The LD Advantage
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 first diagnosed at the beginning of 5th grade. I didn't think much of it because my older sister also had LD's, (not ADHD though) and I thought it was kinda cool to be like her.
Q. How do you personally define ADHD?
A. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Basically being fidgety and energetic and unable to sit still in all the wrong times, but also able to stay alert when something is interesting, mostly lots of energy.
Q. Are you proud to have ADHD?
A. Yes
Q. How do you think people without ADHD define it?
A. Unfocused, lazy, slackers
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. A readiness during sports, energy, and hyperfocus on things that I find really cool.
Q. Has there ever been a time where someone has misunderstood your learning difference? and how so?
A. I've had people ask me if having an LD ment that i was retarded or have schizophrenia. Many people think that it means that im stupid and cant be an academic person.
Q. What kind of accommodations do you use in class?
A. I use extra time, fidget toys, extra breaks, take tests in other rooms, computer, spell check, calculator, and class notes.
Q. How do your accommodations help you?
A. They level the playing field so that I can keep up with some of the other kids in my class. They allow me to show my skills and understanding even though my LDs can limit me in some ways.
Q. Have the majority of your teachers been good at making sure you get your accommodations?
A. Yes.
Q. How do you advocate for your accommodations?
A. I talk to my teachers on one of the first days I have their class and a few days before each test to inform them on what I'll be doing and what I need from them.
Q. How does ADHD affect you in school?
A. It can make me easily distractible, unfocused and unable to sit still for long amounts of time, mostly during tests and especially during scantron tests or long textbook reads. Impulsivity also has not been good.
Q. How does ADHD affect you socially?
A. At some social gatherings that are set at a table for long amounts of time can make me feel jittery, also being impulsive is not always the best, though sometimes it works out well.
Q. What are some of the strategies you use to stay focused in school, on homework, in social settings?
A. I use fidgets and gum, listen to music and set time schedules.
Q. Do you use any technology to help you stay focused?
A. Timers!
Meet Magnificent Mia
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