Inattentive ADD resources?

[rice84]

Hey Everyone,

I'm new to the forum and to ADD. I have yet to be officially diagnosed (I'll be seeing a doctor in 1-3 weeks), but from reading stuff on the internet and browsing the stories here, it seems likely that I have inattentive-ADD. I'm in college, but all throughout school (especially when homework started) I've had the same patters. I wouldn't do homework (bored by it), I wouldn't read assigned reading, and any project I'd do I'd start at the last minute. Usually, this work was just really really boring: I'd start for about 5 minutes and then stop.

Other times, I'll just zone-out and daydream. As for personal organization, I've been a mess since elementary school. My desk would just be filled with papers in no good order (as would my backpack). I wouldn't use an assignment book or personal organizer no matter how many people extolled their virtues. Books on time management, procrastination, organization, etc. are of no use (I either don't finish them nor have the power to put them into effect).

I can't keep focused during conversations (unless I am truly interested), or when it comes to lectures. I'll just think about other stuff, write letters, or who knows what. Of course when it comes to studying, I hardly do unless it's something easy like answering short prepared questions or mastering a very small amount of materials (like reading one chapter for a quiz). Papers are a pain, not because I dislike writing, but because of the whole ordered/structured/constant attentive process (combined with a somewhat interesting topic). I get mostly b's/b+'s, but I know I could easily do better as I easily understand the concepts my professors teach.

When it comes to chores around the house, I routinely forget to do those even though my mom or dad might remind me 100 times. I will also completely forget about library books, returning messages, or balancing the checkbook. However, there are times when I really enjoy an activity that I stay very focused (the same with books--I can read a fiction novel very quickly). Does this seem like a good picture of inattentive-ADD?

The real reason I posted this is if I do have inattentive-ADD, are there non-medicinal resources available? For those of you with it, how do you cope? If this is the real thing and I get a prescription, I'd still want non drug ways of handling it. It seems like most of the resources on the internet and here are more geared towards the hyperactive ADD types. If you want to talk outside of this forum about this with me, please PM me too.

txia

[ClearConfusion]

As a matter of fact I don't cope right now. I'm reluctant to go the med route even though I've heard much good about them. I'm just too afraid I'll end up with some rare side effect and be stuck with it. Thing is I'm not so sure I'll be able to cope without meds.

It certainly sounds like you might have inattentive ADD. I recognise myself in a lot of what you write. Library books -- I don't dare to go to some libraries cause I have unpaid fines and I don't know if they're prescribed yet.

The thing where you can focus well if you really enjoy an activity is called hyperfocus. There's been a lot written about it at the forums.

We are quite a few predominatly inattentive types on this forum so you won't be alone.

[charonshanti]

Mine's inattentive too--we have a lot in common. If my husband puts a book down for a couple of hours I can start & finish it before he picks it back up!

I started with ADD organizing skills first and added meds. I like the combo, but just getting educated about the facets of ADD and using ADD-friendly skills went a long, long way just by themselves and are still my mainstay. The meds just make them more effective.

I can't say enough good about "ADD-friendly ways to organize your life." It's fun to read and incredibly enlightening. I spent the whole time I was reading saying, " So that's why I do that!" and better yet, I read the suggestions and knew I could actually follow them. That was a first. Never met a time-management / organization book that thought like me before.

About alternatives, check out this thread: http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34538

And about meds, understanding the physical causes of ADD is essential to making an informed decision. Check out http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16810 and some of the other threads some of our great researchers have posted in the scientific section.

Welcome to the forum!

[rice84]

Thanks for the advice; I'll definitely check out that book. As for the article on exercise, I agree with it. For the past few days I've been cycling and it's been helpful. I just hope I can get to see a psychiatrist soon as many around me aren't accepting new patients. I'm really glad that my inattentive symptoms are the same as others here. As for the library books, I think I returned my books to the city public library (after $20 in fines) yet I haven't gone back in because the fines are still unpaid! Thankfully I have a college library where we get a warning when our books are due in 3 days.

I realize that inattentive-add might be understudied, I'll probably do some more google searching, but does anyone know of psychology researchers working on the problem? It's possible that their findings have not made it into books or the internet yet. Just an idea.

[HurricaneBrain]

rice:

I was just diagnosed 'severe ADD' at 41, and my academic career sounds identical to yours.

I'm a reasonably successful author and got that way by working (very, very hard) around many of the ADD symptoms found on these boards, including inattentive.

