Paris Hilton is redefining what it means to live with ADHD, transforming her personal and professional spaces into havens of neurodiversity-friendly design. Her new web series, ‘Inclusive by Design,’ invites viewers into her world, demonstrating practical strategies to embrace and harness ADHD as a unique strength, proving that thoughtful design can unlock focus, creativity, and joy for everyone.
In a powerful and deeply personal initiative, global entrepreneur and media mogul Paris Hilton is publicly embracing her ADHD diagnosis, championing neurodiversity and inclusion through her new video series, ‘Inclusive by Design.’ Launched in October, which is ADHD Awareness Month, the three-part series offers an exclusive look into how Hilton has optimized her home and the headquarters of her 11:11 Media company to accommodate neurodivergent needs, transforming what many perceive as a challenge into a personal “superpower.”
The Evolution of an Icon: From Socialite to Neurodiversity Advocate
Known for her multifaceted career as a DJ, model, TV personality, author, and fashion designer, Paris Hilton has consistently evolved her public persona. Her recent openness about being diagnosed with ADHD in her twenties marks a significant shift, positioning her as a vocal advocate for understanding and celebrating different brain wirings. “I wouldn’t be the person that I am today without it,” Hilton, 44, shared with People, emphasizing her belief that her neurodiversity fuels her creativity and constant flow of new ideas.
This commitment to advocacy extends to her personal life as a mother. Hilton, who shares son Phoenix Barron, 2, and daughter London Marilyn, 23 months, with husband Carter Reum, 44, explained, “Motherhood has given me a whole new purpose and I want my kids to grow up feeling celebrated for who they are. I feel like the only way to do that is to fully embrace myself first so that I can be the best, most authentic mom for them.”
‘Inclusive by Design’: A Deep Dive into Hilton’s ADHD-Friendly Spaces
The ‘Inclusive by Design’ series is a collaborative effort between Hilton’s 11:11 Media Impact (the nonprofit arm of her company), Understood.org (a leading nonprofit supporting people with learning differences), and Android. The series documents the transformation of her closet, craft room, and home office, as well as the 11:11 Media headquarters—a renovated former pool house on her new, expansive compound—into spaces that foster focus, creativity, and well-being for herself and her neurodivergent team members.
As Hilton told The Hollywood Reporter, the series is “deeply personal” and aims to show “how thoughtful design and technology can make life easier, more joyful, and more creative — a world where every brain can shine.”
The “Superpower” Mindset: Rethinking ADHD
Hilton’s core message revolves around dispelling misconceptions about ADHD and highlighting its positive aspects. She points out that many brilliant individuals across various fields—artists, actors, singers, creators, and scientists—have been diagnosed with ADHD. “There’s so many brilliant people in the community that I think should be celebrated more,” she shared with People. Her advocacy is a call to recognize ADHD not as a weakness, but as a unique neurological wiring that, when understood and harnessed, can be a true superpower.
This perspective resonates deeply within the neurodivergent community, offering a refreshing alternative to the historical stigma often associated with conditions like ADHD. By openly sharing her own experiences, Hilton aims to reduce this stigma and make neurodiversity more relatable for countless individuals who may feel alone in their journey.
Practical Solutions: Visual Organization and Sensory Comfort
One of the key strategies Hilton emphasizes in ‘Inclusive by Design’ addresses the concept of “object permanence” often experienced by individuals with ADHD. “If you don’t see something, it basically doesn’t exist in your mind,” she explained. To counteract this, visual organization becomes paramount.
Her solutions are both practical and stylish:
- Clear Drawers: In her craft room, clear drawers allow her to see contents at a glance, eliminating the mental effort of remembering where items are stored.
- Detailed Labeling: Cabinets and drawers that aren’t transparent in her closet are meticulously labeled, providing clear visual cues for easy recall.
- Ergonomic Seating: For her office, Hilton found a movable and comfortable chair that allows for various sitting and leaning positions. This accommodates the common ADHD need for movement, fostering relaxation and improved focus.
These design choices are not merely aesthetic; they are intentional, research-backed approaches to creating environments that support neurological differences, allowing individuals to thrive rather than struggle against their surroundings.
Unmasking the Past: The Challenge of Growing Up with Undiagnosed ADHD
Hilton also reflected on her experiences growing up before her diagnosis, highlighting the difficulties of masking her ADHD symptoms. “For me growing up, like no one was talking about ADHD,” she recounted. This lack of awareness led to feelings of inadequacy and frustration, as she struggled with memory, losing homework, and getting into trouble at school.
“I just felt like something was wrong with me and I’d just be sad, but then I would just mask or, like, kind of try to act like nothing’s wrong on the inside,” she told People. The act of masking, she learned from others with ADHD, is “exhausting.” Her current advocacy is a direct effort to empower younger generations with the knowledge and self-acceptance she wished she had as a child.
Technology and Inclusivity: Android’s Role
Android’s involvement in ‘Inclusive by Design’ underscores the growing role of technology in supporting neurodivergent individuals. The series showcases the helpfulness of Google AI tools, such as Gemini Live and Circle to Search with Google, in Hilton’s daily life. Menaka Shroff, Global Vice President of Android Ecosystem Marketing for Google, affirmed that “Paris’ favorite tools, Gemini Live and Circle to Search, are just two examples of how Android brings the helpfulness of Google AI to everyone, especially the neurodivergent community.”
Empowering the Neurodivergent Community: The Broader Impact
The collaboration with Understood.org, a non-profit dedicated to individuals with learning and thinking differences, further solidifies the series’ commitment to evidence-based strategies. Sarah Greenberg, Vice President of Expertise and Strategic Design at Understood.org, highlighted the profound impact of physical spaces. “The spaces where we spend time can greatly impact our comfort, productivity, and overall wellbeing – and this is especially true for people with unique brain wiring,” she shared with The Hollywood Reporter. “Inclusive by Design allows us to show millions of people how thoughtfully designed spaces, grounded in research and best practices, can support people with ADHD and ultimately support all minds.”
By opening her home and sharing her journey, Paris Hilton is not just offering organizational tips; she is fostering a movement of acceptance, understanding, and empowerment for the neurodivergent community, echoing her profound message: “You’re not broken. It’s just your brain is wired for something different and something very special.”
