Q. When did you first learn you had ADHD? If you remember, how did you react to finding out about your ADHD? 

A. I was diagnosed at the age of six, after much trouble I made in the classroom with my "hyperactivity" and talking non-stop. At the time, I did not understand what ADHD was. All I knew was that I had a harder time focusing then other kids, an my parents put me on various medications for a few years, beginning with Strattera. 



Q. How do you personally define ADHD? 

A. Considering I did my research paper recently on the advantages/disadvantages of the learning difference (and how parents and teachers can help the student), I really do now see it as a struggle but also a gift. When I entered high school, I realized my school's learning service and how much more relevant it was for the students than at my middle school. I was a little defensive and embarrassed when I first found out I had to write a special learning plan for myself. However, not too long after my first meeting, I met several other students in my grade (and upperclassmen) who had learning differences in which they learned to take pride in, and also realize their strengths compared to those without learning differences.  Honestly, as annoying as it may sound, one of the first things I tell people (in context of course) is that I have ADHD... usually after I blurt something out or act spazzy in some sort of way.



Q. Are you proud to have ADHD? 

A. Yes 



Q. How do you think people without ADHD define it? 

A. I believe it depends upon their experiences with meeting other people who have ADHD...however, during the time in middle school in which I wasn't paying much attention to my learning difference, I saw it as a "disorder" in which someone is hyper and unable to pay attention. 



Q. Do you think that people without ADHD look at it as a negative or positive? 

A. Negative 



Q. What are some of the positive characteristics ADHD gives you? 

A. Hyper-focusing, obsessing, becoming passionate about a particular subject or hobby, being possibly social, interesting, full of thoughts. 



Q. Has there ever been a time where someone has misunderstood your learning difference? How so? 

A. In the past, quite often. I don't have a particular story in which I felt hurt and misunderstood, considering my school is so supportive and understanding of one's learning difference. However, there were times in my younger years (elementary school) in which people really did think I needed serious help for being so "out of control."  



Q. What kind of accommodations do you use in class? How do they help you? 

A. I use 50% extended time, earbuds, and have a system for when I am spacing out. I don't take advantages of these accommodations quite often, however when I do, it helps me focus so far.



Q. How does ADHD affect you in school? 

A. I space out and sometimes miss details. 

 

Q. How does ADHD affect you socially? 

A. I blurt things out at times, however I have noticed recently that people are generally able to understand.