Abigoliah Schamaun on ADHD, Comedy and New Book Neurodivergent Moments

Comedian and writer Abigoliah Schamaun discusses Neurodivergent Moments, the new book based on the hit podcast she co-hosts with Joe Wells, exploring ADHD, everyday neurodivergent experiences, and the value of humour, empathy and lived experience

What drew you to making Neurodivergent Moments as a book?

It was essentially Joe’s idea. We’ve been making Neurodivergent Moments (the podcast) since 2022. Our goal was to have guests on and take a light-hearted look at what it is to be neurodivergent through stories and conversations with our guests.

Joe suggested we do something similar in the book. Each chapter is based on a theme and within that theme we each tell a funny story from our own lives. A moment, if you will. We thought it would be fun to focus on lived experiences to explore the minutia of our differently wired brains.

Were there any misconceptions about ADHD or neurodivergence that you particularly wanted to challenge through the book?

I see a lot of chatter online about how most ADHD adults were talented and gifted kids who got straight A’s all through school and now are suffering huge burnout and not living up to the standards they were able to in school.

I understand how this is a lot of people’s lived experience. But it is not mine. At one point I was in remedial classes because I couldn’t keep up. It’s something I don’t see talked about a lot and I wanted to highlight. Some of us are just average and I think that’s ok.

I don’t know if it’s really a misconception that ADHD kids were all straight-A students. But I hear more about that angle than what I believe is the wider experience. I was just a middle-of-the-road academic doing her best. It was something important for me to talk about.

The essays deal with ordinary life as much as major identity questions. Why do you think the everyday details matter so much?

Because it’s every day we experience neurodivergent moments. The big identity stuff happens once in a while. You get diagnosed once. But the identity is rooted in the lived experience.

Hyper-focus, lack of focus, misplacing things - these are things I cope with every day. It’s what makes me know I’m ADHD. The diagnosis is just a piece of paper that lets other people know I’m ADHD. Misplacing my tampons because I accidentally put them in the fridge is how I know I’m ADHD.

How has understanding your own neurodivergence changed the way you see your past experiences, relationships or career?

When I was first diagnosed I looked back and thought if I had known earlier maybe I’d be better at life now. It’s common for newly diagnosed adults to go through a mourning period of “what could have been”.

One time I mentioned this to my friend Angela Barnes and she said, “Yeah, but I think if I had known earlier, I might not have ever become a comedian. I might have stayed a nurse.” I think that’s a good thing to focus on.

I look to my past and I see how ADHD has affected my decision making. Yes, I could have done things differently and made more neurotypical choices. But I think my impulsivity and need for constant change is what led me to move to London from New York. It’s one of the greatest decisions I’ve ever made. And I have ADHD to thank for it. I’m a pretty happy person.

You and Joe have different neurodivergent experiences. Did those differences strengthen the book rather than divide it?

I believe that highlighting and talking about different experiences ALWAYS strengthens human perspective. Whether it’s in this book or in life in general. The more we know and have empathy for others’ lived experiences, the stronger we are.

As a performer and writer, has neurodivergence influenced the way you create comedy or connect with audiences?

People ask me this a lot. The short answer is probably yes, but I don’t really know how because I’ve never had any other brain than this one. It’s not like I caught ADHD later in life. I’ve always had it.

Also, most of my creative friends are neurodivergent in some way. It’s not like I know a lot of neurotypical comedians who I can compare myself to.

What do you hope readers who are or aren't neurodivergent take from reading Neurodivergent Moments?

I guess I hope they take away a different perspective and understanding of what it’s like to be neurodivergent. But most of all, I hope it makes them laugh. I hope this book gives everyone a good giggle

Neurodivergent Moments: Sex, Sunscreen, Turtles and How (Not) to Pack a Suitcase will be published on June 18.The pre-order link is HERE.