I posted a thread earlier about my husband's diffiulty in writing and wondered if it is connected to his ADD. He cannot write letter, e-mails, and especially essays. He freezes up, draws a complete blank. We've tried a few exercises that I've done in the past for writer's block to no avail. There is something that is preventing him from expressing himself through writing. I came across several websites that discuss Written Expression Disorder. The title seems to fit him but he doesn't have a lot of problems with spelling, handwriting, or syntax. He just can't write. And it's not a simple case of "writer's block." It's more serious. He's had it since he was a little boy. Any ideas?

Thanks.

Wow, I have the sorta of the same problem. I will keep an eye on this thread to see if there is anything that I can do.

I also don't have too many problems with spelling. I have a decent vocabulary. But I tend to make my sentences too complex. It's as if my mind whants to say more in one sentence, and I try to squeeze it all in. I don't seem to have a problem with casual e-mails, but I can be quite verbose and have a hard time keeping it short.

It has caused me a lot of problems in college. I had a terrible time writing papers. I just was never satisfied with my syntax and I had a hard time organizing my thoughts. I would just sit their staring at a blank page not knowing how to get started. When I do write I have a hard time getting around to what it is I'm actually saying.

At work I find it difficult to leave a simple note for someone on a Post-it. I usually use the large one's and leave them a letter on both sides. I just can't keep it concise and to the point. You'll notice that alot with my posts; including this one. ;)

When recalling an event or telling a story, I weave even the simplest thing into an epic. I skip around, telling the event from different points of view. I sidetrack into a sidestory, then skip back to events that led up to the story, then jump to events after the story. On top of it I tend to repeat things I have already said.

I need help.

... writer's block ...Which forms of communication does your husband favour?
Is he fond of communicating (talking, I guess) using pictures or perhaps colourful metaphors?
Are the ideas which he would like to express --- relatively easy or next to impossible to express using linear language?
If you were to phrase a handful of sentences for him - would he agonize over your choice of words -?- accuracy of encapsulation of his ideas in words which you've penned?
If one were to convert his speech into written text - using voice->text s/ware ... would that help any?

May be a little out on these questions - I didn't see the thread which you reference {above} ...

SB.

I find it very hard to write essays and letters too.

With me I think its because I can't organise my thoughts enough to get them down on to paper, a bit like in another thread where I said that I can't explain things due to lack of organisation in my head and its as hard as describing a dream, you know what you're trying to describe but the outlines are fuzzy.

I try and brainstorm what I want to put in my letter or essay, then I will go into details later, or I bullet point important things that I want to include first and then build on them.

I hope I was of some help.

He feels like his brain is going 200 mph and he can't organize his thoughts enough to transfer them from his brain onto paper. If you ask him about what he just read he can tell you but try and write it he completely draws a blank. The name Written Expression Disorder seems applicable.

He's just too brilliant not to be able to go to college. I hope we can find help for this.

...200 mph... Which subject? and ring fencing.
Imagine if one can connect anything to anything - *therein* lies the problem.
The solution is :
structure ->- ring fence ->- point to other areas of interest (but don't jump in - if outside of the ring fence) ... ... ...
I'll demonstrate with examples if you like --- which subject at college? And a couple of reasons why he's interested in that subject'd be welcome ...?...

sb.

bekahboo714,

I have problems organizing and putting my thoughts down on paper. I can put data in tables, and its a little easier to put words down when there is a structure or template in place (providing direction).

This is one of the things I hope will be addressed when I find something that helps with my add

Do you think being unable to organise thoughts/slow thoughts down enough to write on paper is common in ADD?

I have always wondered why I find it difficult to write essays, is this something to do with ADD?

From what I hear/read, some people have no problem writing but have difficulty with math related things