Q. How do you personally define ADHD? 

A. Trouble concentrating on one thing. Sometimes I can zone and get very productive but it's hard to get in the zone. My concentration is easily broken by something small. And my brain doesn't turn off. 



Q.  Are you proud to have ADHD? 

A. Yes 



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

A. Being really random and distracted by shiny things. Also being hyper and wired when not on medication. 



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

A. I don't think they really have much of an opinion. Most people I know don't really care and only notice when I get hyper. Other people think it's more of an excuse to not work. 



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

A. Hyper focus. Creativity. Being able to make connections and see the bigger purpose. Having a wide range of intrests and a huge amount of random trivia. I also think it helps me connect with children better because we often have the same attention span and I understand why they're fighty and jump from one thing to another. 



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

A. Not to my face, but I think many normal people don't actually understand what exactly it means and they can't even understand what it's like inside my mind. 



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

A. Medication. I amuse myself by doodling, but I don't use anything or get special treatment. My accommodations help get rid of the fog and slow down my mind. 



Q. How does ADHD affect you in school? 

A. I get distracted by noises and things I see, mainly movement. 



Q. How does ADHD affect you socially? 

A. It's harder to pay attention to conversations and I often get off topic and confuse people. I also talk really fast. 



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

A.  Fidgeting and doodling. When I'm reading, especially text books, I need something to do with my hands. Sometimes I play with playdoh, usually I make some origami thing. 



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

A. Keep your hands busy, so your mind is split mostly between what you're working on and what your hands are doing. Ponytail holders, rubber bands, and string can do wonders. Knots can be nice and engaging.

Find music or whitenoise that drowns things out without distracting you. Keep a routine and put things in the same place each time. If you can't find your phone or keys check your jacket pocket. Don't go on the internet while working unless you have to, and get off as soon as you can.
Exercise and move around.
Write down notes.
Don't constantly fight it. Spend some time each day, in the same spot and time, to let your mind just run away. I suggest doing it while in the shower.
Mindless busy work, mindless busy work, mindless busy work. Autopilot hands on activities are your friend. Keep busy.