Embracing the Gift of ADD/ADHD: A Personal Journey

A Childhood in Transition

My early experiences with ADD/ADHD were quite unconventional. I underwent rigorous testing as my parents attended mandatory workshops on parenting techniques, believing that they were an integral part of the disorder’s management. In addition to this, I attended learning development programs and speech therapy to improve my clarity of speech.

As a child, I recall some rather puzzling aspects of the research conducted at the time. Researchers even measured testicle size as part of child development studies, a fact that struck me as particularly odd. It was a period of uncertainty and experimentation as the medical community grappled with understanding this relatively new condition.

Puberty and the Misconception

There was a prevailing belief during my adolescence years in that puberty would miraculously cure ADD/ADHD. Consequently, the medication I had been taking, Ritalin, was discontinued by the medical experts. Interestingly, when medicated, I transitioned from the child who was always asked, “Have you finished ruling up the page yet?” to a student who excelled academically.

I was selected for the Primary Extension Academic Classes (PEAC), a program reserved for the two brightest students in the class, one male and one female. This initiative allowed us to attend a different school entirely to partake in extended academic classes, such as LOGO graphics, electronics, and topography. My experience during this time seemed to challenge the misconception that ADD/ADHD would simply fade away with age.

Navigating Adulthood and Medication

As I entered adulthood and encountered new challenges, I decided to revisit the idea of medication. I was eager to prove myself academically, and college seemed like the perfect opportunity. This marked the resumption of my medication journey, which turned out to be a bit of a rollercoaster.

Initially, I took too much medication, and I experienced sleepless nights that lasted for days. My focus became superhuman, but it was unsustainable. My body eventually adjusted, and things stabilized over the course of a few months. Despite this, my academic struggles persisted, leading me to drop out of college.

A Lifelong Quest for Answers

My journey led me to a book that would play a pivotal role in my understanding of ADD/ADHD: “Healing ADD/ADHD” by Daniel G. Amen. This book was one of the few I read cover to cover, as I obsessively sought answers to the questions I had carried with me for years.

I began seeing a team of psychiatrists who offered different perspectives and various treatment options. This process was a lengthy and sometimes frustrating one, as I explored different avenues in search of what would work best for me. My experience was further complicated by a turbulent personal life, marked by relationships filled with arguments and conflicting viewpoints.

Reframing ADD/ADHD: A Gift, Not a Curse

As time passed, I began to view ADD/ADHD through a different lens. I realized that it wasn’t a curse or a joke, as it was often portrayed in popular culture. Rather, it represented a unique way of living and seeing the world — a different reality that didn’t conform to society’s standard mold of “normal.”

In time, I came to see ADD/ADHD as a gift, a divine talent that offered me the ability to perceive the world in ways others might never experience. Yes, I might struggle with organization and cleanliness, but I also possess an innovative spirit and an innate ability to see and connect disparate elements.

In the business world, this has proven to be a tremendous asset. I’ve surrounded myself with individuals who excel at finishing tasks and maintaining order, complementing my own strengths. It’s been a remarkable journey from a childhood diagnosis to an adult realization that my unique perspective is a divine gift, allowing me to see and create in ways that enrich my life and the lives of those around me.

ADD/ADHD is not a condition to be ridiculed or dismissed. It’s a different way of living and thinking, a gift that should be celebrated for its extraordinary potential.