I'm a University Professor and I'm interested in helping with ADHD advocacy.
I was diagnosed in 2014 when I was 49 - about the same time I was hospitalized and had surgery for heart disease.
Though quite fit at the time (I have a strong "H" component in ADHD and so I enjoy exercise), my lifetime of extreme anxiety over time management, my social missteps, my risk taking and my hyper focus have ravaged my personal relationships and my body.
My ADHD "hyper focus" seems to have enabled my success in the academic world however, but my brothers didn't get hyper focus and so they suffer more than me.
Mindfulness, exercise, alcohol reduction and medication respectively seem to help me most.
I'm not sure if a sufferer makes a good advocate, but my story might at least be interesting: ADHD has lead me through an early career as a punk-rock drummer, then a Professional Geophysicist, then a graduate student / punk-rock drummer, then a Lead Research Scientist, and now an Associate Professor / punk-rock drummer.
Because of the "H", I have endured more concussions and more broken bones that any of my academic peers due to BMX crashes, skateboarding falls, fights and motorcycle racing mishaps.
Rob Ferguson, PhD, P. Geoph
Principal Investigator, City Fibre as a Sensor (CFaaS)
My 11-year-old son, Zane, was diagnosed with ADHD in gr. 2. After having a very difficult year, he was assessed through the school.
Grade 3 was like night and day. He still struggled with his emotions but he was given a very dynamic teacher and a very dynamic classroom. I cannot say enough about this teacher she is truly great at what she does.
The following year in grade 4 he was given a teacher who had a more structured class but she was fully prepared for him and created an area in her class that he could use fidget toys and get up and move around when he needed to. She created an amazing bond between her and my son.
During both gr. 3 and gr. 4 Zane was given tools to use at school. He was given a rocking chair, thera bands, a standing desk, a trampoline etc. I didn’t have to ask for anything for him because everyone seemed to bend over backwards to get what they thought he needed. I had constant communication from the school, resource teachers etc.
I always felt though that a number of teachers who worked with Zane did not understand what ADHD really is and that communication between teachers was lacking. There wasn’t a consistency between his main teacher and a teacher he would see once a day for example. It was difficult for him to understand why what was allowed from one teacher was not allowed from another.
Grade 5 has been a disaster since September. He was not given many of the tools he had last year. I've had to fight for almost everything for him this year. I've had tell his teacher she shouldn't be laughing while I describing my son’s challenges in the classroom. I have had to listen to her tell me that we needed to push him academically because he was able to do the work and we didn’t want him to be a drop out. I have had to let her know that he needs fidget items to better function in the classroom and they cannot be held as a reward for getting his work done. I also had to listen to the vice principal tell me that his behaviour would not be tolerated this year because while some of it had to do with ADHD a lot of it was learned behaviour. I asked his teacher for help many times to figure out what was triggering him this year given that he finished grade 4 very well and had an amazing summer. All of this resulted in us putting Zane into a new classroom so he could change teachers.
We tried medication in gr. 4 and the beginning of gr. 5 but it made him very angry so we took a break because I didn't trust that his school would be supportive. Recently we started trying a new medication and we're hoping that it is the right fit.
The move to a new classroom has been better for him. His new teacher is kind, but is not set up in any way to support his needs. I find they do not use his IEP recommendations and do not communicate with us or seem to be very positive about him or his success. EVERY time I bring a concern to the teacher or principal about something that happened in Zane’s day I am told it didn’t happen the way he described. They tell me the goal for this year is to have Zane advocate for himself and every time he does or he asks questions he is either told no or not to be rude.
Earlier in the year I reached out to the superintendent of education for our school and he was great. Things seemed to have changed for a bit but, I feel as though they just tell me what I want to hear and then don’t make any changes.
Thanks for listening
- Joanne
I listened to a piece on adult ADHD on CBC radio and my internal voice grew growing louder and louder ... Yes! Yes! Yes! Finally good content on ADHD!!!! This inspired me to share my story.
Since my son was diagnosed with ADHD and Dysphasia 10 years ago, I have refused to believe that his life would be limited by his condition. I have been immersed in a quest to empower my child to achieve his goals and dreams. Since then I have been following experts, reading everything that landed on my hands as well as participating in seminars covering the subject of ADHD and learning challenges.
With time I came to realize that I am fascinated by the adolescence and young adult years, a crucial time in our lives when we are transitioning from childhood to adulthood. The coincidence of having a child with a neurobiological condition gave me the opportunity among other things to question my values and beliefs. Education and diversity became top priorities in my list and without realizing I entered in the fascinating world of coaching and the power of our mind.
I am currently taking Professional and Personal Coach Certificate program at Concordia University as the first step of my journey to become ADHD/Executive Function Coach. I want to promote the benefits of ADHD coaching as a valuable process in the life of people with ADHD and learning challenges. I want to partner up with researchers, professionals and educational institutions that believe in diversity, innovation and that all individuals have potential to fulfill their dreams. So together we can bring meaningful changes in the educational system and society as a whole.
