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Some call it minimal brain dysfunction, it’s a disorder, it’s a mental illness, it is all of the above and it is more than that and maybe, just maybe those are the wrong terms. ADD and ADHD are misunderstood with so many misconceptions out there and those that suffer from it are sometimes considered to be living a life of excuses and treated negatively when letting others know of their diagnosis. Additionally, the symptoms of ADD and ADHD, each by themselves, are very common issues that just about everyone has to some degree or another which leads to the misconceptions and denials of what ADD and ADHD is.
 However, ADD and ADHD are also well known for positive traits, such as creativeness, vivid imagination, inventiveness and ingenuity and so much more. Some of these traits are highly sought after and can hardly be mimicked or copied because each ADDer possesses unique characteristics which only he or she has. The terms, such as minimal brain dysfunction, disorder, mental illness and others are not considered accurate by many people who have ADD or ADHD.
So how do we raise awareness of what ADD ADHD really is and how it affects those with ADD or ADHD? How do we tell the truth and let others know how detrimental denial can be and how devastating the misconceptions can be to ADDer’s, especially in social situations?
The best way I have found is to talk about it, to write about it and let my voice be heard. I have created this Blog and written my book with the intention of creating awareness—letting others know what ADD and ADHD is from my own personal perspective. I also created this Blog and wrote my book for others who are suffering to let them know they are not alone, to read about another’s discoveries and how another person copes. I think it is working. ADDer World, I believe, has more readers than some magazines and even some small newspapers! ADDer World readers are from all over the globe and some Universities with ADD ADHD studies have visited ADDer World!
Alas, I cannot do it alone. I try, mind you, but to really get the word out I think it would be wonderful and beneficial to hear from you! You don’t have to create your own blog or even put your identity on the line; however, there are many of us out there who Blog and tell our stories and most blogs allow comments. Your comments could potentially help others and most of all let others know that there are ‘others’ out there. Sometimes it just helps to have a sense of community and communities have much more influence than any single individual.
One way to raise awareness and build a bigger, more profound community is to comment when you read an article on a blog that you can relate to or have an opinion about. Most of us Bloggers do not edit your comments, only in the event if it could be offensive or hurtful to others. Even in that case we usually just take out the part which could be construed as offensive or hurtful. Try it out; tell your side of the story. None of us are exactly the same.
What do you think?
Recently I created a Blog section and I will be adding more ADD ADHD blogs in the near future – please, visit them and feel free to say hello. I don’t agree or even condone every single thing posted on other blogs, but then again, that’s one of the great things about opinions, you get different points of views!
 I created the ADDer quote of the week to also help spread awareness and show that there are many ADDers and individuals with ‘certain traits’ out there who have become extremely successful with the use of their personal traits, whatever those traits might be. One of the companies backing a certain ADDer in the “quote of the week” wrote to me personally via email and thanked me for including their certain someone on my blog! How cool is that?!?
Let’s raise awareness together!? If you like, you can write me and tell your story concerning ADD or ADHD and I could then create a guest ADDer story from time to time, giving you full credit! If you are interested email me with your story here: Bryan.Hutchinson ‘AT’ adderworld.com – Email me for further details. I cannot guarantee I will post every story, but I will give it a shot with the “ADDer story of the week or month”.
~Bryan
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Your doing a great job of try to inform people about the “real-ness” of ADD. YOU ROCK!!!!
I can tell you from my own life that people often don’t want to hear about it…especially when it appears to be used as a excuse. That can be very discouraging to the person with ADD, who already doubts themselves. The ironic part is I never wanted it to be a excuse for anything!! I’ve got some problems with some things, sure, but then who doesn’t? One way or another.
I can say for myself , I compensate the best I can, so I don’t have anything to feel bad about. I still do feel bad at times, but not because I need to.
I thinks the kids who are diagnosed young are more excepted, by themselves and others. Not in every instance but more then before. I see this in my kids classrooms. Having ADD seems pretty accepted. There are jokes of course that fly around, “Hey, I don’t think so and so took their meds today”.
I think the folks who aren’t diagnosed till their adults may have a tougher time because of the years they didn’t know what they were dealing with. Lots of habits, some not positive, are established, then hard to break.
The mental illnesses are results of living with undiagnosed ADD, I don’t feel ADD is a mental illness.
Great blog, Bryan…Keep up what you’re doing.
Reply to LisaThanks Lisa, and YOU ROCK!
