Ableism

A Quick Word on Ableism

Internalized ableism is a form of discrimination against oneself and others with disabilities, rooted in the view that disability is a source of shame, should be concealed, or warrants refusal of support or accessibility. This internal conflict can stem from continuous exposure to negative social attitudes and a lack of adequate support for disabled people's needs, which contributes to a cycle of rejecting their identity to align with ableist "norms." Ableism encompasses more than just ignorance around disability leading to negative attitudes towards disabled people; it also includes unrealistic ideals of perfection and ingrained beliefs about bodies, promoting the idea that disability is inherently negative or unwanted.
Internalized ableism - Wikipedia

• Self-Improvement: Focuses on personal growth and managing one's life more effectively. It's about acquiring skills, strategies, and support to live a fulfilling life, respecting individual strengths and challenges.
• Ableism: A form of discrimination that devalues people with disabilities, often based on societal standards of normalcy and productivity. Internalized ableism occurs when individuals with disabilities unconsciously adopt these negative beliefs about themselves.

The ADHD BAMF framework aims to empower individuals with ADHD by providing supportive resources and information to help them manage their experiences and improve their quality of life. This framework is not intended to reinforce ableism or enable toxic relationships with oneself. Instead, it seeks to promote self-acceptance, personal growth, and respect for neurodiversity. We encourage users to focus on what makes them feel comfortable and fulfilled, embracing their unique strengths and challenges.

Jessica McCabe from "How to ADHD" has an excellent video on the subject.
My Channel was a Bit Ableist When I Started

Note from Max

Hello fellow ADHD-ers,^[1]

There is a fine-line between self-improvement and internalized ableism. Many people with ADHD have had experiences through childhood and adulthood that left them feeling extreme shame about who they are or what kind of support they need. I was diagnosed with ADHD and Dyslexia as a child, and frequently I would try to downplay my ADHD and Dyslexia and avoid getting help (though I did get help and have a lot of support from my parents, for which I am grateful). Then I would beat myself up when I wouldn't do as well as my friends on tests or in school. My handwriting is still so bad as an adult that I often ask my wife to complete handwritten forms on my behalf, and I still feel shame thinking that if I'd just tried harder, or more, or something, I could do it myself.

I have other stories. We all have stories.

Sometimes I still feel like I need to prove myself, that I'm somehow less worthy because of my ADHD. This is a false narrative; I am worthy. You are worthy.

There is no shame in living with ADHD. There is no shame in seeking and receiving the support you need to exist in a neurotypical society. You deserve, are owed, are entitled to support, and you have my utmost respect.

Thank you,
Max