Now that my third son is in the house, and all three kids are under 7, life has become incredibly chaotic; more so than usual. So I finally threw in the towel and went to a therapist.

Oh...and BTW, I've played soccer my entire life and work out at the gym four times a week. These 'help' with the ADD, but the amount of exercise needed to raise the endorphine levels high enough to tame the ADD are at the marathon level. In other words, to really fight ADD internally, without meds, would require a huge amount of time/exercise. Yes, there are also books that give you strategies to use, but as my therapist says: "Some ADD patients simply need meds. In fact, most do."

My therapist is also a patient, on meds, and knows of what he speaks.

I fought meds for years, until the disorganization and impulsivness got to be too much. And now, I'm starting Concerta to see if it helps. Before you rule out drugs across the board, you should at least go to a psychologist and do a formal analysis. ADD treament has become much more refined over the past few years, and a good doc can explain all of the treatments, with and without drugs.

[Crackerjack]

What helped for me was reading a book called "Healing ADD" by Dr. Daniel Amen.

After I was diagnosed, I paid close attention to myself to see how my Inattentive ADD affected me.

What I discovered about the procrastination was as soon as I thought about doing something, I'd think "Nah, I'll do it later." What I have to do is actively reinsert a thought to do something. So my thought process now runs along the lines of "I'll do it now. Nah, I'll do it later. No...I'll do it now." Since I've discovered that "trick" my productivity/organization has been much better.

For my memory, I've used a supp called "Phosphatidylserine" which was recommended by the Amen Clinic. I've found this has helped my recall ability, meaning I'm much more prone to remembering things before I need to do them, rather than after. I use the The Vitamin Shoppe brand.

About the exercise, one way I've found to spread it through the day is do a set number of pushups/jumping jacks/whatever every hour.

[rice84]

"My therapist is also a patient, on meds, and knows of what he speaks.

I fought meds for years, until the disorganization and impulsivness got to be too much. And now, I'm starting Concerta to see if it helps. Before you rule out drugs across the board, you should at least go to a psychologist and do a formal analysis. ADD treament has become much more refined over the past few years, and a good doc can explain all of the treatments, with and without drugs."

I agree with this. It's just that seeing a psychiatrist is a few weeks away and I've got exams in 3 weeks (I wanted to see if there were ways to get a handle on this before the meds for my own sanity). Good call on doing the exercise throughout the day; I'll try that and see what happens.

[charonshanti]

Originally Posted by HurricaneBrain

Oh...and BTW, I've played soccer my entire life and work out at the gym four times a week. These 'help' with the ADD, but the amount of exercise needed to raise the endorphine levels high enough to tame the ADD are at the marathon level. In other words, to really fight ADD internally, without meds, would require a huge amount of time/exercise. Yes, there are also books that give you strategies to use, but as my therapist says: "Some ADD patients simply need meds. In fact, most do."

Hurricane, thanx for that... I always pass along the links to exercise because I know it does help me overall, but the 'marathon level' sounds right. If I understand what I read right, the ADD brain is too fast in pulling the neurotransmitters out of the synapses and back into the cells, leaving less for the brain to work with. Slowing down the neurotransmitter reuptake (one action of stim meds) helps so much.

[SeniorADD'r]

Responding to "rice84" who states he's college age (young adult). So there may be hope for him with appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Nonhyperactive ADD is a "hidden" disability. If we observe someone in a wheel chair, we know they may have some challenges the rest of us don't. But a person with nonhyperactive ADD looks and seems, at first notice, to be completely normal. After talking to such an one for a little while, however, one may get the impression they are a little "off" in some respect, but basically, there is nothing about their outward appearance that would put us on notice that they may be "disabled."

When I was in elementary school many years ago (1950's), I was tested by a school psychologist. I asked my mom (a registered nurse) what it was they were trying to find out about me.

Her answer: "They want to find out if you're lazy or stupid."
My next question: "What did they find out?"
Her answer: "Well, you must be lazy 'cause you're sure not stupid!"

The point being, in those days, ADD was called "minimal brain damage" or some such thing, and nobody wanted a brain-damaged kid. Denial of the problem was all the rage.

Because I was relatively smart (many people with ADD score well on I.Q. tests), I got passed on from grade to grade, notwithstanding the fact that I never mastered the skills taught in the previous grade that would surely be required to master the skills in the next grade. I recall vividly my 6th grade teacher, Mr. E., standing behind me saying in a loud voice: "And here we sit [my name], and here we sit!"

