Q. When did you first learn you had ADHD? If you remember, How did you react? 

A.  My senior year of high school.  I always kind of suspected I did so I wasn't very surprised.  It was sort of a relief to finally be able to pin down a reason for my difficulty concentrating.



Q. How do you personally define ADHD? 

A. The chemical difference that makes it more difficult for afflicted individuals to focus their potential.



Q. Are you proud to have ADHD? 

A. Yes



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

A. Something everyone thinks they have.



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

A. Creativity.  The ability to expand my horizons easily.  Being able to shift gears easily. Adaptability.



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

A. Yes, many people I've encountered look at LD's as an excuse for less intelligent people to try and cheat the system.



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

A. iPad notes/free notes, extra testing time, access to LD center. My accommodations give me time to work at my own pace and direct my energy purposefully. 



Q. How does ADHD affect you in school? 

A. It makes it harder for me to study and to direct my energy towards schoolwork.  Negatively impacts grades.



Q. How does ADHD affect you socially? 

A. I often rotate conversations. Can't pay attention to uninteresting things for too long.



Q. What are some of the strategies you use to stay focused in school, on homework, in social settings?

A. I give myself rewards for finishing.  Study with friends.  Ask questions.  Focusing on breathing.  Doodling.

 

Q. Do you use any technology to help you stay focused?

A. iPads to take notes. Certain apps to help with time management

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Q. What advice do you have for people who have just found out they have ADHD? Why should they be proud? 

A.  Don't hate it.  Own it.

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Q.  If you had the ability to get rid of your ADHD would you? Why or why not? 

A. No, it's a part of who I am