Imposter syndrome

A psychological pattern in which individuals doubt their accomplishments and fear being exposed as a fraud, despite evidence of competence. Imposter syndrome is particularly prevalent among neurodivergent individuals in professional settings, where internalized stigma about their condition can amplify feelings of inadequacy. ADHD developers, for example, may attribute their successes to luck while blaming difficulties on their neurodivergence, creating a cycle of self-doubt. In accessibility and workplace inclusion contexts, imposter syndrome intersects with disclosure decisions — neurodivergent workers may avoid disclosing because they fear it will confirm their own doubts about their competence, even when disclosure could lead to beneficial accommodations and support.