Reply to Bryangreat blog man…you are really inspirational!
I think the American kids are lucky in way…at least there is some awareness among people and teachers about ADHD which helps the kids to be diagnosed and treated at an early age. i come from a beautiful yet poor and illiterate country of Nepal where most of the people dont even know what ADHD is all about. when i first talked to my mom about my problem, she just laughed it away…she thought i was just being lazy and all i needed was more ‘hardwork’ and ‘focus’!! i couldnt blame her because she had never heard of Attention deficit disorder in her entire life. If it wasnt for the internet, even I wouldnt have any knowledge about ADD/ADHD…she finally agreed to take me to the psychiatrist when i insisted that i really needed some serious help. I was then diagnosed of OCD and ADHD. It was heartbreaking at first…because i knew ADHD had no permanent cure but i’m slowly gathering up courage to get on with my life, thanks to great people like you. I have read somewhere that beethoven had ADHD as well (is this really true?). being a guitar player with ADHD myself, this was really an inspirational discovery! here’s a little 50 sec. clip of my guitar playing…nothing fancy, just random and on the spot improvisation.
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=705171&content=music
keep up the good work bryan…i really appreciate the work you are doing.
Reply to PranjalThanks Pranjal – Yes, many do believe that Beethoven had ADHD. He displayed the typical traits. Great music!
Yeah, don’t we all need more hardwork and focus?!? lol — that’s what it is all about? But, you are right, blame doesn’t help anyone progress!
Check out the ADDer Quotes of the week for some folks with either ADD or ADHD or similiar triats….
~Bryan
Reply to BryanPranjal,
Nice guitar work! So nice to hear … you’ve really got a good sound and feel for rock. And that’s more than I can say for many of the “big” bands out there today.
I just started trying to teach myself to play too. I’ve only got a classical guitar, but it’s a start. I’ve got a sound in my head that I wanna play … a heavy, hard blues …
Keep on rockin’!
Reply to MikeI was never diagnosed with ADD, but I see my son’s struggle and dislike for school and I see myself… My son was diagnosed with ADHD, and although he is not taking any meds yet, I will be trying the non-dairy diet and use lots of patience because taking the alternative route with meds. Your blog is fantastic and very soothing. Can’t wait to read your book!!!
Thank you!
Reply to NatalieI have ADHD and it has been really hard for me lately mostly because all of my friends have started taking that big step of becoming a teenager. I got diagnosed in 5th grade and it was really hard (and it still is) especially since in all of the stress of changing from a little girl to a young lady all of my friends started to care more about their appearance and even started to get boyfriends, I suddenly became diagnosed with ADHD. I wish I had been diagnosed sooner, and right now even in 7th grade I still haven’t changed a bit! While everyone is talking about what they saw on the news I am thinking about the newest episode of Spongebob, and it is pretty hard. I hope that things will get better for me (I know they will!) and I am going to read your book it will help me believe in change for me in the future.
Reply to MadisonHi!! I’ve been struggling with ADD/ADHD since about 4th or 5th grade it took them until I was 19, a senior in highschool, to diagnose me i thought i was lazy and just hated to read my parents would just yell at me and scold me but that just made me angry and almost made it worse i felt like a loser and a failure my whole schooling years i hated disappointing my parents it was the worst feeling in the world to me. I went to the psychiatrist and psychologist got IQ tests and they told me I had anxiety/depression (I would even hyperventilate once in awhile when something really bad would happen and i wouldnt be able to stop it), OCD, and ADD/ADHD. I used to be a dancer for 14 years but had to quit due to a tumor in my hip once that happened i started gaining weight finding myself eating just because i was bored and didnt know what else to do. I was never good at school and still am not, but i am good at english! always got A’s and B’s in that classs just cant do math if my life depended on it, it just doesnt click and doesnt make sense to me no matter how many times someone explains it and if they do and i still dont get it i feel dumb and just say that i understand it even if i dont… I know I’m smart though I know the things that go on im my mind noone else thinks that way (at least thats how it feels to me) my mind is so out there sometimes i cant even believe the things that pop in my head! Now I’m 22 and going to a community college for nursing but i feel like this is holding me back, I’ve been to two schools, technical and community. I just have such a hard time passing my classes i just cant seem to desire to pick up my biology or chemistry book and study cuz its so boring to me and my eyes end up darting all over the pages and then i dont even know what i just read then i dont feel like reading anymore and give up… I dont want to feel like a failure anymore and i feel like im at the end of the