In recent years, some individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have begun including disclaimers in their email signatures to explain potential typos or brusque tones, sparking debate about the practice’s effectiveness and longevity.
The idea behind these ADHD disclaimers is to foster understanding and empathy from email recipients by acknowledging the communication challenges ADHD can sometimes cause. This concept follows a lineage of email signature practices dating back to the early days of smartphones, when users would add notes such as “Please excuse any typos — written on my iPhone with my big clumsy fingers” to give context to errors.
However, reactions among those diagnosed with ADHD have been mixed. One individual with ADHD expressed reservations about such disclaimers, finding formulations that combine diagnosis with self-praise—phrases like “neurodivergent but creative and brilliant”—to be a jarring mix of medical information and professional boasting. Another person with the condition described the practice as “cringe” and dismissed the idea of self-labelling through email footers, suggesting it could lead to a proliferation of disclaimers for all manner of personal challenges.
Beyond ADHD, the discussion raises broader questions about work-related stresses and health issues that can affect communication. Employees managing serious illnesses, mental health conditions, or heavy caregiving responsibilities often find their professional interactions affected. Some argue these situations too could justify email disclaimers to explain tone or delays, yet there is skepticism about practicality and whether such disclosures belong in routine correspondence.
Additionally, email itself may be an imperfect medium for these disclaimers. With the rise of alternative communication platforms like WhatsApp, where a significant portion of professional messaging now occurs, applying the same principles becomes complicated. Voice messages and instant chat applications make it difficult to include explanatory footers, and some see email as increasingly outdated, although it remains important for formal or documented communication.
Experts note that email signatures have long been a space for various trends, many of which have faded over time. Past practices included technological disclaimers linked to devices, inspirational quotes, pronoun declarations, and environmental cautions against printing emails. Each reflected prevailing cultural currents and workplace norms at the time, but none have maintained permanent status.
Given this history, many view ADHD email disclaimers as part of a broader evolution that may ultimately be transient. While the desire for empathy and understanding in digital communication is clear, the format and content of these messages continue to adapt alongside changing communication habits and social perspectives.