Episode Summary

Main Theme & Purpose

In this episode of Overcoming Distractions—Thriving with ADHD/ADD (October 17, 2025), host David A. Greenwood welcomes Jeff Copper (Dig Coaching) to discuss one of the most overlooked accommodations for adults with ADHD: the intentional use of direct communication as a cognitive support. The episode explores how adults with ADHD often overlook talking through their challenges—not as a crutch, but as a powerful, universal, and natural adaptation that can drastically improve focus, clarity, and executive functioning. Jeff presents his model of "cognitive ergonomics from the inside out" and makes the case for re-examining familiar experiences as legitimate, effective accommodations for ADHD.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Executive Function & ADHD: Setting the Stage

• Understanding Executive Functions (04:00-06:40)

  • Executive functions are “a collection of mind tools that you use to solve problems.”
  • For people with ADHD, these functions are impaired (i.e., less efficient), which means it takes disproportionately more effort to accomplish tasks, leading to burnout and frustration.
  • "If it's 50% impaired, it means it takes twice the effort to do the same thing." — Jeff Copper (05:10)
  • Motivation isn't always the issue: "People with ADHD have more motivation than neurotypicals because it's harder." — Jeff Copper (05:25)

• Strategy vs. Execution (07:30-09:08)

  • Having a plan is not usually the problem; carrying it out is.
  • Many with ADHD drift to “cognitively easier” activities to avoid tasks that require difficult executive functioning, like writing a blog or planning.
  • "You didn't write the blog not because you didn't want to, but because the executive function work to organize thoughts, choose words, and order arguments is really hard." — Jeff Copper (08:30)

2. The Direct Communication Model: “Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out”

• Concept of Cognitive Ergonomics (09:34-12:46)

  • Most ADHD accommodations focus on working "harder"; Jeff suggests focusing on working differently.
  • Direct, real-time communication—talking out loud to another person—is an overlooked but fundamental tool for problem solving.
  • “Direct communication is actually the universal accommodation… It's been going on for thousands of years.” — Jeff Copper (12:35)
  • Example: Historically, language developed for people to solve shared problems—collaboration and talking through tasks are not weaknesses, but ancient, universal strengths.

• Why Don’t We Use This Enough? (15:09-18:02)

  • Emotional self-regulation and self-awareness are both key executive functions. Many adults with ADHD avoid asking for help or communicating because of shame, perfectionism, or fear of judgment.
  • “If somebody came to you and said, ‘Hey, can I think out loud for a minute?’ Do you say no to them?” — Jeff Copper [17:29]
  • The avoidance is not inability—it's an emotional hurdle: "It's your emotional judgment that's restraining you from having the direct conversation to resolve the problem." — Jeff Copper (18:02)

3. A Paradigm Shift: From Skills Training to Built-in Accommodations

• Skills Training vs. Accommodations (22:19-25:11)

  • Instead of endless self-improvement, environmental supports—like daily check-ins or structured conversations—might be more effective.
  • “Let’s stop trying harder… let’s get people and give them permission to problem solve with other people.” — Jeff Copper (24:01)
  • Real-world examples: At school—tutors, special ed, one-on-ones. At work—team huddles, quick debriefs, intentional collaboration.

• Making Accommodations Tangible (23:48)

  • ADHD is affected by environmental context: "ADHD is amplified or muted based on the environment." — Annie Rogers quoted by Jeff Copper (23:48)
  • Loss of casual workplace collaboration during COVID isolation led to a surge in coaching: “The intangible, invisible accommodation that was built in at work... is no longer at your place. That's why you're suffering.” — Jeff Copper

4. Actionable Steps: Making Direct Communication Work for You

• Identifying Hidden Accommodations (26:16-28:09)

  • Many adults with ADHD already instinctively use direct communication for problem-solving (“I just cry and call my mom, and then I can write my paper.”).
  • These natural behaviors are not weaknesses—they’re hidden strengths.

• Practical Scripts & Moves (28:09-29:19)

  • “If you’re a businessman: ‘Hey, you got a minute? Can I talk out loud? Can you help me brainstorm?’”
  • Don’t ask people to tell you what to do; ask for their experience or help thinking through things. This preserves agency and maximizes creativity.
  • For self-reliant moments: Use techniques like “body doubling” (working alongside someone, even virtually or in silence), or write your thoughts aloud for self-guidance.

• Situational Adaptation (30:23-31:26)

  • Not “one size fits all”—some people benefit more from social environments, others from quiet. Self-awareness helps tailor the best combinations.
  • “If you look at it, you'll be surprised. Just say, 'What am I not clear on?’” — Jeff Copper (30:40)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Direct communication is actually the universal accommodation… Neurotypicals do it every day. People with ADHD do it every day. But people with ADHD just need it more.” — Jeff Copper (12:46)

• “80% of everything on your procrastination list at some level is rooted in ambiguity.” — Jeff Copper (19:46)

• “If you don’t really know what to do, what are you procrastinating on?” — Jeff Copper (20:45)

• “Clarity and motivation are highly correlated. As long as it’s not boring, if you know what to do, you’ll do it.” — Jeff Copper (21:05)

• “Try differently, not harder.” — David Greenwood (35:22)

• “My end game is to get this into Americans with Disabilities Act—so those with ADHD can actually get this as a legitimate accommodation, both in school and work.” — Jeff Copper (34:32)

Recommended Action Steps (Practical Takeaways)

1. Begin using direct communication as a daily tool:
   Ask peers, co-workers, friends: “Can I talk this out for a minute?” or “Can you help me think through something?”
2. Reframe ‘asking for help’ not as a deficit, but as a fundamental adaptation—it’s ancient, universal, and necessary.
3. Notice patterns: Pay attention to when and how collaboration or talking out loud helps you get unstuck.
4. Environmental design: Seek out or establish regular touchpoints (short daily check-ins, work buddies, mentors, body doubling sessions).
5. Self-compassion: Recognize emotional patterns (shame, fear of judgment) that keep you from reaching out—challenge the idea that you ‘should’ do everything alone.
6. Advocate at work: If possible, request regular, scheduled check-ins or collaborative planning as a formal accommodation.
7. For solo work: Try explaining a task out loud (even to yourself), or record a voice memo talking yourself through a plan, especially when feeling vague or stuck.

Timestamps For Important Segments

• Executive Functions and ADHD: 04:00–06:40
• Plan vs. Execution—Why the Brick Wall Appears: 07:30–09:08
• Direct Communication as Universal Accommodation: 12:02–12:46
• Avoidance & Emotional Barriers to Communication: 15:09–18:02
• Skills Training vs. Accommodations—Paradigm Shift: 22:19–23:47
• Making it Practical: Scripts and Steps: 26:16–29:19
• Variability & Individualization of Approaches: 30:23–31:26
• Key Advocacy Vision—Change in ADA Accommodations: 34:32–35:22

Episode in a Nutshell

This episode busts the myth that “doing it alone” is evidence of adulting or professionalism with ADHD. Jeff Copper and David Greenwood argue that talking things out, seeking quick collaborations, and building discussion-based supports are not just helpful, but are critical, evidence-based, and natural accommodations that can make adult ADHD far more manageable and less lonely. If you’re stuck, feeling foggy, or simply burned out from trying harder—“try differently”—and start thinking out loud, together.