Last year, I learned I lived with ADHD after nearly two decades of suspecting it. While it’s been freeing to finally start learning how to better address my needs, it hasn’t been easy. I’ve found that I need more community around me to encourage and maintain my productivity in a way that doesn’t quickly deplete my energy levels - insert ADHD Body Doubling!

I was catapulted into a world of isolation when I started my medical leave of absence (LOA) journey. At the time, I hadn’t met anyone who’d used LOA for (autistic) burnout or chronic pain. Nearly everyone I knew was working in a toxic, ableist, corporate environment, telling me to stick it out.