THREAD
Reading theory with ADHD

Nerotypical understandings of ADHD would have you believe people with ADHD are able to function the same as individuals without mental disabilities in capitalist society. The popular conception of ADHD is almost more of a joke then a real disorder.

This couldn’t be further from the truth. Much like other neurological disabilities such as autism and OCD, ADHD makes life in capitalist society extremely challenging. Capitalism demands constant productivity, and its institutions are unable to provide disableled people access-

to the communal resources that more easily allow us to live happy, fulfilled, and productive lives. That is why it is in our best interest to destroy and replace capitalism. This requires us to destroy our liberal tendencies, something that can only happen through study of theory

ADHD makes the study of theory particularly hard, but not impossible. Here are some tips from someone with ADHD to best establish reading habits and make reading more enjoyable

This is a big one: People with ADHD need a tactile experience. It might be necessary to splurge for a physical copy of text. One that is our own copy to keep, display, and especially annotate.

Annotation is also key. It allows us to easily go back and find important information as well as allowing us to mark our in the moment thoughts down.

My favorite piece of advice is to do some light warm up reading before jumping into a difficult text. I personally will sit down and read a few pages from cook books, or a fun article completely unrelated from communism just to start the process.

In my experience it’s also good to be reading two books at once. I typically will read one long, challenging text at the same time as a shorter, easier text. Switching books from chapter to chapter. This keeps the texts from getting unstimulating.

While reading is the primary and most effective method for study, Supplemental media is very beneficial for those with a hard time processing information. This includes listening to podcasts, watching videos, or reading short summaries of difficult books

I personally love listening to the podcast @Red_Menace_Pod while cleaning or driving for supplemental material https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/red-menace/id1452308513?i=1000429638042

Additionally, disabled people should not compare ourselves and our abilities to those with an easier time reading. It’s ok to read slow, to not be able to read out loud, to have to go back and read passages multiple times We need to be reading on our own terms.

Finally for now, Understanding theory is best done communally. I encourage those with reading disabilities to find comrades to read together, discussing books section by section. Its ok to ask your comrades any questions you might have about the text. Structure is beneficial.

Reading is hard and that’s OK. Take breaks while reading, take advantage of hyper-focus, ask for help. The important thing here is that you’re reading. It’s a habit that takes time to develop. If you have any suggestions/ tips feel free to add them : )

last thing. Do not let anyone tell you reading theory is ableist. It is a necessity. Comrades have literally taught themselves to read to be able use communist theory to fight for their liberation. It is a challenge but it is our duty to read. Help disabled comrades do that.