road, stuck between a rock and a hard place, i dont know what to do, i dont think im going to pass my classes and if that happens i dont think ill be able to be a nurse even tho i know i have the biggest heart and would most likely make a great nurse and i care about helping people a lot i just cant get through school, if only it was all hands on… this is the 4th year ive been out of highschool and by now i feel like i should have something, I am a nursing aide and a TMA (Trained medication aide) I pass pills and that gets boring to me sometimes but at the same time its so fast paced i get overwhelmed because if i screw up i could overdose or kill someone thats a lot of pressure to have on my mind with the conditions i have (even tho i just got on Adderall XR 20mg kinda stinks cuz i think i might have to up the dose, dont think its doing enough)… I’ve thought about getting my phlebotomy license (i prolly will next semest) and maybe just do lab tech cuz i cant seem to get into nursing, maybe try again down the road, hoping my life doesnt feel so chaotic by then maybe id be able to focus more… idk what im doing im just so frustrated and i feel like im stuck between a rock and a hard place, I’ve found myself crying these last couple days as i research more and more about my condition and reading other peoples comments and realizing things ive never realized before really got to me. I dont want ADD/ADHD to run my life, my family still just thinks im lazy and i can just study more and harder if i just took the initiative but in my head my brain is just telling me to go to something else so i do. I think to myself I need to do good this semester i have to get A’s and B’s but then everything just falls apart slowly and i end up with C’s and D’s then i get depressed and i just disappointed my mom (she’s the one i hate disappointing the most) i know she just wants me to have a good life and not have to struggle for money but i know she just doesnt understand whats going on in my mind. shes already a nurse has been for many years and so is my sister whom is 13 years older then me, im the youngest of 5 children so you can image the pressure i have to face being compared to my other siblings not feeling good enough or up to the standards of everyone around me. I guess this is getting long, how can i expect a website for people with ADD/ADHD to sit here and read my long story of my life lol sry just felt good to see it on the screen instead of holding it all in… GOD PLEASE SEND A CURE! I feel trapped in my own body and i cant take it ne more!!
Reply to LindseyHey Lindsay,
My name is Ivan, i’m a 26 year old man from holland. I know how it feels, probably I got ADD too because I got the same symptoms that you described in your comment. It’s really hard to explain this condition to my family and friends and I wish that was a way to project my thoughts on a screen so they can see all the crazy stuffs that goes through my mind.
But you cried out to God and it’s a good thing to do. cause only Jesus can help us, put your hope in Him
Blessings
Reply to IvanA lot of us feel the same way you do and we understand, no, more than that, we relate! It seems to me that you are coming to an understanding and acceptance of yourself, that is good and will provide you with the courage to continue. There is so much more to you than any diagnosis. Thank you for sharing and please continue to seek help and assistance.
You might enjoy our interactive site http://www.adderworld.ning.com – thank you for sharing Lindsey!
Bryan
Reply to BryanLindsey I don’t believe your’e lazy at all! It seems to me from what I have read that you are doing everything in your power to get where you want to be. You have already had the success by becoming a TMA.
Reply to JulieSometimes we have a hard time progressing forward if we let things that are or have been said about us in the past dictate our future. Don’t let this take over your life. Take one day at a time and you will continue to succeed. Thanks for sharing your story.
Lindsey, I can totally relate!!! Your story sounds very similar too mine except my parents have always been very supportive of me (thank God) and I’m twice your age. I’ve learned that having ADD is actually a blessing and most of the “normal” people are boring. My psych. reminds me to focus on the positive aspects of my personality. He calls it a matter of differences not disabilities! Take care, MBB
Reply to LindseyHi dear Lindsey,
I just wanted to let you know that my heart goes out to you. I understand your frustration and of course your mother’s concern. I want to reiterate that there is wonderful news, there is hope! You have started with accepting that your brain works a little differently than most people, that’s a great step. I am a mother of a couple of children with ADHD, and ADD, and I want to remind you that as parents we want our children to be “healthy, happy, moral, and independent”. Other than that any expectations your parents put on you, you should not take personally. Here is my word of advice:
1. Remember, right now YOU are your primary concern.
2. Focus on one thing at a time. I can see you have GREAT aspirations in your career, but FOCUS ONLY ON ONE THING. Right now, as you heal, and learn to cope, just your job, and at most, 1 class a week is recommended.
