Many traditional productivity systems—such as Getting Things Done (GTD), the Pomodoro Technique, and rigid 9–5 schedules—fail adults with ADHD because they rely on stable attention, working memory, and accurate time perception. Research shows that executive dysfunction and “time blindness” create a structural mismatch between ADHD brains and conventional workplace expectations. In this article, I examine the science behind ADHD and workplace productivity, explore why burnout is so common, and discuss what neurodivergent-affirming productivity actually requires.

When supported rather than pathologized, adults with ADHD often bring exceptional emotional depth, loyalty, and relational vitality into their relationships. Emerging research challenges deficit-based narratives, highlighting how neurodivergent-affirming frameworks—centered on repair, flexibility, and contextual support—can transform ADHD-affected partnerships into resilient, deeply connected relational systems.