ADHD Stories – Simon’s Story

Simon Siah, a 52-year-old entrepreneur and educator, is dedicated to fostering innovation and social impact. As the founder of his own Training Consultancy, he empowers companies to enhance their innovation capabilities and drive business growth. His expertise extends to academia, where he teaches Entrepreneurship and mentors start-ups. He is also actively involved in the social sector, currently serving as an Adjunct Research Fellow studying the viability of an inclusive business incubator for underserved communities in Singapore.

With a passion for community engagement, Simon is committed to contributing to the arts and elderly services. This involvement allows him to combine his innovation expertise with his social commitment, creating meaningful contributions to society.

Having worked as an entrepreneur across various industries and countries in Asia, Simon returned to Singapore six years ago and embarked on a re-learning journey at the age of 45. He earned a Master of Science in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from Singapore Management University and a Master of Arts in Design from Northumbria University. Currently, he is pursuing a Doctorate, focusing on the impact of entrepreneurial education on Singapore’s future workforce.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Simon is a passionate photographer. This creative pursuit has enhanced his attention to detail, promoted mindfulness, and inspired creative thinking, qualities that influence both his personal and professional life. He recently held his first group exhibition in a social project called “Photography for Good.”

Read his #ADHDStory below.

When did you get diagnosed?

I was recently diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 52, after consulting psychiatrists from private practice and public health services.  

What was life like before diagnosis?

For as long as I can remember, I’ve struggled with inattentiveness, an inability to focus on tasks at hand, and a persistent feeling of being behind my peers. It wasn’t just a passing phase or a quirky trait; it affected my academic performance, self-esteem, and overall sense of well-being despite my confident front. I couldn’t shake off the frustration of not understanding why I couldn’t grasp concepts as easily as others or why I struggled with tasks that seemed simple for everyone else.

In school, I often zoned out in class, daydreaming when I should have been paying attention. Subjects like Maths were especially difficult, where focus and sequential problem-solving were necessary. No matter how hard I tried to concentrate, my mind constantly wandered from one thought to another. This struggle with focus and comprehension impacted my grades, confidence, and my sense of self-worth. I often compared myself to my peers, wondering why they could effortlessly absorb information while I was barely keeping up. This feeling followed me into adulthood, where the lack of awareness about ADHD left me misunderstood and labeled as lazy or inattentive by those around me.

These challenges persisted into my postgraduate studies. Reading and writing became particularly difficult, making academic work more strenuous than I had anticipated. I found it overwhelming to keep up with the demands of my studies, and simple tasks often took far longer than they should. Despite these struggles, I was determined to push forward, but the challenge of focusing on dense materials and organising my thoughts for writing was and still is, a constant battle.

To cope with my busy schedule and overcome my natural forgetfulness, I became obsessed with productivity tools. I adopted numerous apps, calendars, and task management systems to keep track of my tasks, set reminders, and ensure nothing slipped through the cracks. While these tools have become indispensable in managing my day-to-day life, my reliance on them has also added another layer of stress. The obsession with being productivity sometimes backfires, creating anxiety as I struggle to stay on top of multiple systems. The fragmented use of different tools and platforms has occasionally left me feeling more disorganised than before, leading to confusion and frustration when I can’t find what I need or when certain tasks are missed because they fell into the gaps between systems.

Ultimately, my motivation for seeking an ADHD diagnosis stemmed from these lifelong struggles. I needed answers and sought a way to unlock a “better” version of myself. Through conversations with friends and resources like Unlocking ADHD (www.unlockingadhd.org.sg), I realised I wasn’t alone in these challenges. This newfound understanding prompted me to seek professional help, confront my suspicions, and learn more about how ADHD was influencing my life.

What was life like post diagnosis?

Life after my ADHD diagnosis has been a journey of clarity, self-awareness, and empowerment. The process of getting diagnosed was both nerve-wracking and liberating. It was nerve-wracking because it meant acknowledging that there might be something “wrong” with me, a difficult truth to face. But it was also liberating, offering the hope of finally understanding why I felt different and finding ways to manage my symptoms effectively. Since being diagnosed, I’ve gained a much deeper understanding of how ADHD influences my natural responses to situations, helping me to recognise patterns in my behavior. This new awareness has been pivotal in managing my emotions and avoiding the impulsive decisions. I might have made in the past.

While the diagnosis didn’t magically fix everything, it gave me a sense of validation. Knowing that there was a reason behind my struggles empowered me to approach life with greater self-compassion. Instead of harshly judging myself for not meeting arbitrary standards of productivity or focus, I started to embrace my unique strengths. Armed with a better understanding of my brain’s quirks, I began to seek out strategies that worked for me, rather than forcing myself into methods that didn’t align with how my mind operates.

One of the most important outcomes of my diagnosis is how it has improved my relationships. The people around me now have a better understanding of why I respond the way I do in certain situations, especially when my reactions differ from what may be typically expected. This newfound understanding has led to stronger connections and more harmonious interactions with others, allowing me to feel more supported and understood.

What do you think are your greatest ADHD strengths?

I believe that my biggest strength is the ability to solve complex problems by approaching challenges from unique perspectives. As a divergent thinker, I connect the dots between seemingly unrelated concepts, allowing me to uncover creative and innovative solutions. This skill has been instrumental in my entrepreneurial career, enabling me to navigate obstacles, adapt to different situations.

I thrive in environments that require quick thinking and resourcefulness, viewing complexity as an opportunity rather than a barrier. My ability to remain calm under pressure allows me to maintain focus and continuously experiment, turning challenges into opportunities.  The skills have enabled me to develop creative and innovative solutions, and it has been a tremendous asset in my entrepreneurial career.

How do you manage ADHD in daily life?

Since my diagnosis, I’ve been prescribed medication to help manage my condition. However, I’ve tried to abstain from taking it regularly. Instead, I practise mindfulness, which helps me to stay aware of my ADHD and make a conscious effort to navigate challenging situations.

How would you advise your younger self?

When I was growing up, there was very little awareness about ADHD. If I could speak to my younger self, I would encourage myself to appreciate how I am different from others. I would advise myself to focus on my strengths and create my own path, rather than trying to fit into conventional molds.

Complete this sentence:  ADHD is… not a curse, but a “superpower” that has shaped who I am today.

Many thanks for stepping up to be our #Champions4ADHD and spread ADHD Awareness, hope and inspire others. This is an important step to create more understanding, acceptance and opportunities for ADHDers in Singapore. Read more inspiring stories of ADHDers here!