Frankly, I found it much easier to daydream than to pay attention in class. Once I saw a Disney special on how the brain worked. Next day in school I penciled what I could remember of the cartoon on my desktop. I was soon shocked and upset to learn the vice principal didn't view my efforts as being of any value and made me wash my desktop with soap and paper towels.

rice84's school experience sounds very similar to what I remember about mine. I never did quite get on the ball with school.

(Some of the best evidence of inattentive ADD is found in the teacher's comments portion of your old grade school report cards. Comments like: "lacks motivation", "smart, but just doesn't try" and "never finishes his/her work" are important evidence a problem of some sort existed.)

Back in the 1950's, my inattentive ADD was chalked up to my lack of moral fibre: laziness, obstinacy, lack of motivation, fails to follow directions, etc. (read boredom) at school and later at work.

My diagnosis did not come until I was well into my 40's. And that was due to a particular attribute of ADD--it may run in families. My son seemed bright, but unmotivated in elementary school. Because he was smart, he was always passed on to the next higher grade, but he didn't usually "get it together" until towards the end of the school year.

My wife, a teacher with a B.S. in early child development, was all over this in her efforts to help our son succeed in school. It was only when he was referred (when he was in high school) to a psychiatrist that we learned he had the inattentive variety of ADD.

My wife, bless her, researched ADD and attended seminars to learn how she might better help our son, and recognize ADD symptoms in her students. She returned from one such seminar wide-eyed and in a state of shock. She looked at me and said: "They listed the most frequent symptoms of an adult with undiagnosed ADD. You hit 9 out of 10 squarely on the head."

So, I sought the advice of a psychiatrist knowledgable in diagnosing and treating ADD in adults. Her comment to me was: "Well, at least we now know where [my son] gets his ADD."

At first, the diagnosis put me in a state of near euphoria. It provided a logical theory that explained my childhood behavior and failure to achieve in school. It meant there was a physical reason for my torment, and that someday, after sufficient therapy, I might even be able to entertain the idea that a lot of the cause of my poor performance was due to ADD and not some defect in my character.

If you're hyperactive as a child, you get quickly noticed and disciplined. But if you are well-mannered, polite and quiet, its easy to get away with staring out the window much of the time. Nonhyperactive kids are tougher to spot in the classroom.

My brief joy turned to depression when I realized there is no cure for ADD, only management and accomodation, and that none of that is easy.

Then, there was all the negative things about myself I'd heard and internalized over the years to the extent that I believed they accurately described what kind of person I was. For instance, my father, bless him, was a very good drill instructor in the United States Marine Corps. [Semper Fi] Being "squared away" was only the beginning of sorrows. We butted heads (actually I withdrew into mine) for years and years. He even gave me "recruit haircuts" (read skinhead) until I was well into middle school. It was not until a few years before he died (and still several before my diagnosis with ADD) that we came to terms, called a truce, and decided we loved one another and respected one another despite our manifest differences. I had been hopelessly disobedient as a child and adolescent.

Anyway, the effect of continual negative trait reinforcement majorly messed with my self-esteem, or better, the lack thereof. One cannot hear things like: "Hey, wake up, get it together!" "Why can't you pay attention!" "What are you, stupid?" without some damage to the psyche. Especially if one is a mild-mannered, contemplative sort of person. [In deference to all forum members I've left out some of the more colorful phrases and descriptions of me and my behavior.]

My joy became even more depressed when I realized that no one really cares whether or not one has ADD. Employers, for instance, are only concerned whether or not you do your job. (Notwithstanding state and federal legislation prohibiting discrimination against those with recognized disabilities, which ADD is.) Whether you can't or won't do the job is irrelevant. You will be replaced with someone who can and will do it.

During my life I've pursued perhaps 30 or more different career paths in an effort to find something I could stand doing for more than about 3 weeks without becoming bored out of my mind. (Lots and frequent job changes are another indication of ADD.)

Perhaps you think maybe all I needed was more backbone and stick-to-it-iv-ness? In my defense, I must say I worked very hard--even frantically--spending more hours at work than I was paid for, etc., in an effort to prove myself. To no avail. I finally had to realize there are some things I cannot do no matter how much I may desire to do them (or need the job so I can support my family).

