Life with ADHD

While in primary school, I can still recall being punished by both my teachers and parents due to my impulsive, inattentive, and forgetful nature. In the classroom, my lack of focus consisted of doodling on blank pieces of paper as a lecture was being presented to the class.

During the lecture, I would be called upon to answer questions by my teacher based on my “lack of focus.” On several occasions I would answer these questions correctly. Although I responded correctly, my teacher would confiscate my drawings, stow them away, and my parents would often receive a phone call after school to discuss my behavior in the classroom.

I was clinically diagnosed with ADHD by a psychologist at a young age. I, like many children, was prescribed various medications over the course of five years. While taking medication, I was able to focus on tasks both at home and at school the way my teachers and parents approved of being “acceptable.” Although I was excelling in school, I later realized that I was experiencing negative side effects of these medications. I was too young to comprehend or verbalize how I felt while taking medication. All I knew was I did not like how I felt nor did I like the person I became while medicated. As a minor, I secretly decided to stop taking my medication. As I matured, I learned how to mold my behavior to what is considered “normal” or “acceptable” by most. Ultimately, I was a happier and healthier version of myself while I was not medicated which leads me to believe that I may have been misdiagnosed. If I was rightly diagnosed as a minor, medication may have not been the right treatment plan for me personally. These suspicions about my case leads me question the rise in ADHD diagnoses.

I decided to share my story as a means to help others through their journey with ADHD. If anyone reads my story at all, I hope it will make a difference in their lives, or at the very least make them think. Everyone's journey is different, and every story told maybe worth your while. Below are different stories, from different perspectives, that many can relate to.

Jennifer Killin, shares her story of what life is like living with her son, Troy, who was diagnosed with ADHD. She shares her views, as a mother, and describes the advantages and challenges they face in their daily lives.

A heartfelt message from students to their teachers. What these students wish you knew.

This is an interview that shows the difference between a child with ADHD vs. a child without ADHD.