Wish me luck!

Not sure where it will go, but I figure National Disability Month is coming up so that's probably a good start. I'm so sick of ADD being a taboo here, and having to hide it. Someone has to start speaking up, and it might as well be me.

I'm lucky enough to have the support of my family and friends. Sure, it's possible things from my past may be brought up, but who cares? I'm not perfect and it's part of my journey. So I'm not going to be ashamed, because as long as it benefits someone and raises awareness of our disorder, then it's worth it.

Please let me know if you are also willing to talk about your experiences, if it's okay to mention the ADD forums and also if you know of anyone who may be interested in hearing my story.

Many thanks,

Kristen

WOW..excellent STUFF :)

try today tonight, they'll listen :)

go you!!!

Good luck, Kristen!!!!

Good luck! I'm sure you'll do great!

Props for speaking up! If I were an ADD'er, I'd join you. :) And btw, you've certainly got a face for television :)

Would Today Tonight or a Current Affair tend to give a biased angle though? Or do you think they'd actually listen?

Mum said she'd come with me for TV ones so we can speak about it together... it would be useful to give a parent's angle, I think. I love my Mum!

I'm writing to the Disability week as well as being nominated for the National Disability awards to raise awareness (just for community type ones re: my surf journalism, coaching, Disabled surfers, teaching etc that I do). Would anyone be willing to write a brief reference re: my membership on here please?

Many thanks,
K

I wouldn't be too crash hot with the credibiility of either TT or ACA. You might get a better rap if you did the breakfast morning TV show route (Sunrise & Today Show etc).

TT & ACA would most certainly focus of your usage of an amphetamines derivative to stay focused.

What does the reference need to say and do? How brief?

Yeah exactly! I was thinking Sunrise actually.

I think TT Tonight and ACA tend to just spin it however they want to.

It can be as brief or detailed as you like. Even if you just say I've provided support to you on the ADDF website, Kristen's a member, contributes to discussions etc, that would be sweet.

Thanks a lot for the support! Trust me, this is pretty scary and confronting for me, so I appreciate it a lot.

I think if there's a big uproar to it I'll just go surfing somewhere with no mobile coverage for a week or two, haha!

Ok, I'm making no promises, but I'll give it a go if I've got enough time and energy (leaving myself plenty of outs ;)). Usually when I get home I'm pretty zonked and just want to play GTA4. :)

Haha! You're a classic! Well the National Disability ones are due tomorrow, but I'm sure there will be others. Don't worry I won't be offended if you're too tired. Tell wifey I said hello! :)

Tomorrow is cutting it a bit fine :p

Yeah no probs mate, I've got a couple already so no rush :)

Oh oh i will help! I'm from Victoria!

What exactly have you got planned?

Good on ya.... you guys in Oz seem a little further on than Scotland.... as far as I can make out it'd just be me and Fraz here.

kilt

And Bluerose, in spirit anyway, Kilted! Right, Bluerose? ;)

Alohagirl,

You have inspired me, sweetie. It's not as revolutionary as you to do what I've decided to do here in the U.S., but I've decided that I'm done hiding the ADD. I'm a lawyer, so I've been all nervous about how clients would view me, etc. I'm done with that. I'm done apologizing. I've got a buddy who does CLEs (Continuing Legal Education) courses on ethics, etc., and I'm going to put together a program about ADD that will go to the required "elimination of bias" credits in my state.

I'm done pretending. The NTers will deal, or they'll watch me as I succeed way beyond their wildest dreams. High five to you, chicka! I'm with you.

Sandy

Alohagirl,

You have inspired me, sweetie. It's not as revolutionary as you to do what I've decided to do here in the U.S., but I've decided that I'm done hiding the ADD. I'm a lawyer, so I've been all nervous about how clients would view me, etc. I'm done with that. I'm done apologizing. I've got a buddy who does CLEs (Continuing Legal Education) courses on ethics, etc., and I'm going to put together a program about ADD that will go to the required "elimination of bias" credits in my state.

I'm done pretending. The NTers will deal, or they'll watch me as I succeed way beyond their wildest dreams. High five to you, chicka! I'm with you.

Sandy

You go girl!

Hey I too am one of those (a lawyer). I don't like admitting, esp. to prospective employers, that I have ADHD. I'd like to but worry I won't get the job.

Thanks for the support everyone and GO SANDY!

Nicole, get in contact and I'm sure we can work something out.

I've told them at interviews which were going well and surprise, no call back! it's okay though, I'd rather not work for people like that!

