s experiences. While Jack struggles to remember his hat or code names in his game of “Army,” I struggle with work deadlines, retaining important information in meetings, explaining concepts I am familiar with or staying focused in a busy work environment. However, like Jack, these struggles don’t define my entire worth, capacity or the quality of my work.

The beauty of the “Army” episode is in its portrayal. Jack, with all his quirks and unique qualities, finds recognition and acceptance from Rusty, who sees him for more than just his challenges. Rusty’s words, “Well, you’re really good at playing army,” highlight the importance of looking beyond what’s immediately evident and acknowledging the diverse strengths each individual brings.

Similarly, in the corporate world or any professional setting, it’s essential to understand that neurodiversity isn’t an impediment. It’s just a different way of processing, thinking, and acting. What might seem like a deficit in one context can be a strength in another. As someone with ADHD, I’ve often found that my hyper-focus on passionate subjects allows me to go beyond what’s expected and bring unique insights to the table. My brain’s constant search for stimulation often results in creative solutions to problems others might not see.

Here’s the scene that inspired me to write this post.

Video transcription

00:00:03,950 –> 00:00:07,190
[Jack] I can see why Rusty liked calling for dustoffs.

00:00:09,350 –> 00:00:11,150
[Rusty] Why did you come to this school?

00:00:11,650 –> 00:00:14,010
[Rusty] Was there something wrong with your old school?

00:00:14,570 –> 00:00:17,870
[Jack] No, there’s something going on with me.

00:00:18,110 –> 00:00:26,230
[Jack] I’m not good at doing what I’m told, I can’t sit still, and I can’t remember anything, like numbers or letters on my hat.

00:00:26,890 –> 00:00:27,490
[Rusty] uhmmm!

00:00:31,090 –> 00:00:32,870
[Rusty] you’re really good at playing army.

Bluey’s “Army” episode serves as a touching and genuine reminder of the experiences many neurodiverse individuals go through from childhood to adulthood. It’s a call for understanding, empathy, and the realization that every individual, regardless of how their brain is wired, has a unique strength and perspective to offer. For anyone who has felt out of place, misunderstood, or overwhelmed by the world’s expectations, Jack’s story is a testament to the fact that there’s a place and appreciation for everyone as long as we’re willing to see beyond the obvious.

That’s all for now. Come back next time for “Ink of Evil,” a rant about why home and small office printers suck.

Acknowledgments: “Bluey”™ and characters (including my boy Jack) are trademarks of Ludo Studio. © Ludo Studio. “Army,” Episode 16, Season 2, is available for streaming on Disney+ (In the US and Canada). This post is for editorial purposes only and has no commercial intent.