What’s so funny about ADHD? (Comedian Jim Tews’ story)

Jim Tews is a comedian, Coast Guard veteran, and New York
Times bestselling author who’s not shy to talk about ADHD in
his stand-up act. Jim shares how he went from doing admin work in
the Ohio Coast Guard to community college, where panic attacks
finally led to his ADHD diagnosis. Jim shares what it was like
trying medication for the first time and why he thinks he wasn’t
diagnosed sooner. (“I had girl ADHD.”) 


These days, he’s channeling all of it into comedy. With a new
special (With Pictures) and album (Without
Pictures), Jim talks about how stand-up keeps him grounded
and what he’s learned along the way. He also looks back on a
childhood full of distractions — like hiding behind doors
and watching squirrels — and how those moments still show up
in his life and work.


For more on this topic: 


Jim’s book: Felines of New York

ADHD and distraction in the military

ADHD and the brain



Timestamps: 


(01:52) Starting out in the Coast Guard in Ohio


(05:51) Jim’s doctors dismiss a possible ADHD diagnosis


(07:30) How college made ADHD more obvious


(15:29) Going alcohol-free with ADHD


(16:45) ADHD stories from childhood


For a transcript and more resources, visit ADHD Aha! on
Understood.org. You can also email us at adhdaha@understood.org.


Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to
empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like
ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work,
donate at understood.org/give


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