I am very passionate about ADHD.
Submitted by Liliana Turecki
I am 30 years old, and currently reside in Timmins, Ontario. I have been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD-combined type (severe).
I had the testing completed when I was 17 years old, and I know the struggle of these illnesses and the impact it has all around your life, in every single possible area, and also the impact on those around us.
I’m extremely loving, compassionate and empathetic, and am a very very very strong public speaker and am passionate about topics such as these.
I have spent years and years researching my “disabilities” and know a great deal about them, and am confident that I could make a movement. My mother is a special needs advisor/learning strategist/assistive devices technician at the a college in northern Ontario. She is the person who deals every single day, year after year, with students such as myself with all kinds of disabilities, granting me even more education.
My mother tells me everyday that she KNOWS I will be a speaker on causes dear to me such as this, and that I am absolutely perfect for it. I look as if I am 20, I fit in with younger as well as older people, and I tend to make a personal connection with each person I meet, even an entire group.
I know how to reach out and grab the attention of people that I believe need to really understand the severity or impact (whichever the topic calls for) and bring them in, and almost have them go through the experience with me, as I recall the memories in great detail, using comparisons to other common things, just to give an idea of what we are talking about. I hope I’m making sense to whomever is reading this.
We all know that ADD/ADHD is linked to so many other illnesses, and I’m pretty sure I’ve got them all (haha).
But I’m proud to say, that I’ve taken every one of these, head on, and they are now a battle that I’m winning.
I have taught myself over many years how to work with and work around my Disabilities, learned to embrace them, and how to actually use them to my advantage. You cannot spell “disability “ without “ability”.
I was lucky in high school as I was not bullied, I was actually very popular, and was voted class clown in the year book, so there’s an idea of what type of person I am. I have been told a million times I should be a comedian, and I have been told a million times I am a born entertainer, so it’s never been out of my character to throw in some comedic relief to break up the sometimes sadness when I do speak.
I have personally had to struggle through a time when there was very little information available or easily accessible about ADD/ADHD. It goes without saying that I had absolutely no accommodations in school, and was basically thrown out to the wolves.
What I mean, is, I was just as smart, just as capable as every other student, but it was almost impossible to even argue that when the report cards came in. I learned a completely different way then other students, and when my needs were met and I was actually taught in a way that I could understand, it showed.
But that came so infrequently, and my confidence completely crashed, and I actually began to purposely not try, in attempts to make it look like I didn’t want to, and that way I felt safe from failure. If I didn’t really try, then it’s not me that is stupid because I failed, right?
I developed a drug addiction at a very young age, which is one of the “related illnesses “ that I was referring to in the beginning. I struggled so badly with drugs that I nearly lost my life. I progressed from pill popping to injecting. After many years of IV drug abuse, I developed an infection in my blood causing a sort of growth on my heart valve that was “spitting” (so to speak) poison into my blood. It spread into my lungs and filled them up to the point where a deep exhale would produce a Kleenex full of blood. Against my will, and only on the orders of my probation officer, did I seek medical attention. I walked into the hospital calmly and as I began to try and say what was wrong, I literally blinked and was in the trauma room, I didn’t even sit down after walking into the hospital, literally.
I was flown out by emergency helicopter and was in a coma within the hour.
I shouldn’t be alive. But I am. And I believe it is for a reason. I was given this gift, a second chance, and I plan on using all of my lessons, for the greater good of all, to help prevent another human being from going through the pain, suffering and trauma that I have endured, because if you think about it- it’s absolutely preventable.
We need to speak about it, because if people can get out and tell their struggles, and even better: speak with confidence, and in a position that can speak for itself that any “disability” cannot limit you, then others will not be afraid to say if they think they need help, because they will relate to us, and understand when they may need some help and understand what it may be so that it isn’t so scary.
As humans, we are always much more comfortable accepting things if we aren’t the first one or the only one. It’s the fear of being alone or being singled out. We are social creatures and the fear of being alone is too much for most to bear. And in this day, the fear of being bullied is enough to have your own subconscious trick us out of even thinking there was anything to need help or ask for help about.
Just because they have this condition does not mean they cannot pursue whatever they desire! It just needs to be delivered differently.
If we knew the signs to look for in our children, then a lifetime of heartache and low self esteem can be avoided.
My mother would also be interested to speak on behalf of a parent, to explain from that point of view, just how badly we need to know more about this disability, and all others, and to accommodate those who suffer from it.
Not only do I want to help and encourage others who also have this condition, but I so badly want to educate those who do not. From the outside, you would never know I have ever struggled from anything, or still do, and that’s all that matters. What you see and hear in a person, you should love them for who they are, not for the “labels” we are unfortunately given. Because like I said, you cannot spell disability without ability. And those who bullly others because of a different way of learning, is actually showing their own insecurity. That’s the truth. They are pointing out someone else’s flaws (in their mind) to create a distraction from their own.
