About Wise Squirrels.
wise squir·rel - /wīz/ ˈskwər(ə)l/ - noun
A Wise Squirrel is an adult diagnosed with ADHD later in life. Wise comes from the wisdom they have gained surviving and thriving in a neurotypical world without knowing they developed coping methods to help them succeed. Squirrel comes from the often ADHD-referenced distracted dog meme "Squirrel!" by Dug the Dog from the movie "UP."
An estimated 6% of U.S. adults—around 15.5 million—have ADHD, with global prevalence ranging from 2% to 5%. Symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity can be challenging, but they also come with unique strengths.
If you've recently been diagnosed with ADHD, you might relate to squirrels—energetic, impulsive, hyperfocused, creative, and resourceful, but sometimes forgetful and unplanned. Like squirrels, people with ADHD adapt and thrive, often learning to turn their challenges into strengths over time.
Get our free NOW WHAT guide for newly diagnosed wise squirrels.
As adults, we’ve built careers, families, and lives through wisdom gained from experience. ADHD presents challenges, but it also offers opportunities to embrace our creativity, resilience, and unique perspectives.
Wise Squirrels is a supportive community for neurodivergent adults to connect, learn, and grow. Together, we can navigate life’s challenges and celebrate its successes. And yes, the name was inspired by Dug’s obsession with squirrels in Up—a playful nod to our shared journey as resilient and resourceful Wise Squirrels. Welcome!
Dave, your Chief Wise Squirrel. Interested in hearing more of his story? Check out these interviews.
About Dave, your “Chief Wise Squirrel.”
Hi, I’m Dave Delaney — a communication expert and your friendly neighborhood Wise Squirrel.
I’m walking this path right beside you. At fifty, after years of wondering why my brain worked the way it did, I was officially diagnosed with ADHD. My wife, a school teacher, responded with the most loving “I told you so” imaginable — she’d suspected this for years and gently nudged me to get evaluated along with a friend. A long-overdue follow-up between a therapist in 2016 and my family doctor in 2023 finally confirmed it: I’m a Wise Squirrel.
I won’t use this space to tell my whole story — I’ll share it with you over time through the podcast, blog, and newsletter. What matters most is this: Wise Squirrels exists to help late-diagnosed adults feel understood, supported, and equipped with tools to navigate life with clarity, confidence, and compassion.
You’re not alone. And you’re not broken. I’m here to help you embrace and celebrate how your brain actually works, remove stigmas, and encourage you to meet your fellow Wise Squirrels, so we can learn and grow together.
Wise Squirrels “Kits”
Our amazing interns are helping us make Wise Squirrels a success.
Jackson Hubbard is a digital and media marketer and recent graduate holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Media Studies with a minor in Communication from Middle Tennessee State University. Jackson boasts a diverse skill set encompassing content creation, content strategy, content management, web design, brand marketing, and interpersonal communication. His experience includes serving as a valuable member of the Riverside SDA Church Media Team and as a Student Marketeer for Red Bull in the Nashville Market.