# When “Just Focus” Never Made Sense | ADHD and Autism with Hannah Badenhop

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/focus-and-chill-productivity-tactics-for-audhders-and-other-neurodivergent-folks-5667584/when-just-focus-never-made-sense-adhd-and-autism-with-hannah-badenhop
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/focus-and-chill-productivity-tactics-for-audhders-and-other-neurodivergent-folks-5667584/when-just-focus-never-made-sense-adhd-and-autism-with-hannah-badenhop.md
Podcast: [Focus and Chill - productivity tactics for AuDHDers and other neurodivergent folks](https://stenobird.com/podcast/focus-and-chill-productivity-tactics-for-audhders-and-other-neurodivergent-folks-5667584)
Published: 2026-02-20T13:42:24+00:00
Episode link: https://share.transistor.fm/s/14020228
Audio file: https://media.transistor.fm/14020228/fe51f4b7.mp3
Processing state: processed
JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/focus-and-chill-productivity-tactics-for-audhders-and-other-neurodivergent-folks-5667584/episodes/when-just-focus-never-made-sense-adhd-and-autism-with-hannah-badenhop
Duration seconds: 1987

## Resource

“I always felt a bit like an alien… I was different to everyone else and wasn’t really sure why.” Before her ADHD and autism diagnoses, Hannah Baden Hop kept hearing the same advice: just focus. But in the classroom, that instruction never made sense. In this episode, she shares what school was really like as a neurodivergent student, how understanding her brain changed her confidence, and why visual learning and interest-driven focus made such a difference. If you’ve ever struggled to pay attention in traditional classrooms, felt “different” growing up, or are supporting neurodivergent learners, this conversation explores what actually helps and why one-size-fits-all learning often misses visual thinkers. Hannah Badenhop has worked across multiple roles at Autism South Australia, where she champions neuro-inclusive practice through community engagement and resource development. As a neurodivergent professional herself, she contributes to initiatives such as Neuro Inclusive Recruiting and the Autistic Guide to Adulthood, helping ensure autistic voices shape the supports designed for them. 00:02:46 — Feeling like an outsider in class Hannah describes growing up feeling “like an alien” compared to her peers. Without understanding why she struggled socially and academically, the disconnect was both confusing and isolating. 00:02:55 — When “just focus” didn’t make sense Teachers often told her to simply pay attention, but she couldn’t understand why focusing felt so difficult. The advice created pressure without addressing how her brain actually worked. 00:04:30 — Grades changed when she followed her interests Earlier schooling was difficult when subjects didn’t engage her attention. But once she could hyperfocus on business and graphic design, she achieved top marks, show…

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