Famed for Spider-Man, Captain America, and the Avengers, actor Tom Holland is at the top of his game. Recently, he opened up to news outlets about his neurodivergent experience. He is diagnosed with both ADHD and dyslexia. Here’s his story.

During the filming of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Holland sat down with journalists to talk about his creative process. Long before he steps in front of the camera to shoot a film, the behind-the-scenes work begins. He explained that shaping the character is the first step, and for someone with ADHD and dyslexia, that can present some unique challenges.

"I have ADHD and I'm dyslexic, and I find sometimes when someone gives me a blank canvas that it can be slightly intimidating. And sometimes you are met with those challenges when developing a character,” the actor told IGN in a recent interview.

While ADHD can present challenges, Holland explained how he has created strategies to work with his neurodivergent brain. He shared the importance of structured creativity and hands-on exploration as tools for both character development and problem-solving.

"So any way that you can, as a young person or as an adult, interact with something that forces you to be creative and forces you to think outside the box and make changes that might be in an instruction manual or might not be in an instruction manual just promotes healthy creativity," he continued. "And I think that the more we do that sort of stuff, the better."

Never Stop Playing: New LEGO Short

Holland now stars in a new LEGO short highlighting this creative approach in all its glory. Never Stop Playing is a two-minute live-action and LEGO animation, which looks at how children are pushed to grow up before they are ready.

In the film, Holland first appears as a space marine, quickly realising he should never simply follow orders and abandon the joy of play. It doesn’t end there. The actor then transforms into a football player, an inventor, a toddler, a LEGO minifigure, and finally a grumpy executive. The fun-filled short has an important message about the role of play throughout our lives.

How Creativity Aligns with ADHD

Holland's approach to both his film work and the LEGO project is apt given the latest research on how ADHD impacts creativity. One study in the Journal of Creative Behavior found ADHD adults demonstrate higher levels of creative achievement and creative accomplishment than neurotypical people. Simply put, ADHD traits can support innovative thinking.

Holland uses his imagination and the power of play when preparing for his countless Hollywood roles. Whether it’s creating versions of the characters using LEGO, imagining the emotional range of a character, or using other hands-on tools, his creativity is a real talent. This approach may help him to overcome any executive dysfunction he faces due to his ADHD.

Early Diagnosis and Parental Support

Doctors diagnosed Holland with dyslexia at age seven, and he admits that spelling is one of his biggest challenges. However, he also credits his parents for their unconditional support that shaped his confidence. He says that their message was clear: “as long as you try your best”.

The actor's openness about his ADHD and dyslexia adds to a growing conversation around neurodiversity in the entertainment industry. Other high-profile people, including Paris Hilton, Channing Tatum, and Emma Watson, have each spoken up about their experiences with ADHD.

Takeaway

Holland's success story shows the power of play for ADHD people. By working with his brain rather than against it, he has harnessed his inner creativity to work for him. While everyone is different, getting a diagnosis and finding the strategies that work for you is the way forward. Contact us today to get started with a private ADHD assessment.

Imagery: Wikimedia Commons