What is ADHD?

ADHD is the second condition or disability I was diagnosed with. ADHD is an acronym short for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. There is a similar condition called ADD which is just Attention Deficit Disorder which doesn't include the hyperactive tendencies. ADHD is a brain disorder that involves hyperactivity, difficulty with attention, and impulsiveness. This can effect things from educational experience, social situations, and personal growth. This is another condition that is typically diagnosed as a child however can be diagnosed at any age. There is a lifelong condition with no cure at this time but can be treated with medication. National Statistics states there is more than 3 million cases diagnosed in the US every year.

My ADHD Story

In general, Autism seems to be more common now to see these two disorders together. However, in females with ASD, it is much less common to have autism and ADHD together. My mom completely notice my attention was difficult to contain as well as being really hyper. My school experience has been severally affected from this, from not wanting to seat in a typical seat to being overwhelmed easily. Even today in adulthood, I can ramble if I don't take my medication or have no control of my speech at all. Studying has been difficult and I am still trying to perfect the best way to study to allow myself to accomplish a task without being overwhelmed. I also need more sleep to perform well in school and can't sleep like typical students.

My ADHD is treated with the same medication that helps with my Autism, Concerta. Concerta helps my perfomance with school, work, and everyday life. Actually my medication performance was helpful to identify when in grade school had state testing where there is a lot of information in a small time frame. I realized when my medication wasn't performing as well as I would have like to. Speech Therapy has also helped with the antics that ADHD has brought a challenge. The biggest challenge to overcome with that as a child was my speech speed and took several years to achieve "turtle talk."

What Can You Do To Help?

• Be Educated on the topic! There will be a link to an ADHD Information by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) on my home page.

• Be patient if you interact with a child with ADHD. They may move constantly, speech might be difficult to follow, and more.

• If you are an educator at an elementary level, be involved in the IEP process and check in with the special ed team to allow your student to thrive.

• If you are an educator at a High School/ College level, be involved with IEP/College Special ed Process. Most kids can tell you about the challenges if you ask kindly especially at the college level. I personally will tell a teacher when something will be more difficult or not comprehending well.

• Be Kind To Anyone with a learning disability because it helps their self-esteem, and makes their different life seem less isolating.

• Support ADHD Awareness Month during the month of October.