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

A. ​Kindergarten.  The diagnosis was a word to describe what I already knew about myself.  I was hyperactive, I had trouble focusing on boring things, I could focus better than anyone on things that interested me.  For a while I actually thought it was 80​HD, not ADHD.​



Q. How do you personally define ADHD? 

A. I often explain it in terms of water pressure. My attention is the water. I have a given amount, and it's going to go somewhere no matter what I do.  If I'm bored, the water goes slowly in a lot of directions, like when a river widens.  If I'm engaged, I'm focused like a firehouse.  Lots of attention going a very specific place.  Everyone benefits from being engaged in something they enjoy, but ADHD have water and they need to be engaged.  Which, to me, makes it more like Attention Surplus Disorder.  I'm also very, very energetic and hyperactive, and I need to similarly be conscious of where I direct that energy - it can be a very productive or very destructive force.



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

A. ADHD is popularly understood through the medical model, but I've seen a lot of variation.  Some people think it's a real disorder that needs treatment, usually through medication. Some people consider that it's a Big Pharma scam.  Others think it's a result of bad parenting, bad nutrition, or hunters in a gatherer society.  As society at large comes to understand ADHD better, and I believe we've made big strides in the last decade, more people accept that it is a real, medically recognized diagnosis.



Q. Do you think people with ADHD look at it as a positive or negative? 

A. Usually as a negative. Not to say that they think ADHD people are inherently lesser, but most people consider ADHD an obstacle to overcome that successful people with ADHD are successful "in spite of" being ADHD rather than "because of" or "irregardless of" of being ADHD. 



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

A. - high energy 

- social 

-bold 

- creative 

- big picture thinker 

- handle crises well 

- empathetic 

- adventurous 

- quick wit/sense of humor 

- thinking on my feet 

- hyperfocus



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

A. It's common - the most common are misunderstanding medication, setting limitations on the individual, and not recognizing how important my environment is in determining my success. 



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

A. I use a note taker, extra time, typing, stress balls, and frequent breaks. They help me because if I sit still, my brain turns off. Being able to move, take breaks, and not taking notes allows me to engage with the material in more meaningful ways which allows me to hyperfocus rather then drifting off. 



Q. How does ADHD affect you in school? 

A. ​I often struggle with getting work done outside of class.  Attention issues such as having trouble planning, staying organized, and having trouble focusing on less interesting work. My impulsivity can be an issue with all the wonderful temptations in college. ​



Q. How does ADHD affect you socially? 

A.  I used to have a lot of social challenges which led me to be very empathetic and very accepting of different people. Later in high school and especially after getting off meds I began to have a lot more social success. Being a high energy, outspoken, adventurous person also makes me fairly polarizing. That screens out a lot of people I don't want in my life very quickly. It also leaves a lot of very interesting, very exciting people. Mostly people who have experienced the feeling of being different. Many of my friends are LD/ADHD, LGBT, artists, performers, and wanderlust stricken adventurers. Especially after having a hard time socially as a kid, socially I consider myself very lucky now, and count interpersonal skills among my highest strengths.



Q. Have you ever been able to overcome a challenge because of your ADHD? 

A. More than I can think of. I've found myself very good at speaking to and facilitating large groups because I think fast on my feet, function extremely well under pressure, and have the energy to keep people's focus.  Empathy and authenticity were some of the foundational qualities that made me a great mentor and what I ultimately rely on with the toughest kids.  Academically, I dance circles around the normies in class discussions, debates, and presentations.



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

A. The biggest thing is actually taking care of myself.  Exercise, nutrition, sunshine, and me time. Exercise has been shown to be very helpful for ADHD people. Everyone does better when they eat well.  The outdoors are a place I've always been successful and enjoyed myself so I make a point get outside as much as I can - it's very cathartic. 

       Specific strategies have a lot to do with taking breaks and keeping moving.  I often leave class do a handstand and come back.  I do the same if I've been sitting somewhere too long with friends.  I've spent years learning to consciously focus on the things I can control and not stress about things I cannot.  This has reduced a lot of the day to day anxiety commonly associated with ADHD.  I'm never far from a stress ball.  I use caffeine as a last resort, because I'm pretty sensitive to the stuff.



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

A. My iPhone is my external brain.  It has my calendar, to do lists, and grocery list. It's a platform for every form of communication I use, timers for my breaks, and alarm clock.  While these are all needs that can be otherwise met, the iPhone does all of them and fits in my pocket.  It would be impossible for me to use all these tools if they were on separate devices.  



Q. Why should people be proud to have ADHD? What advice do you have for people with ADHD?

​A. All people are different, no one does everything well or badly.  ADHD is a categorical way of describing a difference with many strengths and challenges.  We should all take pride in our strengths and meet our challenges with that pride and confidence.  We're just better off that way. Don't let the medical language get you down.  This is not bad news.  You're the same person.  And now you can start exploring ways to make a cognitive difference into a god damn superpower.



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

A. ​No. It touches every part of my life, and I'm happy with who I am and what it contributes.​