Jacinta,

I hear you. I was in the same place as you for the last 10-11 months. But now I'm thinking that I'm going to actually build this into a positive. The thing that those webinars that Dr. Hallowell and Dr. Handelman put on taught me is that all of us have been succeeding on NTers terms, etc. And we have had to overcome some whopping hurdles to do it. We deserve to be proud. As you know, Jacinta, "mojo" is a big piece of lawyering. I've always lacked it, to be honest. My partners used to tell me that I lacked confidence, etc., and, of course, they respect bravado quite a lot, so they weren't sure what to do with me. But I was smart and a good writer, and I analyzed things in ways that no one thought of, so they kept me around despite my quirkiness. Nonetheless, I always figured that I had no opportunity to develop business because I didn't have that bravado. Now I see that I've got better than bravado. I've got the full-out confidence that comes from having survived a bundle of stuff, and having overcome some whopping hurdles, and I'm not going to play that down anymore. So ya'll, I apologize for bragging here ONLY because everyone else here has the same things to be proud of, but this is the new me, take or leave it, NTers.

I'm sure that I'll soften on this eventually. I'm just needing to gear up now to go back to work with my partners because I'm not going back with my tail tucked. I'm going to make them deal with it, or they can kiss me and my commitment, talent, and resilience goodbye. I've got better things to do with my life than work with a bunch of people who don't deserve me...

I'm sure that I'll soften on this eventually. I'm just needing to gear up now to go back to work with my partners because I'm not going back with my tail tucked. I'm going to make them deal with it, or they can kiss me and my commitment, talent, and resilience goodbye. I've got better things to do with my life than work with a bunch of people who don't deserve me...

That's the spirit!

I reckon! Well done Sandy!

Am currently getting a lot of emails from people asking how they can help. Have to knock over some work this weekend and then will investigate!

I reckon! Well done Sandy!

Am currently getting a lot of emails from people asking how they can help. Have to knock over some work this weekend and then will investigate!

Perhaps start a group or something on here or Facebook perhaps to bring everyone together?

Please let me know if you are also willing to talk about your experiences, if it's okay to mention the ADD forums and also if you know of anyone who may be interested in hearing my story.
Your story, eh? Well, i would share my story, deff.. :)

That's the spirit!

Go for it!!!! ... You will be helping yourself and helping A LOT of people who will come out of the shadows of shame, embarrassment and ignorance.
Good luck!

Thanks. Yeah I think someone has to do it.

*And Driver, thanks so much for your reference! It was awesome and meant a lot. Cheers mate.*

I spoke to an ADD specialist in South Oz and he said the best way was to start off with local papers, magazines etc first, then build up to TV interviews. What do you guys think?

I was thinking I should compose some sort of an introduction letter and biography of my experiences to send to people. Keeping in mind they are non-ADDers, what do you think are the most important things to include/cover in terms of the disorder?

Would love your input- thanks so much everyone and please keep it coming!
Kristen

Thanks. Yeah I think someone has to do it.

*And Driver, thanks so much for your reference! It was awesome and meant a lot. Cheers mate.*

No probs; did you get my contact details?

I spoke to an ADD specialist in South Oz and he said the best way was to start off with local papers, magazines etc first, then build up to TV interviews. What do you guys think?

I'm not a media/PR expert, so I'd find one and go from there. :)

what do you think are the most important things to include/cover in terms of the disorder?

I'd highlight the struggles with the disorder and how you and others overcome them. In general, I'd try to keep things positive and not overly emotional (have some emotion, just don't go overboard), otherwise it will only make people feel bad and turn away.

I can't think of anything to add, i just wanted to say Good Luck!:)

In all honesty, and while they have prime time position, I wouldn't trust TT or ACA as far as I could throw them, and I'm not that strong. Years ago ACA had some cred, but that is long gone in my opinion and now they are about out doing each other in the sensational stakes.

I would look to the Sunday program (sunday morning ch 9), and the morning programs on Channel's 9 and 7. Especially 7. Also look to 4 corners on the ABC. Decent current affairs now days is scarce.

I have a lot of respect for channel 9's Sunday program. Over the years they have broken some big big stories and have won quite a few awards I believe.

Anyway, the aforementioned programs are the ones that I believe wouldn't try and put a spin on what you are trying to say. The weekday morning programs won't have a lot of airtime for a story though. 4 corners and Sunday would be able to devote more.

That's what I thought... Sunrise etc have such a limited time schedule. I think 4 corners, Australian Story, the weekend programs. What is your stance on 60 minutes?

I think I have just the right PR person in mind. I interviewed one of the surfers he manages, and he is brilliant.

Will keep you updated.