One of the great disappointments about myself that I will take to my grave (unless therapy disabuses me of the notion first) is that, in my opinion, I never became really successful at doing what men of my generation were supposed to do -- provide well for their families. While I managed to learn some job survival skills, eventually my lack of [name the skill] was discovered, and soon thereafter a change of job or career occurred.

[I'm certain I've had some text-book law suits against employers for being wrongfully disciplined and terminated, but my attitude has always been that of the meek -- if I'm not wanted somewhere, I'd rather leave rather than foist myself on the employer or situation. I also don't believe every wrong should be litigated. It may take many years, perhaps even generations, but I would rather see societal attitudes towards the differently enabled become more realistic, resulting in more REAL accomodation for us in the workplace. Don't get me wrong, litigation is an essential part of social change, but used to excess, it can cause problems and backlash.]

In sum, I have felt, during the entirety of my conscious existence, that I was different than other kids, people, etc., but could not for the life of me put my finger on what it was that caused me to feel this way. A diagnosis of ADD has given me a handle on that difference.

And don't be too afraid of the meds, even the "dangerous" ones like amphetamines and the like. My doctor asked me a question in response to my balking at taking drugs: "If you were diabetic, would you not take insulin, even though your life might depend on it? Or, if you needed glasses to see properly, would you forego wearing them because they are merely a prosthesis?" Try the meds, try all the meds your doctor sees fit to give you and report your impressions to him/her. ADD is incurable, but meds, in connection with appropriate therapy, can make it more manageable.

Remember my son with the inattentive ADD? He took Ritalin for a number of years when in school. Presently, I don't believe he takes anything and is successful as a high school football coach and a teacher of learning disabled children. Because his ADD was diagnosed and appropriately treated while he was still young and malleable, he adapted to his environment and is doing very well in life without the burdens others of us bear. And I'm very, very proud of him.

Originally Posted by rice84

Hey Everyone,

Originally Posted by rice84

I'm new to the forum and to ADD. I have yet to be officially diagnosed (I'll be seeing a doctor in 1-3 weeks), but from reading stuff on the internet and browsing the stories here, it seems likely that I have inattentive-ADD. I'm in college, but all throughout school (especially when homework started) I've had the same patters. I wouldn't do homework (bored by it), I wouldn't read assigned reading, and any project I'd do I'd start at the last minute. Usually, this work was just really really boring: I'd start for about 5 minutes and then stop.

Other times, I'll just zone-out and daydream. As for personal organization, I've been a mess since elementary school. My desk would just be filled with papers in no good order (as would my backpack). I wouldn't use an assignment book or personal organizer no matter how many people extolled their virtues. Books on time management, procrastination, organization, etc. are of no use (I either don't finish them nor have the power to put them into effect).

I can't keep focused during conversations (unless I am truly interested), or when it comes to lectures. I'll just think about other stuff, write letters, or who knows what. Of course when it comes to studying, I hardly do unless it's something easy like answering short prepared questions or mastering a very small amount of materials (like reading one chapter for a quiz). Papers are a pain, not because I dislike writing, but because of the whole ordered/structured/constant attentive process (combined with a somewhat interesting topic). I get mostly b's/b+'s, but I know I could easily do better as I easily understand the concepts my professors teach.

When it comes to chores around the house, I routinely forget to do those even though my mom or dad might remind me 100 times. I will also completely forget about library books, returning messages, or balancing the checkbook. However, there are times when I really enjoy an activity that I stay very focused (the same with books--I can read a fiction novel very quickly). Does this seem like a good picture of inattentive-ADD?

The real reason I posted this is if I do have inattentive-ADD, are there non-medicinal resources available? For those of you with it, how do you cope? If this is the real thing and I get a prescription, I'd still want non drug ways of handling it. It seems like most of the resources on the internet and here are more geared towards the hyperactive ADD types. If you want to talk outside of this forum about this with me, please PM me too.

txia

[Michiko74]

It's difficult for me to speak to managing inattentative ADD without meds, because I'm on the opposite side of the fence. (I take meds.) But I will say that organization is key to managing the inattentative ADD.

I'm a big believer in lists. I write down everything! And don't assume that you will remember because I'm almost certain you won't. That goes for appointments, things I want to remember..etc.

