Jessica Lauren McCabe (born 5 November 1982) is an American actress, writer, and YouTube personality. She is best known as the host for the YouTube channel How to ADHD as well as for roles in several independent films and television shows including the show American Dreams and the short film Lure.
Jessica McCabe | |
|---|---|
 McCabe speaks for CADDAC, the Centre for ADHD Awareness, Canada, in 2020 | |
| Born | Jessica Lauren McCabe 5 November 1982 Los Angeles, California, US |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 2003–present |
Early life
editMcCabe was born in 1982 or 1983[1] in Los Angeles, California. She was diagnosed with ADHD at age 12.[2] Shortly after, she began taking medication, including Ritalin, and seeing a psychiatrist.[3] McCabe struggled to complete community college and dropped out at age 21.[4][5]
Career
editFilm, media and television
editMcCabe's on-screen career began as a guest star on the new Dragnet. She followed this up with roles in several independent films including Scorched before landing the role of Becky O'Connor in American Dreams. She followed this up with a recurring role on the NBC drama Windfall.
She next appeared as "Courtney" in the independent short film Lure, which played at the Tribeca Film Festival[6] as well as the London Film Festival and garnered her a win for best actress at the New York Indie Film Fest.[7]
Additional roles include the TNT television series Dark Blue as well as another role in Monk. She made her screenwriting debut in the live action 3-D short film, Happy Ending, in which she also stars.
In 2022, she collaborated with neuropsychologist and ADHD expert Russell Barkley to produce an ADHD certification course.[8]
YouTube (2016-pres.)
editIn January 2016, she started her YouTube channel How to ADHD. The channel is dedicated to all topics regarding attention deficit hyperactivity disorder including tips on how to take advantage of the neurodivergent brain type as well as reviews on products such as fidget toys and journals. As of February 2022, the channel has over one million subscribers[9] with its accompanying Patreon gaining over $15,700 a month.[10] Her TEDx talk, which she gave in 2017 has over 6 million views as of July 2024.[4]
McCabe provides content regarding the various ways ADHD can be treated, and how those with the condition can live fulfilling lives. Videos featured on the channel cover a wide variety of topics pertaining to living with ADHD.
On 2 January 2024, McCabe released a self-help book based on her YouTube channel which was published by Random House.[11]
Filmography
edit| Year | Film/TV Series | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | |||
| Happy Ending | Lauren McGee | Pre-Production | |
| Monk | Cashier | ||
| Dark Blue | Kara Tivnan | ||
| Legend of the Mountain Witch | Jessica | Post-Production | |
| The Queen of Screams | Willow | Post-Production | |
| Sibling Rivalry | Becky Johnson | Completed | |
| 2006 | Lure | Courtney | |
| Windfall | |||
| 2005 | American Dreams | Becky O'Connor | |
| 2004 | Joe Killionaire | Cake Girl | |
| 2003 | Scorched | Nicole | |
| Dragnet | |||
| Love Songs | Club Patron 2 |
References
edit- ^ McCabe, Jessica (2017). "This Is What It's Really Like to Live with ADHD" (video). TED. Retrieved February 3, 2019.
- ^ Maguire, Cheryl (2021-02-22). "Hello, Brains! A Life Spent Helping Others Understand A.D.H.D. Online". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-12-20.
- ^ Slater Tate, Allison (2017-05-31). "Young woman with ADHD has message to mom: "Thanks for 'drugging' me"". TODAY.com. Retrieved 2021-12-20.
- ^ a b Culbertson, Grace (2019-10-08). "YouTube star and disability advocate gives lecture at the University of Iowa". The Daily Iowan. Retrieved 2021-12-20.
- ^ "Watch: This YouTuber was a 'smart kid' till ADHD caught up". The Indian Express. 2019-11-25. Retrieved 2021-12-20.
- ^ "Tribeca 2006 : Shorts Competition". Ion Cinema. March 23, 2006. Archived from the original on February 14, 2012. Retrieved December 30, 2011.
- ^ "New York September 2008 Awards". New York International Independent Film and Video Festival. Archived from the original on November 11, 2011. Retrieved December 30, 2011.
- ^ "ADHD CERTIFICATION COURSE: What's New & What's Next in Supporting Neurodiverse Clients". www.pesi.co.uk. Retrieved 2024-07-11.
- ^ "How to ADHD". YouTube. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
- ^ "How to ADHD is creating an ADHD "toolbox" full of research-based information and tips! | Patreon". Retrieved December 7, 2020.
- ^ "How to ADHD: An Insider's Guide to Working with Your Brain (Not Against It)". Penguin Random House. Retrieved 2024-01-03.
External links
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