K

60 minutes is fine! Except they seem to stick to pretty big stories. Not that I consider this a small story in any way, but convincing them could be another problem.

I think they would be more likely to grab onto it after it's broken.

Good advice- I agree!

oh oh i am so excited! I love things like this!

I'm going to try and get something into the uni newspaper!

(i'll need some help to compose it though)

I think Australian Story would be good, but I wonder if your story would be dramatic or emotional enough for them...

Not that I consider this a small story in any way, but convincing them could be another problem.
Aloha, I've been down this track before but with an eBay scam.... I was scammed on eBay, (nothing new, but this was around 4 years ago). I managed to locate around 90 other eBay members who were scammed along with me. I setup a website and mailling list for everyone, we even managed to pay for a PI to locate the guy. He was arrested, and jailed.

It was a pretty big story, considering it was the early days of eBay. ACA, and TT were interested in the story, but nothing came of it. I was contacted by someone from ACA to ask me a few questions, but that was it.

So, don't be surprised if it comes to nothing. I thought it was a pretty huge story... and it was, just they weren't interested in it for some reason.

I saw someone mentioned the 'issue' of amphetamines. It will be raised, so be prepared for the onslaught. You'll even need to be prepared that they will show you in a not so glamorous light. It all depends on the 'angle' they want to portray. So, also be prepared that your message may not be the message that the viewers see.

Don't be discouraged though. Just be careful.

Over here they love to push the 'doped kids' line, and then a few days later push the 'kids selling ritalin in the school yard' line when it comes to adhd. Never the nitty gritty!

I need some help... I'm writing the letter to this PR guy asking him for help and have no idea where to start! Basically, I interviewed a surfer he manages and thought he might be able to help with advice for the ADD campaign.

Any ideas? How would you explain what you want to achieve to a non-ADDer the best?

K

'spose two important points to bring up would be the recent and ongoing emphasis in the media of the 'drugged' kids at school and that in australia it seems to be considered a childhood disease! But that that is far from the case. And there are plenty of us to show that. Maybe direct them to this forum to have a glance around.

I spoke to a lady on facebook who said that she 'came out' on ACA 9 years ago, or something. She is too busy to come and talk here as she is studying and working and has kids but perhaps you can find something about it on the net?

I still haven't "come out"..if and when I am ready, you'll be the first to know

So here's what I wrote:


Well, after a lot of deliberating I decided to get in contact with you on this one. I really admire your professionalism and how you advocate for your clients to be presented in the right way.

National Disability Week is coming up, and I would really like to speak out and draw attention to something that affects my life on a regular basis.

I have the Inattentive (or non-hyperactive) version of ADD. I only got diagnosed at 21 because my little half brother did (my dad seems to be the carrier). There was no press on ADD when I was growing up, except for the 'children gone wild' on Today Tonight etc, and that was ADHD :)

I was never a badly behaved child, I ate well and exercised regularly. My biggest problem with regards to it is the way I process stimuli, particularly sound. If I'm in a busy place, eg. supermarkets, parties etc, I hear all the sound at once at the same frequency. So it effects my job hunting in that I can't work retail, hospitality or reception. Also, in my teaching I have found I am far better suited to one on one or smaller classes.

Recently I got onto www.addforums.com, and was astounded to find how many other adults are on there with ADD or ADHD, at least one hundred plus from Australia. As a whole, we feel very misrepresented in the media and are getting frustrated when people stereotype us for work, and even in our personal relationships. ADD is really not something that is spoken about at all, it's still a big taboo. I even found in my Education course, where we will be encountering kids with ADD, it was really only touched upon briefly.

I guess what we would like is to be shown in a positive light for once. That ADD affects adults as well as children, that it's not something you can just 'grow out of' if you truly have it. I want to show others that with a positive attitude and multi-modal treatment, they can be successful.

My biggest concern would be that they would jump on the fact I take a low dose of Ritalin each day... the whole 'druggie' stereotype. But it is part of a far bigger picture... I eat well, exercise daily, have amazing support from friends and family, visit my specialist and always strive to become better and stronger in myself.

I'm not saying I'm perfect, but I'm hoping that by being one of the first to put myself out there, others will follow suit or maybe even recognise it in themselves and get diagnosed rather than living in confusion like I did for so long.

Anyway, any advice you might have would be extremely appreciated... eg. who you think may be interested, etc.

Many thanks,
Kristen

(Fingers crossed... I will let you know how it goes...!)

great letter!
all the best with everything!
i admire your courage in speaking out about it :)

Good job little surfer girl reaching out to the public and the undiagnosed!

