Dismantling Shame by Reframing “Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder” as Kinetic Cognitive Style
An Overview of Nick Walker’s Strengths-Based Reframing of ADhd
If you have “Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder” (ADHD) and you are seeking therapy, chances are good—in my direct experience at least—that you’re interested changing the way you behave. You might want to break your habit of procrastination or find new ways of maintaining focus or generating motivation. That is extremely fair; these tendencies seem to make your life more difficult, right?
However, as an Emotionally-Focused Therapist who works primarily with neurodivergent people, including those with ADHD, autism, and trauma-related neurological differences, I have chosen not to specialize in “behaviour modification”, per se. Instead, I focus on the emotional problems that might be stunting the creativity of my clients to figure out their own strategies.
For example, the shame of experiencing stigmatization at every stage of development tends to be a core part of the ADHD experience (Lebowitz et al, 2013). Have you received a message of being disordered, dysfunctional, or problematic throughout your life? If so, how has shame impacted your ability to trust yourself, to run helpful experiments, to discover your own pathways to happiness and health?
For many, reframing ADHD is a good starting point for dismantling shame. ADHD has long been understood as a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. However, this is where the work of neurodiversity scholar Nick Walker, who has coined the term Kinetic Cognitive Style, has much value to offer. (I first became aware of Walker through the wonderful website Stimpunks.)
What Is Kinetic Cognitive Style?
Nick Walker coined the term "kinetic cognitive style" as a way to reframe ADHD symptoms as unique cognitive traits that are not inherently “disordered.” Instead of seeing the traits associated with ADHD—such as distractibility, restlessness, and difficulty focusing for long periods—as dysfunctions, Walker encourages us to see them as characteristics of an active, dynamic, and constantly engaging mind.
The term "kinetic" refers to movement or activity, and it underscores the idea that individuals with ADHD often experience a heightened mental state that is always in motion. This movement is not chaotic or disorganized, as is often portrayed, but rather a constant flow of ideas, thoughts, and emotions that reflect a distinct way of interacting with the world.
A Strengths-Based Perspective
One of the main challenges with ADHD is that it is often framed negatively. Those living with ADHD can feel like they are constantly battling against themselves to conform to norms around focus and attention. The traditional medical model casts ADHD as a disorder that needs to be "treated" or "corrected." This framing can contribute to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and frustration.
In contrast, reframing ADHD as a kinetic cognitive style shifts the narrative. It allows individuals to see their unique way of thinking and experiencing the world as a form of strength. People with ADHD often exhibit creativity, adaptability, and the ability to think outside the box. Their kinetic minds are never still, constantly processing, shifting, and adapting to new information. This makes them excellent problem-solvers and innovators in environments that require flexibility and creative thinking. One theorist, Thom Hartmann, proposes that this style would have been necessary throughout most of human history, when we were engaged in hunting and gathering.
The Kinetic Cognitive Style in Action
What does a kinetic cognitive style look like in practice?
1. Multitasking: People with ADHD often excel at managing multiple tasks at once. While they may struggle with long-term projects requiring sustained focus, they are adept at switching quickly between tasks.
2. High Energy: The kinetic nature of ADHD is also visible in physical restlessness. Rather than being a sign of "disruptive behavior," this energy can be harnessed as a positive force. For example, during sessions, I encourage my clients to move as much as they need to in order to stay engaged with therapy.
3. Hyperfocus: While it may seem contradictory, many people with ADHD experience episodes of hyperfocus, where they can become deeply absorbed in tasks that interest them. This can be a powerful ability when applied to projects or activities that align with their passions or strengths.
4. Innovative Thinking: Because individuals with ADHD are constantly processing information in dynamic ways, they are often able to make unique connections between seemingly unrelated ideas. This can lead to breakthroughs in creativity, artistic expression, and problem-solving.
I believe that seeing your way of being as a style rather than a disorder can be the starting point for creative solutions. Maybe you need flexible working hours, project-based tasks, or creative spaces where rapid switching and multitasking are valued. Maybe you need to embrace your need for physical movement. Maybe you need to simply let go of an inherently ableist way of seeing yourself.
