Motivational and inspirational writer, Bryan Hutchinson is the author of several books about life with ADHD including the highly acclaimed, best selling "One Boy′s Struggle: A Memoir" and the author of the hilarious eBook that went viral "10 Things I Hate about ADHD"

October 2008

ADHD Diagnosis and Validation

ADHD Diagnosis and Validation
on: October 31, 2008 by: Bryan Hutchinson 5 Comments , ...

Validation can be exceptionally powerful. Validation is often underestimated and left out of discussions when it comes to the recovery/improving process. I have found it to be extremely important. This is what I believe: Validation is a powerful healing agent for those who have suffered too long with ADHD unaware of why they are the way they are. Validation does not mean that things were in actuality okay. Validation means that yes, something was different and not completely under the person’s control. ADDer’s, especially those of us who have lived a very long while not understanding the ‘why’ behind our actions and reactions, feel a powerful sense of validation when diagnosed with ADHD. And as we learn more about ADHD the validation grows stronger still. Validation brings with it a new sense of self, increasing one’s confidence and self-worth. A proper diagnosis, coupled with understanding, helps many through the grieving […]

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I have ADHD, but I want to be Normal

I have ADHD, but I want to be Normal
on: October 28, 2008 by: Bryan Hutchinson 3 Comments ...

I often read posts across the internet from people with ADHD wishing they could be normal. I think I know what most mean by requesting to be normal. Unfortunately, or, fortunately, there is no magic potion to make anyone normal. What is normal anyway? Who defines what normal is? All of us are beset with challenges, struggles and special wishes for a better tomorrow. My question, for anyone wishing to be normal, is this: What is exciting, unique, special or individual about being normal? Okay, I have a second question: What is normal? Does normal really exist? Okay, that was 3 questions, or, maybe it was 4. I am simply, thankfully, not normal. ~Bryan

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You are what you say you are

You are what you say you are
on: October 27, 2008 by: Bryan Hutchinson 1 Comment ...

What you say and how you describe yourself is ‘who you are’. Our words are very powerful and what we say has more powerful control over us than we sometimes realize. There are always two ways to describe a situation – it is our choice. I made a mistake. Or, I learned something valuable. Why can’t I be normal? Or, I am unique and special. I am not likable. Or, I am likable. One may argue that our experiences create the way we think of ourselves and if we want to we can validate the negative statements all day long, BUT the important part of this exercise is that you can validate the positive statements just as well. It’s a choice we all make. Practice makes perfect. Our minds will develop the outcomes for us depending on what we expect. It’s not important to control outside forces, but you can control your inner forces, […]

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The Search – The Dream – The Alchemist

The Search – The Dream – The Alchemist
on: October 25, 2008 by: Bryan Hutchinson 7 Comments , ...

In the last few years I haven’t been that interested in reading fiction. I guess I had lost my interest in fairy tales and things which simply are not real or actual. But for some reason I recently picked up a book called The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. I was compelled to read this book out of nowhere, can’t really explain it, but the story within The Alchemist explained the reason to me. The Alchemist is a story about living your dreams, searching out your destiny and believing in what you can’t always see.  It’s faith really, faith in yourself and that your purpose for living has meaning. “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve your dream” is, in my opinion, the central message within The Alchemist. If one believes in the Law of Attraction and therefore, the things you want and have faith in will […]

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Top 10 Reasons You do Not Have ADHD!

Top 10 Reasons You do Not Have ADHD!
on: October 15, 2008 by: Bryan Hutchinson 14 Comments , ...

Do you really have ADHD? What if your family and friends disagree? Family and Friends sometimes Rebel against the ADHD Label and Why… It is not uncommon for family and friends to rebel against the ADHD label. It is a sad but true reality for many with ADHD. Adults can decide for themselves regardless of what their family believes, but children must live with whatever decision parents make regarding the diagnosis and that decision can last for a lifetime with the repercussions thereof. First thing for parents, siblings and friends to realize is that it isn’t against you and it isn’t necessarily about you. A valid diagnosis is very important and can be a way to a better future with treatment, consideration and yes, a bit of compassion. Holding the diagnosis against anyone isn’t fair and it certainly isn’t helpful. If you really want to help a family member recently […]

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Thanksgiving with a side order of ADHD

Thanksgiving with a side order of ADHD
on: October 8, 2008 by: Bryan Hutchinson 0 Comments ...

If you haven’t joined our online ADHD community at www.ADDerWorld.ning.com you are missing out on some very interesting conversations. Here is an example of a recent reply to a blog post about family, thanksgiving and ADHD! The reply is by Chris AKA Dawg, and is of his own opinion and research. So, if your going to be with family this thanksgiving and some members give you a hard time because they do not believe ADHD exists, Chris’s post may give you some ideas: Thanksgiving reply By Chris AKA Dawg: AD/HD is unfairly classified as a mental disorder and the diagnostic language tends to emphasize only what’s wrong. “Impulsive,” for example, is used as a bad term. But you could say spontaneous. Rarely do you meet a person with ADD that isn’t creative somehow, and what is creativity, but a kind of impulsiveness? No one plans to have a creative thought. […]

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How to make magic happen for you today!

How to make magic happen for you today!
on: October 3, 2008 by: Bryan Hutchinson 0 Comments ...

Sometimes we go day to day just going through the motions and before we know it we go a week just going through the motions and then a month and on and on. Once today has passed us, it is in the past and will never come back. What can you do today that you can enjoy? What can you do today to make it memorable? What can you do today to make someone else smile? What can you do today to make yourself smile? Today is important, today is a part of your legacy and once it is in the past, you will only have your memories and those memories create your perspectives both positive and negative. Do you want to smile tomorrow? Do something to smile about today. Stand in front of a mirror and just smile at yourself, set that smile and walk with it. Smiling is […]

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The Brilliant Reality of ADHD

The Brilliant Reality of ADHD
on: October 1, 2008 by: Bryan Hutchinson 0 Comments ...

The Brilliant Reality of ADHD © Available Spring 2009 Would you like to be part of my new book? I am publishing many of my articles and blog posts as a book. It will be published spring 2009. Only the articles, which are of my personal experiences and expressions will be published in the book. If you have enjoyed my blog posts and would like to be a part of my new book, all you have to do is leave a quote, in the linked forum thread, about my blog from your experience reading it – go to the link below to add your quote: CLick Here to ADD your quote   

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ADHD and Stimulants – Harvard Review of Psychiatry

ADHD and Stimulants – Harvard Review of Psychiatry
on: October 1, 2008 by: Bryan Hutchinson 0 Comments ...

Rick Mayes Ph.D. recently sent me his article “ADHD and the Rise in Stimulant Use among Children” This is an important article which helps to demystify the confusing, and often worrisome, information out there on stimulant medication and ADHD. I am making it available to you here on ADDer World, please feel free to download and read: ADHD and Stimulants – Harvard Review of Psychiatry It (1) summarizes the existing knowledge of ADHD, (2) provides the relevant history and trends, (3) explains the controversy, (4) discusses what is and is not unique about ADHD and stimulant pharmacotherapy, (5) outlines future directions of research, and (6) concludes with a brief analysis of how two North Carolina counties have established community protocols that have improved the screening, treatment, and societal consensus over ADHD and stimulants. ~Bryan

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