The year I was diagnosed, I realized it had been a very long time since I had been able to sit and read a book. That was the turning point for me. I took an adhd self assessment and things moved very quickly after that. I found a psychiatrist who confirmed the diagnosis & started me on medication. I could read again, think again, talk without doubting myself…I was happy and sad all at once. I had wanted to become a doctor but always thought I could never be successful at medical school. I adapted. I became a therapist and I love what I do. I help people—I help people get diagnosed too. Many of my adult patients that went undiagnosed, are beginning their adhd journey and this helps to make me feel good. It’s wonderful to see them blossom. It’s the children that really motivate me. I remember how hard learning was for me. I was a good student, but worked very hard at it. Through out my school experience, time blindness, procrastination and executive dysfunction would paralyze me. Ultimately, I adapted, but it would leave me with low self esteem and low self confidence. These memories help me to help the children and to help them realize their potential, especially the girls.
We aren’t defective or broken. Our brains operate differently. We problem solve differently. Educating parents, teachers, school administrators, families, spouses, etc. help to make others understand that adhd isn’t a defect but a “magical” power. My diagnosis changed everything for me, for the better.
