November 18
Hot take: ADHD behavior is a normal variant, not a disorder. This is what our guest, Dr. Idit Hazan believes.
Dr. Idit Hazan, a professor of Biology at Grand View University, redefines what it means to embrace neurodivergence in medicine and beyond. Through her journey as a parent and professional, Dr. Hazan recognized traits in herself that align with ADHD, helping her reframe her challenges as strengths and fueling her creativity and problem-solving skills.
In this episode, Dr. Hazan shares how her experiences as a parent and professor helped her uncover the hidden strengths of an ADHD brain. She reflects on how embracing outside-the-box thinking has shaped her approach to problem-solving and innovation. As a professor of Biology at Grand View University, she demonstrates how leaning into neurodivergence can drive meaningful change.
Dr. Hazan offers insights on balancing life as a parent of three college-aged kids, a professor, and someone who embraces neurodivergent thinking. Her story challenges the narrative of ADHD as a deficit and highlights the potential of neurodivergence to unlock creativity. Through her 20 years of teaching genetics, molecular biology and biotechnology, she brings a unique scientific perspective to understanding how ADHD traits can be reframed as strengths rather than deficits.
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"It was my belief that ADHD behavior was a normal variant and not a disorder."
- Dr. Idit Hazan
"Focus on your strengths where you excel, and address your weaknesses, ideally by seeking help from others in areas where you struggle."
- Dr. Idit Hazan
"You can be successful no matter how you are. You just have to, first of all, know yourself, and second of all, ask for help."
- Dr. Idit Hazan
"Find what your passion is and ask for help when you’re stuck. If you’re doing something you love, you’re more likely to be successful."
- Dr. Idit Hazan
"Notes, lists, calendar reminders for everything. If I don’t set a reminder, it’s not going to happen."
- Dr. Idit Hazan
"Neurodiverse people are the ones who innovate, try new things, and notice what others don’t. That hyper-awareness can be a tremendous asset."
- Dr. Idit Hazan
- Dr. Idit Hazan, a professor of biology at Grandview University, discovered her ADHD through social media and subsequent research.
- Despite being highly successful academically, with a PhD from UC Irvine, she recognizes her ADHD traits including hyperfocus and struggles with final polishing of work.
- Dr. Hazan thrived during COVID-19 by implementing innovative teaching methods, demonstrating how ADHD traits can be advantageous in crisis situations.
[20:00 - 40:00] Scientific Perspective on ADHD
- Dr. Hazan explains ADHD's high heritability (80%) and discusses the DRD4 gene's association with ADHD traits.
- She presents ADHD as a normal variant rather than a disorder, discussing its evolutionary advantages in certain environments.
- From a genetic perspective, she explains how ADHD traits can be beneficial, emphasizing the importance of understanding personal strengths and weaknesses.
[40:00 - 40:19] Teaching Approach and Personal Strategies
- Dr. Hazan shares her teaching philosophy, which includes engaging students through passion and respecting diverse learning styles.
- She uses practical workarounds like notes, lists, and calendar reminders to manage her responsibilities effectively.
- Dr. Hazan emphasizes the importance of focusing on strengths and finding appropriate environments where ADHD traits can be advantageous.