3. Go online or in-person (or youtube) to a site that has guided vipassana meditations. Classes are usually free, but this type of meditation teaches you to focus on your breathing and settle down your thoughts. I found this really helped my kids as they became adults.
If you like, I will post more tidbits of advice from my position as Mom of ADHD. This is not meant to be professional advice. Please let us all know how your are doing in the future.
Best regards,
Reply to ZailynZailyn
Dear Lindsey,
I empathize with what you have been going thru!
Please go to http://www.TheWellnessPros.net ASAP. The location is at 1991 Park Avenue, San Jose, CA 95126. Phone No. (408)261-PROS.
Dr. Thomas A. Santucci, DC, CNS can best advise you and I believe can help you!
You can request information to be sent to you too!
Your health is a number #1 priority. Like driving a car, we can be in harmony or be in chaos. In good consciousness, one has a responsibility to Not put anyone’s life in harm’s way!
A person’s life is priceless! No one can honestly put a price tag on one’s life! We are here for just a moment in time and need to make the best of it! No ribbons, plaques, material possessions can be transported to where we all came from in the beginning that has no end called infinity!
Take care!
Marilyn
Reply to LindseyLindsey,
I read you entire post and found myself relating to so much of what you wrote about your struggles with ADD/ADHD. We have so much in common! I am the youngest of five in my family, too. I struggled through school and felt like a failure. I did not understand why my friends and sisters had such an easy time in school, yet, I just struggled through most of my classes, especially math! The only class that I liked was English because I have always had a passion for writing since I was in fourth grade.
My dream was to get into Journalism, but once I was in college and studying Journalism, I failed miserably in copy editing and computers. Once again, I felt like such a loser for quitting college and for letting down my parents.
As an adult, I never understood why I jumped from job to job. I was unaware that I had ADD and I never even discovered that I have ADD, until I was in my 30′s. My son was diagnosed with ADD when he was in first grade. He was so hyperactive, bouncing off the walls and not doing well in school. I wanted to learn as much as I could about ADHD so I could be a better parent. Thankfully, I read a book called, “WOMEN WITH ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER” by Sari Solden. This book was all about ME! The more I read this book, the more I knew in my heart that I was undiagnosed with adult ADD. It took many years to eventually find a professional to diagnosis me correctly.
The good thing is that I was able to understand my failures and weaknesses once I was diagnosed. I was able to understand better what my strengths were and to move in the direction that would lead me to succeed in something that I do well at. I got into the beauty industry and I love it! It is an upbeat, fun occupation working in an enjoyable environment. I have a passion for helping others look & feel great.
Lindsey, God has a perfect plan for you! Yes, you may have been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD, but you have special and unique gifts that through time and patience, you could discover.
Possibly, you feel pressured to be a nurse because there are many nurses in your family.
However, there are so many other occupations that could be options for you, especially since you have a big heart in helping others. When considering which direction to go in life, stop and think about what you enjoy the most, what you feel good about, what excites y0u and what you love doing as a hobby. Sometimes a simple hobby that we love could actually be turned into a “real” rewarding career!
Try not to be hard on yourself. Let go of all past failures and move on. Instead of believing that you are trapped in a body that you have no control, try to focus on the wonderful things that you are good at. Possibly you have hidden talent in art, music, dance, writing, fashion, computers or in helping others? This is your NEW beginning! You have so much to offer in life and you just need to tap into your hidden talents and God-given gifts. Once you know in your heart what you are passionate about, I truly believe that you will SHINE!!!
Reply to DanaLindsey- I don’t mean to minimize what you are going through but to tell you that i can relate because I went through the EXACT same experiences! With the exception of becoming a nurse (which I wish I had the balls to do!) I went to school for something else. But I had the same kind of pressure from my family and I was misdiagnosed with anxiety/depression before they figured out it was mainly ADD just this year and now I am 30. So you have a head start on me
Think of this as a door opening to new possibilities. Work with your doc to get the meds that work for you, don’t be afraid to tell them if you think you need more or you might need something else. They need to hear that to know what to prescribe. Also I highly recommend adding some therapy sessions for awhile to help you learn some new skills to work with your ADD instead of around it. Even to help you talk to your mom and you family and to help you sort out your feelings about your career. I didn’t used to see a therapist because they didn’t seem to help a lot, but now that i know exactly what i am dealing with I started seeing one again and it’s really helping me cope. I just went last night and vomited all these negative thoughts, showed my crazy side, and left feeling much better that I had someone to vent to who is impartial to my feelings on a personal level.
