Shine Tom Chacko says having ADHD ‘is my best quality’: decoding link between this neurological condition and creativity

The Malayalam film industry has recently seen a surge in conversations about neurodiversity, with prominent actors like Fahadh Faasil and Shine Tom Chacko openly discussing their experiences with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). 

Chacko, who is known for his impulsive behaviour in interviews and off-screen encounters, tells Manorama Online, “I have ADHD. I’m an ADHD kid. It’s a diagnosed condition. People with ADHD often seek to catch others’ attention. An actor, in fact, emerges from this need for attention. Otherwise, why not just stay in a closed room? Every man has a bit of this. That’s why we go out and dress up — to be noticed.”

The Little Hearts star adds, “In people with ADHD, this behaviour is much more pronounced, which is why it’s called a disorder. Someone with ADHD always wants to be noticed and will try to stand out from other actors. They’ll perform according to the character, seeking more attention from the audience. Only outsiders view this as a disorder. For me, ADHD is my best quality. Some people say ‘a stain is good,’ right? It might not apply to everyone, but for me, ADHD has been very beneficial.”

His openness about how ADHD influences his approach to acting offers a unique perspective on the intersection of neurodiversity and artistic expression. But, is there any link between ADHD and creativity?

Gurleen Baruah, occupational psychologist and executive coach at That Culture Thing, tells indianexpress.com, “ADHD is a neurological condition characterised by symptoms such as distractibility, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. While these symptoms can pose challenges, it can also be linked to enhanced creativity through several psychological mechanisms.”

These are: 

Types of ADHD: ADHD manifests in various forms, with attention deficit and hyperactivity being key components. However, ADHD also includes other traits like rapid neural activity and the ability to make connections between seemingly unrelated concepts, which are crucial for creative thinking.

Rapid Neural Activity: Individuals with ADHD often have brains that process information quickly, leading to a bustling array of ideas and thoughts. This rapid-fire neural activity can facilitate divergent thinking, which is the ability to generate multiple ideas from a single starting point. This trait is essential for creative problem-solving and innovation.

Hyperfocus: Despite struggling with sustained attention on tasks that don’t interest them, individuals with ADHD can experience hyperfocus when engaged in activities they find stimulating or enjoyable. This intense focus allows them to delve deeply into their interests, often leading to the development of unique and creative ideas.

Connecting the Dots: The ability to connect disparate ideas and concepts is another aspect of ADHD that contributes to creativity. This cognitive flexibility enables individuals to think outside traditional boundaries and come up with novel solutions and inventions.

Overcoming Knowledge Constraints: ADHD individuals often demonstrate a capacity to think beyond conventional knowledge and existing examples. This conceptual expansion allows them to invent and imagine possibilities that others might overlook, as they are less constrained by prior models or examples.

Coping with feelings of overwhelm is crucial for maintaining creativity. (Source: Freepik)

Strategies that can help individuals with ADHD manage symptoms while maximising their creative potential

Here are some effective approaches, as mentioned by Baruah:

Understand Your ADHD: Recognise how ADHD affects you personally. Since ADHD impacts everyone differently, taking the time to assess your unique challenges can help in creating customised coping strategies. 

Build Attention and Focus Habits: Developing habits that enhance your ability to focus and pay attention can significantly improve your productivity.   

Manage Overwhelm: Coping with feelings of overwhelm is crucial for maintaining creativity. Mindfulness training and other techniques can help calm your mind and improve focus.  

Practice Social Dynamics: Navigating social interactions can be challenging for individuals with ADHD. Practicing expected social behaviours, either on your own or with the guidance of a therapist, can improve social skills and reduce anxiety in social situations.

Leverage Hyperfocus: When engaged in activities you are passionate about, you can enter a state of hyperfocus, where you concentrate intensely and produce high-quality work. Use this natural ability to delve deeply into your creative projects.

Utilise Tools and Technology: Employ planners, apps, and reminders to keep track of tasks and deadlines. These tools can help organise your time and reduce forgetfulness.

Seek Professional Guidance: Working with a therapist or coach who specialises in ADHD can provide personalised strategies and support. They can help you develop effective coping mechanisms and offer accountability.

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