There are tons of great tips on here about managing ADD. For example, I need my music with me on the bus. I overhear too many conversations and it starts to grate on my nerves. And don't worry if you do things a little "differently" than most folks. Sometimes I do have two, three things on the go. Meh.. it's me

Oh and don't underestimate the need to depressurize. My evening soak is more than just hygene! It's a chance to relax, read something and not have to deal with anyone. It's just me time and I think I need it as much as my medication

[VisualImagery]

Hi Michiko!

Glad to hear you are doing well. Good post. How are things with the family? Did you use my line?

SeniorADD, we are from the same planet, same time, same experience.

Any good book on ADD/ADHD will have relevant resources. There are tons of websites too. Addresources.org is excellent.

[Michiko74]

Wassup RADDmom?? No I didn't get to use your line, but I will!!

[SeniorADD'r]

Hey RADDmom -- I am new to internet forums and have a lot to learn about navigating, &ct., but it is amazing to me to find so many people in one place with the same experiences I've had in life. Thank you for the confirmation re planet, time, experience and dimension. ADD was called "minimal brain damage" in the '50's and '60's, and nobody wanted a brain-damaged kid so denial was all the rage. Did I just write a long run-on sentence? Oh, no! I'm talking to a teacher!. Take care.

[jtroy]

Originally Posted by SeniorADD'r

Responding to "rice84" who states he's college age (young adult). So there may be hope for him with appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Nonhyperactive ADD is a "hidden" disability. If we observe someone in a wheel chair, we know they may have some challenges the rest of us don't. But a person with nonhyperactive ADD looks and seems, at first notice, to be completely normal. After talking to such an one for a little while, however, one may get the impression they are a little "off" in some respect, but basically, there is nothing about their outward appearance that would put us on notice that they may be "disabled."

When I was in elementary school many years ago (1950's), I was tested by a school psychologist. I asked my mom (a registered nurse) what it was they were trying to find out about me.

Her answer: "They want to find out if you're lazy or stupid."
My next question: "What did they find out?"
Her answer: "Well, you must be lazy 'cause you're sure not stupid!"

The point being, in those days, ADD was called "minimal brain damage" or some such thing, and nobody wanted a brain-damaged kid. Denial of the problem was all the rage.

Because I was relatively smart (many people with ADD score well on I.Q. tests), I got passed on from grade to grade, notwithstanding the fact that I never mastered the skills taught in the previous grade that would surely be required to master the skills in the next grade. I recall vividly my 6th grade teacher, Mr. E., standing behind me saying in a loud voice: "And here we sit [my name], and here we sit!"

Frankly, I found it much easier to daydream than to pay attention in class. Once I saw a Disney special on how the brain worked. Next day in school I penciled what I could remember of the cartoon on my desktop. I was soon shocked and upset to learn the vice principal didn't view my efforts as being of any value and made me wash my desktop with soap and paper towels.

rice84's school experience sounds very similar to what I remember about mine. I never did quite get on the ball with school.

(Some of the best evidence of inattentive ADD is found in the teacher's comments portion of your old grade school report cards. Comments like: "lacks motivation", "smart, but just doesn't try" and "never finishes his/her work" are important evidence a problem of some sort existed.)

Back in the 1950's, my inattentive ADD was chalked up to my lack of moral fibre: laziness, obstinacy, lack of motivation, fails to follow directions, etc. (read boredom) at school and later at work.

My diagnosis did not come until I was well into my 40's. And that was due to a particular attribute of ADD--it may run in families. My son seemed bright, but unmotivated in elementary school. Because he was smart, he was always passed on to the next higher grade, but he didn't usually "get it together" until towards the end of the school year.

My wife, a teacher with a B.S. in early child development, was all over this in her efforts to help our son succeed in school. It was only when he was referred (when he was in high school) to a psychiatrist that we learned he had the inattentive variety of ADD.

My wife, bless her, researched ADD and attended seminars to learn how she might better help our son, and recognize ADD symptoms in her students. She returned from one such seminar wide-eyed and in a state of shock. She looked at me and said: "They listed the most frequent symptoms of an adult with undiagnosed ADD. You hit 9 out of 10 squarely on the head."

So, I sought the advice of a psychiatrist knowledgable in diagnosing and treating ADD in adults. Her comment to me was: "Well, at least we now know where [my son] gets his ADD."

At first, the diagnosis put me in a state of near euphoria. It provided a logical theory that explained my childhood behavior and failure to achieve in school. It meant there was a physical reason for my torment, and that someday, after sufficient therapy, I might even be able to entertain the idea that a lot of the cause of my poor performance was due to ADD and not some defect in my character.