I also recommend you join our group that Brian mentioned. I really have found a lot of helpful people there and no one judges me for what I think. It’s actually kinda weird cause they know exactly what I am trying to say even when it doesn’t come out right because they all think the same we do.
My name there is Hiking Junkie, I hope you add me!
Reply to CaraPranjal,
I listened to your guitar music and I really like it!
My 17 year old son who has ADHD plays the guitar and he loves music. Before my son started playing the guitar, he was struggling in school and he did not feel good about himself. When he was about 12 years old, he started becoming interested in learning how to play the guitar. For Christmas, my husband and I bought our son a guitar. Once he had the guitar, he wanted to take professional lessons. I took my son to the community college to take guitar lessons and he really liked it. Soon afterwards, he started learning how to play the drums and the keyboard. It was so neat because my son really started playing wonderful and his grades in school started to improve.
My son has now been playing instruments for at least five years and he is AWESOME! For two years, my son has been on High Honors at school, which has truly helped him feel better about himself.
I really think that music helps individuals succeed academically. Having a passion for music can truly bring about positive feelings about yourself, which promote a healthy self-esteem!
Keep on rocking, Pranjal! Best wishes to you!
Reply to DanaHello Lindsay !
I really understand what you feel because I feel the same way, certainly as the most of us in this community. You are at the right place because we all are in the same boat and are living your difficulties.
I hope I will not shocking you but I think you maybe chose the wrong field at school. I have the impression that you chose nursing to please to your parents, especially your mother, is it true ?
You told us that you were good in English… Do you like this subject ? If yes, why not studying in this field to become journalist or to teach it ? It could be a better match ! Did you see a career adviser ?
I’m sure you’re a great person, as all of us ! Indeed, many qualities are relied on ADHD and many famous people had it and had a lot of success… even it took a long time.
Have a good day and don’t loose hope !
Friendly,
French Canadian
Reply to French CanadianHi Lindsey:
I used to feel the very same that you did about school, I loved to read but had real problems with my study skills. Have you tried working with a study skills counsellor at your nursing school.
I’m finishing my degree in Theatre and Film from McMaster University, Hamilton ON. I’ve been working on this degree for 9 years…and before that I was in a Vocal/Music program with another university in Canada.
If you’ve been diagnosed than your community college or university can set up special accommodations for you via computer access, voice activated or orally if that works for you as well as for them academcially.
After I was disagnosed with my ADHD, I know use the computer for all tests and exams…as I leave out words in essay papers or midterms that require “critical writing”.
Don’t give up, check out what your guideance counsellor can do for you as a Special Needs Student (Student with disablities) and they should be able to assist you.
Let me know how it went for you? I’ve got three exams coming up and I feel great about them. I got for the first time ever on a midterm exam a 77% which has never happened before…on a film course that I’m taking in conjunction with my degree. So there is hope…DON’T GIVE UP!! YOUR DREAMS ARE JUST AROUND THE CORNER…
wiw
Reply to W. Ian WalkerLindsey
Go ahead and let it out. Bryan is right. A lot of us feel, understand and can relate to what you’re going through right now. Like Bryan, I too suffered with undiagnosed ADD as a kid. My school studies and life suffered greatly because of it. Until as a young adult I ended up going to a psychiatrist who gave me a thorough evaluation and discovered I had ADD. But try not to be so hard on yourself. Besides, you can’t make a mistake with self realization. May I suggest that right now you take a deep breath. Use some periods after your thoughts. I know how feeling intensly can create a sense of urgency. But it sounds like your stream of consciousness is working in overdrive. I’m not a doctor, but you might want to consider talking to your doctor about dosage levels.
Reply to JeffLindsey,
I can really relate to everything you are saying about school and math. Story problems almost killed me. I’m 47 years old and finally dx’d with ADD. My whole life I felt stupid and insecure because of my poor grades. Back when I was in school ADD was not considered, as much. My parents never looked into my issues. For the most part I was unable to read a paragraph and remember it. Why? Because a feather dropped somewhere and that was all it took. I was so focused on my note taking that I didn’t hear a word the teacher said.Then of course the notes didn’t make sense later when I tried to read them. Going to the right class but the wrong hour and getting laughed at wasn’t fun either.
I once had a teacher pull me to the front of the class just to anonounce “kelly finally got an A on a test” For sure teachers have improved, at least I hope.
