Can someone be an interpreter with ADHD?

There's a stigma about this...condition, more so in the work place. The "attention deficit" part of the diagnosis tends to be misconstrued often that it will impact the individual's professional life hence financial stability.

Can someone with ADHD be an interpreter?

This is a subject I am always open to discuss. More so with close colleagues but also to those willing to listen. The lot of you may wonder, "how is disclosing that information a good idea?" Well, I am all about bringing awareness and in keeping quiet defeats the purpose.

There's a stigma about this...condition, more so in the work place. The "attention deficit" part of the diagnosis tends to be misconstrued often that it will impact the individual's professional life hence financial stability. Attention deficit does not mean that we lack it, it means that it can be inconsistent that is only activated through interest, challenge, urgency or passion. Meaning, if we are passionate, interested or challenged in our field we will thrive.

When I disclose this information, it is to aid the people working around me and with me. Part of having ADHD is not doing well with 'beating around the bush' conversations, it is preferred to have someone be straightforward, not abrasive, but as direct as possible. Personally, I prefer straight forward answers, comments and constructive criticism.

Aside from the communication aspect it will also bring a better understanding to the lack of eye contact. Like many, that is my greatest struggle. There's a lot of effort exerted to accomplish this to the point I will just stop paying attention altogether. I need to be actively moving around to process what is being said. It is not to be disrespectful, it's just how I focus. Most often, that's the reason individuals with ADHD tend to fidget, move their hands, click a pen continuously etc. We have to be physically active when engaging in regular conversation. That being said, I am so happy I don't have to worry about making eye contact when interpreting.

The sole act of interpretation requires to listen, process two languages while actively speaking, or take notes to then convey the information, that alone is enough to bring me to high level of focus. An individual with ADHD can manage and thrive at work. They can handle high level stress tasks and be meticulous.

Unfortunately, that is not the same sentiment. As an interpreter, I've received negative comments from colleagues on occasion, and believe me, I understand that there is a time and place, but how can there be awareness if we continue consider this a taboo subject?

From childhood to adulthood individuals with ADHD are affected in various ways. Just because it is not a physical diagnosis it does not mean it's not there. It needs to be discussed more often, especially now as numbers rise.

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