November 18
Hot take: ADHD behavior is a normal variant, not a disorder. This is what our guest, Dr. Idit Hazan believes.
Dr. Idit Hazan, a pediatrician turned entrepreneur and professor, redefines what it means to embrace neurodivergence in medicine and beyond. Through her journey as a parent and professional, Dr. Hazan recognized traits in herself that align with ADHD, helping her reframe her challenges as strengths and fueling her creativity and problem-solving skills. Her insights have led to groundbreaking innovations in pediatric care.
In this episode, Dr. Hazan shares how her experiences as a parent and professor helped her uncover the hidden strengths of an ADHD brain. She reflects on how embracing outside-the-box thinking has shaped her approach to problem-solving and innovation. As a professor of Biology at Grand View University and a trailblazer in pediatric healthcare, she demonstrates how leaning into neurodivergence can transform industries.
Dr. Hazan discusses the development of her pioneering platform, designed to make clinical environments more engaging and empowering for children. She also offers insights on balancing life as a parent of three college-aged kids, a professor, and an innovator. Her story challenges the narrative of ADHD as a deficit and highlights the potential of neurodivergence to unlock creativity and drive meaningful change.
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"It was my belief that ADHD behavior was a normal variant and not a disorder."
- Dr. Idit Hazan
"Focus on your strengths where you excel, and address your weaknesses, ideally by seeking help from others in areas where you struggle."
- Dr. Idit Hazan
"You can be successful no matter how you are. You just have to, first of all, know yourself, and second of all, ask for help."
- Dr. Idit Hazan
"Find what your passion is and ask for help when you’re stuck. If you’re doing something you love, you’re more likely to be successful."
- Dr. Idit Hazan
"Notes, lists, calendar reminders for everything. If I don’t set a reminder, it’s not going to happen."
- Dr. Idit Hazan
"Neurodiverse people are the ones who innovate, try new things, and notice what others don’t. That hyper-awareness can be a tremendous asset."
- Dr. Idit Hazan
- Dr. Idit Hazan, a professor of biology at Grandview University, discovered her ADHD through social media and subsequent research.
- Despite being highly successful academically, with a PhD from UC Irvine, she recognizes her ADHD traits including hyperfocus and struggles with final polishing of work.
- Dr. Hazan thrived during COVID-19 by implementing innovative teaching methods, demonstrating how ADHD traits can be advantageous in crisis situations.
[20:00 - 40:00] Scientific Perspective on ADHD
- Dr. Hazan explains ADHD's high heritability (80%) and discusses the DRD4 gene's association with ADHD traits.
- She presents ADHD as a normal variant rather than a disorder, discussing its evolutionary advantages in certain environments.
- From a genetic perspective, she explains how ADHD traits can be beneficial, emphasizing the importance of understanding personal strengths and weaknesses.
[40:00 - 40:19] Teaching Approach and Personal Strategies
- Dr. Hazan shares her teaching philosophy, which includes engaging students through passion and respecting diverse learning styles.
- She uses practical workarounds like notes, lists, and calendar reminders to manage her responsibilities effectively.
- Dr. Hazan emphasizes the importance of focusing on strengths and finding appropriate environments where ADHD traits can be advantageous.
