One student’s life with ADHD
Aaron Young
Staff Writer
Ever wonder how much you don’t know about your classmates or peers or why some can’t seem to sit still for more than 30 seconds before they skirmish around? Perhaps a friend or a classmate has ADHD, which is a learning disability.
Here is my story about my journey living with ADHD with words of encouragement at the end.
In the 5th grade, I was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder, which is similar to ADHD, with a layer of hyperactivity on it. Although I’m not technically hyper, my friends would say I am crazy…. in a good way.
ADHD is a chronic condition marked by persistent inattentively, hyperactivity and impulsivity. According to addrc.org, many Americans are diagnosed with the symptoms present early on, at the age of 7.
For me though, it wasn’t until I had a head accident/concussion in 4th grade that this question was brought up. My 5th grade teacher noticed something was missing as I struggled in class and eventually, my parents took me in for testing. Time passed and I found out I had borderline ADHD.
My life was changed for good and for worse. Medication was there when I needed it, but assignments took longer, and sometimes my brain would be a mess.
One thing was certain, the sooner I accepted I had this disability, or condition, ADD, the easier life would be. Why? Because my parents are there helping me figure out how to slow me down and organize my life every week. My friends that know don’t mind when I stare into space and gaze for a minute.
In the classroom, lectures are especially hard for me. I would be sitting in class looking blankly at the teacher as my mind was reeling at 100 mph. I tended to lose focus after a while. I just sat there and did my best. Homework could be difficult as I fumbled to go from one class to another before realizing I accomplished nothing in the last 10 minutes.
I would say this was most evident freshman year of college. Economics was kicking me in the rear end throughout the year and my test scores might as well have lived in a dumpster. They stunk!
This is where outside help came into play, from both the professionals and the university. One of my doctors had a letter for me to give to my professors. From that day on, it was smooth sailing.
I have taken many trips to the Accessibility Resources to schedule and take tests. They are of great assistance and take care of those with disabilities well. Matter of fact, I already told them I am willing to share my experience with other people. Even spread awareness.
Many of my professors were or are aware I have ADHD. Outside the classroom however, I seem calm and collected when in reality my brain is absorbing every detail possible before a word comes out of my mouth. I don’t want this to become a research paper so I will just say that when I am around certain people, I don’t shut up and my ADD is heightened.
At 20 years old, I meet way too many people who say they have ADD, and in one way or another, they are brilliant. Not discrediting those who don’t, but for those who have it and doubt themselves, shoot for the stars.
I figure I have a story and this side of me I no longer want to hide. Attention Deficit Disorder is what makes me tick, now I have to discover, how to work around it and at this point, embrace it.
For more information, go to: https://www.addrc.org/adhd-numbers-facts-statistics-and-you/ and
https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/childhood-adhd/understanding-adhd-basics.
Feature photo courtesy of Flickr.