Watch the Disruptors

UPDATE: Listen to our interview with Executive Producer, Nancy Armstrong.

I had a quiet stormy Saturday afternoon free today and decided to watch The Disruptors on Dr. Kim Pereira at ADHD Coach CT’s recommendation.

The Disruptors is a thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on ADHD and discusses how our neurodiverse brains are often misunderstood. Directed by Stephanie Soechtig, the film challenges conventional beliefs by exploring the notion that having an ADHD brain can be viewed as an asset rather than a limitation.

The documentary features diverse individuals, including innovators, entrepreneurs, CEOs, Olympic athletes, and award-winning artists, who openly discuss how effectively managing their ADHD has played a vital role in their personal and professional success.

By debunking harmful myths surrounding ADHD, "The Disruptors" does a great job of reshaping societal perceptions and providing a more nuanced understanding. The film delves into the experiences of several families as they navigate the challenges and unexpected triumphs of living with ADHD. Through intimate and immersive storytelling, viewers are taken on a journey that challenges preconceived notions and fosters empathy and understanding.

The Disruptors features ADHD experts like Dr. Russell Barkley, Dr. Ned Hallowell, Dr. Yamalis Diaz, Dr. Dale Archer, Dr. Gail Saltz, Dr. Amy Margolis, Dr. Francine Conway, Kristin Seymour, MSN, RN, AHCNS, Dr. David Anderson, Dr. Ellen Littman, Elaine Taylor-Klaus, PCC, CPCC, and Dr. Thomas Brown.

It was interesting but not surprising to note how some parents of children with ADHD also discover they have ADHD. I was surprised by the following statistic, ADHD in boys is linked to genetics 65% of the time. In girls, the figure is close to 90%.

With Stephanie Soechtig's directorial vision, The Disruptors presents a compelling narrative that encourages reevaluating how ADHD is perceived and highlights the potential benefits of effectively managing and harnessing our strengths.

Featured celebrities with ADHD

I enjoyed how the film balances real people and celebrities with ADHD, like Paris Hilton, Will.i.am, Scott Kelly, Howie Mandel, David Neeleman, Michelle Carter, Wendy Davis, Terry Bradshaw, Ty Pennington, Jillian Michaels, Christopher Knight, Steve Madden, Jake Steinfeld, Tim Armstrong, Jessica McCabe, Glenn Beck, Kenny Dichter, and Tom Scott.

Soechtig certainly makes the case for education reform. The scene with the boy being sent outside the classroom to sit in the hall reminded me of my earliest years at school, not to mention the discipline problems many of the children experienced.

What stood out to me most was this quote from Dr. Ned Hallowell, “The flip side of distractibility is curiosity. The flip side of impulsivity is creativity. The flip side of hyperactivity is energy.”

Have you seen the movie? What did you think of it? If you haven’t yet, here’s how to watch The Disruptors and support the filmmakers.