If you're hyperactive as a child, you get quickly noticed and disciplined. But if you are well-mannered, polite and quiet, its easy to get away with staring out the window much of the time. Nonhyperactive kids are tougher to spot in the classroom.

My brief joy turned to depression when I realized there is no cure for ADD, only management and accomodation, and that none of that is easy.

Then, there was all the negative things about myself I'd heard and internalized over the years to the extent that I believed they accurately described what kind of person I was. For instance, my father, bless him, was a very good drill instructor in the United States Marine Corps. [Semper Fi] Being "squared away" was only the beginning of sorrows. We butted heads (actually I withdrew into mine) for years and years. He even gave me "recruit haircuts" (read skinhead) until I was well into middle school. It was not until a few years before he died (and still several before my diagnosis with ADD) that we came to terms, called a truce, and decided we loved one another and respected one another despite our manifest differences. I had been hopelessly disobedient as a child and adolescent.

Anyway, the effect of continual negative trait reinforcement majorly messed with my self-esteem, or better, the lack thereof. One cannot hear things like: "Hey, wake up, get it together!" "Why can't you pay attention!" "What are you, stupid?" without some damage to the psyche. Especially if one is a mild-mannered, contemplative sort of person. [In deference to all forum members I've left out some of the more colorful phrases and descriptions of me and my behavior.]

My joy became even more depressed when I realized that no one really cares whether or not one has ADD. Employers, for instance, are only concerned whether or not you do your job. (Notwithstanding state and federal legislation prohibiting discrimination against those with recognized disabilities, which ADD is.) Whether you can't or won't do the job is irrelevant. You will be replaced with someone who can and will do it.

During my life I've pursued perhaps 30 or more different career paths in an effort to find something I could stand doing for more than about 3 weeks without becoming bored out of my mind. (Lots and frequent job changes are another indication of ADD.)

Perhaps you think maybe all I needed was more backbone and stick-to-it-iv-ness? In my defense, I must say I worked very hard--even frantically--spending more hours at work than I was paid for, etc., in an effort to prove myself. To no avail. I finally had to realize there are some things I cannot do no matter how much I may desire to do them (or need the job so I can support my family).

One of the great disappointments about myself that I will take to my grave (unless therapy disabuses me of the notion first) is that, in my opinion, I never became really successful at doing what men of my generation were supposed to do -- provide well for their families. While I managed to learn some job survival skills, eventually my lack of [name the skill] was discovered, and soon thereafter a change of job or career occurred.

[I'm certain I've had some text-book law suits against employers for being wrongfully disciplined and terminated, but my attitude has always been that of the meek -- if I'm not wanted somewhere, I'd rather leave rather than foist myself on the employer or situation. I also don't believe every wrong should be litigated. It may take many years, perhaps even generations, but I would rather see societal attitudes towards the differently enabled become more realistic, resulting in more REAL accomodation for us in the workplace. Don't get me wrong, litigation is an essential part of social change, but used to excess, it can cause problems and backlash.]

In sum, I have felt, during the entirety of my conscious existence, that I was different than other kids, people, etc., but could not for the life of me put my finger on what it was that caused me to feel this way. A diagnosis of ADD has given me a handle on that difference.

And don't be too afraid of the meds, even the "dangerous" ones like amphetamines and the like. My doctor asked me a question in response to my balking at taking drugs: "If you were diabetic, would you not take insulin, even though your life might depend on it? Or, if you needed glasses to see properly, would you forego wearing them because they are merely a prosthesis?" Try the meds, try all the meds your doctor sees fit to give you and report your impressions to him/her. ADD is incurable, but meds, in connection with appropriate therapy, can make it more manageable.

Remember my son with the inattentive ADD? He took Ritalin for a number of years when in school. Presently, I don't believe he takes anything and is successful as a high school football coach and a teacher of learning disabled children. Because his ADD was diagnosed and appropriately treated while he was still young and malleable, he adapted to his environment and is doing very well in life without the burdens others of us bear. And I'm very, very proud of him.

WOW!! Your story just described myself to the T!!

Your right about the older generations denial of any sort of mental disabilities.....back then if there was something wrong in your head they put you away at the funny farm.

Your description of of early childhood labeling really struck a chord...I remember being called "Lazy" "Bum" "Unmotivated" "Never add up to anything"
and like you I still carry that baggage with me hence my need for anti depressant meds.