Oct 5
Growing up, Author Sivan Hong struggled to focus on reading long enough to connect with the text, until she discovered audiobooks and a whole new world opened up for her. Years later Sivan was diagnosed with ADHD and she finally understood why visual reading had been such a challenge for her and had caused so much unnecessary shame.
Sivan’s diagnosis opened her eyes to how much easier things could’ve been if her different learning style had been encouraged and she was inspired to start writing books that show how neurodivergent differences can be turned into strengths if given the right support.
Her books, which are of course offered in both written and audiobook format, focus on helping neurodiverse children face changes and challenges with courage, and just as importantly, they aim to normalize different behaviors and support for all children. In her words, “We normalize these differences. And then it becomes okay, right? It becomes something that isn't seen as different.”
Sivan’s journey from struggling reader to bestselling children’s author along with the incredible work she’s done through her books is truly inspiring and I’m so delighted to share her story with you in this episode.
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"Our path is not linear because our brains aren't linear. And we should just go with it because at every single point there, I learned something and I could bring something new to the table that the other people in the room didn't have."
- Sivan Hong
"ADHD is such an incredible strength. It gives us a perspective of the world that other people don't have. And unfortunately, as we know, our kids hear over and over and over again how they are wrong because the education system doesn't fit them and the world doesn't fit them and it is up to us to constantly point out all of the things that they do that is absolutely incredible. Because if we don't, how are they going to see it?"
- Sivan Hong
"Like many of us with a later diagnosis of ADHD, when I was younger growing up in the 70s and 80s, nobody really looked at girls and said, ‘oh, you have ADHD,’ right? That just wasn't a thing. It was always this boy thing, the boys who couldn't sit still and jumped around and whatever. It was never a girl thing. So nobody ever raised it."
- Sivan Hong
- Sivan discusses how she overcame reading challenges by listening to audiobooks, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and focusing on the end result rather than the path taken.
- Sivan describes herself as both ADHD and neurodiverse, with a hyperactive component that is connected to her emotions.
- Sivan shares how she copes with social events by wearing earphones and listening to audiobooks, while still being present for her kids.
[14:44 - 24:43] Introversion, socializing, and prioritizing family
- Sivan describes herself as an introvert who fakes being an extrovert when necessary but prefers to stay at home in her pajamas and enjoy Netflix or a book.
- Sivan explains how she sets boundaries with overly social parents by using a "leave me alone face," while still being polite and not rude.
- Sivan describes how she has become more self-aware since her ADHD diagnosis, noticing patterns in her behavior such as hyper-scheduling and difficulty staying focused.
- Sivan creates children's books to help neurodivergent kids navigate social situations with tools and solutions.
- Sivan encourages others to embrace her non-linear path and creativity, rather than following a traditional linear path.
- Sivan suggests alternative MBA programs that may better suit her needs and learning style.
Instagram: @sivan_hong_author
Website: https://sivanhong.com/
LinkedIn: Sivan Nemovicher Hong
