Session
Focus, Flow, and Cold Coffee: ADHD-Driven Development Practices
ADHD can feel like chaos — a mind racing with ideas, a desk full of half-drunk cold coffees, and a to-do list that’s both overwhelming and strangely invisible. For years, I struggled to stay afloat as a developer, battling hyper-focus, memory issues, and constant distraction. Then I discovered something surprising: the practices that help teams write better code — like Test-Driven Development (TDD), Collaborative Programming, and Discovery Trees — also helped me work with my brain, not against it.
In this talk, I share how ADHD shaped my journey as a developer and how quality coding practices became career-saving coping mechanisms. These tools helped me focus, manage complexity, and collaborate better — all while reducing burnout and improving the code we shipped. Whether you live with ADHD or just want to work smarter in a world full of distractions, you'll walk away with practical techniques and a fresh appreciation for how neurodiversity can be a powerful asset in tech.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand how ADHD traits such as hyper-focus, memory challenges, and emotional sensitivity affect software development.
- Learn how Test-Driven Development (TDD), Mob Programming, and Discovery Trees reduce cognitive load and enhance productivity.
- Discover practical strategies for creating a neurodiversity-friendly team culture that benefits everyone by promoting structure, collaboration, and sustainable work habits.
Paige Watson
Quality Code Craft and Practice
Seattle, Washington, United States
Links
Please note that Sessionize is not responsible for the accuracy or validity of the data provided by speakers. If you suspect this profile to be fake or spam, please let us know.
Jump to top