Good for you for taking action and going on medication NOW. Not 20 years from now when you feel it’s almost too late. Consider talking to your Doc about changing the med or increasing it. It may make all the difference.
Would love to talk to you more. Consider joining adderworld. There are some wonderful, sweet and understanding people there to listen and support you.
Reading your post several months ago would have not been possible for me. I would have started, skipped to the middle then the end ….getting only pieces of info out of it. Now I’m at least 50% better. Thank God for medicine.
Hugs and keep plugging along. You can do this!!!
Kelly47
Reply to Kelly47Lindsey,
Sweetheart, I just want to reach out and hug you!! You see, I know EXACTLY how you feel right now. I was there many years ago at the age of 19 (with a toddler as well) going through LPN school. I was never a good student in school, except for English, spelling, etc. I did excellent in those courses, but as for math and science, I struggle. So when I was not doing well in nursing school and being told by my instructors that I “didn’t follow directions” and “had my classmates do my work for me”, I ended up quitting. I assumed I was just too stupid to be a nurse. Now fast forward 13 years, and I am now going for it again. I didn’t get my diagnosis until last year. I looked high and low until I found a specialist in Adult ADHD. I knew something was not right with me.
Lindsey, I can tell you right now that I am scared as hell about going back. I know it takes a lot for even a “normal” person to get through nursing school, let alone people like us. The only thing I can tell you about studying for the science courses is that you need to tell yourself that this is what will get you to your destination, your goal. Every class you take, every test you pass is another stepping stone to your future.
I am fortunate that the school I am, or hopefully will be, attending has as learning disability specialist on board. I can go to her whenever I need her help. If you have not yet, speak to your instructors. They need to be aware of your situation. Seek out every resource available to you. As for your med, I am also on Adderall XR 20 mg and feel it is not helping me. It basically wakes me up, but that’s it. Get that straightened out and possibly either up your dose or switch meds.
Please don’t give up. I did and have regretted it ever since. There are nurses with ADHD. I have spoken to some online.
You are an intelligent young lady who has a lot to give to the world. You can make that happen.
Best Wishes,
Reply to RachelRachel
Lindsey,
I am you in a mans body but Im older and just got dioed a couple years ago, I have found tho that this is a gift not a problem. Release yourself from the way (they say) your supposed to be just be and be you, explore inside your own mind and feel your soul I believe its talking to us and we are special and I feel sorry for people who dont have this A.D.D. thing, ITS AWESOME so enjoy and let it out your not lazy you are so smart and gifted so dont let anyone steal this because they cant, love it and live it its great. If there is anything I can help you with just let me know.
Reply to ron sorensonRon
Reading all of your comments I cannot help but smile and wonder in amazement how wonderful and caring fellow ADDers are! Thanks everyone and I hope Lindsey returns and finds all of your brilliant comments.
Reply to BryanHey, Lindsey, boy, have I got an answer for you! See, I’m 9 years old and have R.A.D. and A.D.D. And guess what? I have found THE WAY. See, what you do is you take a piece of gum and you chew and chew and chew….. while you work. That way, your brain has to concentrate on two things.
Reply to ChelseaHere are the steps:
1. Buy 1 piece of gum
2. Unwrap it
3. Throw the wrapper away
4. Put the piece of gum in your mouth
5. Chews…..chew….chew!!!!!!!!!!!!
6. (this step is optional) listen to music without words
7. WORK, WORK, WORK AWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Chelsea,
Reply to AleshaI have a son who is ADHD/ODD/Severe mood disorder. Your idea about chewing gum and the music without word is GREAT!!! He is 8 and struggles sometimes staying focused – even while on his medication. I will have to try this as well. Thank you
~ Alesha
Chelsea – lol! Good idea! I use music for that. If I have to sit still at my desk to complete something, then I make sure I have my headphones on and some kind of music playing. As long as it doesn’t have lyrics, as I will start listening to them instead of working. But it definitely helps.
I also find it hard to get started on a task if I think about it too much. I panic. So if I have a page to write, I will tell myself I only have to write 50 words then I can stop. But once I get 50 words down, 9 times out of 10 I will keep going for hours and get pages and pages done!
I also keep several projects on the go, so I can keep switching as soon as I get bored.
Those things definitely help me on a day to day basis (aside from the more obvious list-making and post-stick notes everywhere).
Reply to CharliseThank you for creating this blog. I was diagnosed with ADHD 19 years ago. It is nice to have someone blog about their experience with it.
Thanks.
Reply to Nell Guilbault