Thanks so much... I'm absolutely terrified to be honest, but I keep telling myself it will help others and it's getting me through!

I really hope he responds positively... although I'm sure there will be heaps of knockbacks, so I just have to keep trying!

They're just little ol' waves, not knockbacks!

Hey! He responded positively, in fact he was really helpful.

He suggested putting up a website or page (or do you think the mods might let us do it on here?) where Aussie ADDers share their stories, in a profile style. So for example:

A photo/photos, if you're happy to have them up.

Name:
Age:
Your life/achievements (a brief bio)
Diagnosed (eg what age, what were your experiences):
What treatment do you undertake to manage your ADD (medical or other strategies that help):
Why do you think ADD is such a taboo in Australia?:
What can we do to reduce this?:
What would you like people to know about ADD?:

etc....

Please feel free to input with this... anyone good with computer design?

He also said if it takes off it would be great to do it as a book. I know this would probably work. When I did my Undergrad I sent my novel to Random House. They loved it but said Australia probably wasn't ready for a main character with ADD, which is a fair call as it's pretty confronting in a mainstream novel. However, they did say they'd be very interested in a real life book on ADD....hmmm.

K

Mad respect for doing this bro (sis) ;)

I might be able to help with the web page design, it might be good to buy a good domain name once the site is ready.

www.addaustralia.com.au? (http://www.addaustralia.com.au?) or something.

If you need any help let me know. I wouldn't mind donating some of my time for this good cause :)

The profiles are a good idea. It would be best to get a wide range of people with profiles. Mums,Dads, kids, 20-somethings, teenagers etc.

Website would work best if it was simple and easy to read. We can always have links going to the more detailed ADD info.

Just some ideas anyway.

Thanks so much! Yeah that would be perfect.

I agree it's better to leave the forums/ info etc to the pros like this site and others. But the profiles would be cool. And a wide range of people. Simple design, maybe divided into groups like teens, young adults, 40 and under and 40 and over?

I'm just not sure that children's profiles should be put up as some may see it as inappropriate/exploitation. Maybe over 18s is an idea?

And what are some other questions we can ask those profiled?

Thanks so much for your help OzChris.

count me in, i have only just been diagnosed at 42, and its taken 10 years to get here, including being turned away at some major psych hospitals even though i was feeling frustrated to the point of wanting to end my own life. This happened again only today. Im not sure why Australia is so behind on this issue, and its a disgrace thay people cant get help when they need it. I will contribute my story too if it will help.
Keep up the good fight,

Rabbit Diagnosed today YAHOOO!!!!!

Count me in too :)

Thankyou very much. Anyone else?

You could use the Australia section of the ADD Forums to do this...

Just choose a format and start posting! You can post a picture of yourself in your profile too!

Australia subforum: http://www.addforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=99

If there's enough of these posts...we might move them to their own section :)

That's a great idea! I think we have something similar titled 'Aussie role call' but more detail would be great.

Sorry I am away wakeboarding for a few days, will talk soon!

Hey ya aloha1983,
As discussed you know you have my support with this, together we can all fight the good fight.

Cool. So should we start a new thread on that page? Maybe if everyone emails their stories/answers to the questions to my address, which is listed as my msn on my private page?

Then we can start compiling them.

Thanks so much everyone! This is really exciting.

I was just thinking, if you would prefer to stay anonymous ie. no first names and surnames we could just use the avatars? What do you guys think? That way we still have our privacy but others can relate, plus you can share as little or as much as you like.

I was just thinking, if you would prefer to stay anonymous ie. no first names and surnames we could just use the avatars? What do you guys think? That way we still have our privacy but others can relate, plus you can share as little or as much as you like.

That sounds like a good idea. I'm pretty busy at the moment but I'll do a plan for the website soon. I'm not an expert on making websites but could just do something basic to start off. Hopefully we get someone who does web design for a living to help out

Yeah I hope so. Is there any way we can save this thread in a particular place so it doesn't get lost? (Bats eyelashes at mods)... uh, please?

Hey Kristen,

I admire you! Way to go! We need MORE people like yourself speaking up on the topic of ADD.

I think it really comes down to the ignorance of the general public. They don't see it as a "real" condition.

But you and I know that ADD is completely real.

It reminds me of the boy from Indiana that was diagnosed with AIDS in the 1980s. People thought he was a freak because he had AIDS. But really, it was the ignorance the public.

And, there was a really interesting film based on the child's life, called "The Ryan White Story".

Anyways, I got a little off track there...but thank you Kristen for everything you are doing for everyone that deals with ADHD!