If you’ve ever felt like introversion or ADHD made school harder than it needed to be, you’re not alone. Growing up, I never had the tools or language to explain why my brain worked differently. Teachers saw “distracted,” “quiet,” or “unmotivated.” What they didn’t see was how hard I was trying.

I recently sat down with Phil Brown on the Vertical Playpen Podcast to unpack all of this. We talked about introversion, ADHD, and why schools still miss the mark on teaching emotional intelligence. The episode (linked below) dives deep into how society is finally having more open conversations about mental health, but also where we still have work to do.

Watch on YouTube | Listen on Spotify | Apple Podcasts

Why This Matters

For years, kids like me grew up thinking they were “lazy” or “too sensitive.” In reality, we just didn’t fit the traditional school mold. Education is still often focused on test scores and productivity instead of teaching kids how to understand their emotions and manage their energy. That has real consequences, especially for kids with ADHD or introverted personalities.

According to CHADD, ADHD affects nearly 10% of children in the U.S. Yet schools rarely provide tools for navigating time blindness, emotional dysregulation, or executive dysfunction. On top of that, introverted kids are often misunderstood as being disengaged when really, they’re just processing differently.

My Journey with Introversion and ADHD

I wasn’t diagnosed with ADHD until adulthood. Looking back, the signs were all there: trouble focusing, losing track of assignments, emotional highs and lows. But I pushed through by masking, pretending I had it all together. It wasn’t until I opened up on social media that I realized how many people shared the same struggles.

That’s the power of vulnerability. Sharing my story not only helped me heal but also gave others permission to do the same. When adults model honesty about mental health, it teaches young people that they don’t have to carry their struggles in silence.

What Schools Can Do Better

Here’s what I wish schools would prioritize:

  • Teach emotional intelligence early. Help kids identify feelings and regulate them instead of punishing “bad behavior.”
  • Create flexible learning environments. Not every student thrives in a loud classroom or with timed tests. Options matter.
  • Normalize conversations about ADHD and introversion. Stop treating them as problems to “fix” and start seeing them as part of human diversity.
  • Train teachers on neurodiversity. A little understanding can go a long way in how kids experience school.

For more resources, check out Understood.org, which provides excellent tools for both parents and educators supporting kids with learning differences.

What You Can Do Right Now

Even if you’re no longer in school, the lessons still apply. Here are some things that helped me:

  • Track your energy, not just your time. Introverts need recovery time. ADHD brains need breaks before burnout.
  • Build systems, not shame. Post-it notes, timers, apps…use whatever works, and don’t feel guilty if it’s unconventional.
  • Practice vulnerability. Share your story with someone you trust. You’ll be surprised how freeing it feels.
  • Seek out community. Whether it’s ADHD groups, introvert forums, or therapy, connection reduces isolation.

And if you want something more structured, I put together a digital guidebook called Navigating ADHD & Adulthood. It’s packed with practical tools I wish I had when I was younger.

Final Thoughts

The truth is, introversion and ADHD don’t make you broken. They make you human. And the more we normalize these conversations, whether in schools, workplaces, or at home, the better off we all are.

If you’d like to hear more, check out my full conversation with Phil Brown on the Vertical Playpen Podcast. I promise it’s full of insights, laughs, and some real talk about what it’s like to grow up navigating these challenges.

YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts

What do you wish schools had taught you about mental health? Leave a comment and let’s start the conversation.

Much love. Good vibes. – Ky