Can you imagine if we were all the exact same ? Boring Well we’ve known that every human is 100% unique since the beginning of time, so why are we treated as though we are all the exact same and learn the exact same ? That’s ludicrous, and in my mind, setting a great deal of our population up for failure. The government wouldn’t be in crisis mode for drug control if those struggling with drugs, and therefor their self esteem and self worth, were actually given a chance to begin with. Those struggling with drugs, were struggling long before they met their drug of choice. We don’t wake up and decide that we are so happy with our lives that we are going to be even happier and get high. No.
Everyone should EQUALLY have a chance at whatever they want to do, and be treated like others and not be made out to look and feel stupid. If I could get my voice to more people, I would let them know that it IS possible to have a normal life, and that they aren’t alone.
Most people either can not afford the resources to help with the extra help for controlling, and coping with the condition, or they simply just do not understand it or the symptoms and effects of it, and pass it off as a behavioural issue. So many kids do not understand why their actions lead them into punishment, because they don’t understand or have any control over why they do certain things in the first place. So obviously it’s the beginning of problems in childhood, because a fear is instilled into us that whatever we do is wrong and so they give up.
I just want to take everything I’ve learned and help, teach and speak for those who cannot. That way, all my heartache and struggles were not all for nothing. Everything I did was not all in vain. If I can help change even just one life, I will be complete.
Thank you for reading!
I love each and everyone of you for what you do, and it really really warms my heart that someone cares and is willing to fight for equality. Thank you.
We asked: Were you able to access an assessment for ADHD easily? What was the wait time and cost?
For my daughter it would have taken 1-2 years to get an assessment done through the public system in BC. We ended up borrowing money from family to get it done privately and it cost us about $2000.00. Even then the process took 3 months from start to finish.
We knew there was an issue since Kindergarten and that ADHD was a likely cause but couldn’t even get the private assessment done until she was in grade 2. She’s in Grade 4 now and we still haven’t found a pediatrician who is able to work with her because of underlying family health issues that makes her a complex case.
I hope through advocacy and education this will change soon.
Elana
My ADHD started before I was born. I came into this world with (I assume) the ADHD genetics plus a parent who was already reeling from the condition, and became the primary caregiver. So before I can reliably recall there were minor issues of rambunctiousness and then there was school. No wonder I hated it; things came at me at an alarming rate. Part of the problem, I think, was an inability to separate the flood of extraneous matter that the other kids did? I felt stupid from the get-go and my poor father who was feeling alienated by this time taught me antisocial... myths/truths?
By the time I was in Junior high I'd had it with school and was very weary of society. Now at 67 I've become more or less aware of my condition for the last 25 years, realizing more and more every day how difficult a journey it has been.
In spite of my problems, I managed to survive many day-to-day challenges and even excel at many, while hanging on to my creativity. A highlight of my journey includes inventing/patenting a successful, marketable product and obtain a pilots license --in spite of being acrophobic.
I now live alone, tolerating absolute clutter, enjoying my k9 companions and my positive, ever faithful ADHD attribute; creativity
Glen
Elgin, NB
I want I want I want
Be patient
Think think think
Talk talk talk
Can’t verbally organize-thoughts in real time
Can’t hold verbal organized-thoughts in real time
Why bother why bother why bother
Don’t give up don’t give up don’t give up
It’s probably too late late late.
It’s going to be too late late late.
I want want want
Be patient
Maybe I just think I want what I want
How can you not know what you want before you want it. How can you know what you want before you do it?
Others walk away
I walk away from myself
An internal picture of existing, evolving and dreamed of paintings (collections of thoughts) slowly fades as so do I.
Repeat
60 years of ADHD overwhelm
I am a parent of a wonderful 8 year old boy with ADHD in Nova Scotia. My son was officially diagnosed when he was 6. We were fortunate enough to already have a wonderful, knowledgeable pediatrician as a result of another condition. This made getting assessed easy for us. Our pediatrician took time to address other medical issues first, like the obstructed sleep apnea, first before officially giving the ADHD diagnosis.
One of the things that bothers me most is the lack of knowledge or outdated knowledge people who work in education and beyond have of this neuro-disorder. Many don't know how the medication works, or believe that medication alone should "do the trick" and then they shouldn't need to give reminders or visuals to stay on task or to help with behavior. It is not a choice to impulsively blurt answers, forget to detail the work, or catch every direction given in a long span of time.
There are so many strategies that can be used to help keep student with ADHD on track without them feeling like they're "no good"! I wish there wasn't resistance to try something different from some educators. My son has come so extremely far since he has been diagnosed, with our persistence, his hard work and having an amazing teacher last year he has started to feel successful. I wish it would be easier to go year to year without staring from scratch again, having to explain to a new teacher how your child works.
Back to ADHD Speaks StoriesOver the years it has been a pain in the ass, employers think I’m not paying attention or get
frustrated when I take longer to learn something thus resulting in getting fired or a bad attitude
from certain individuals or some people interpret my friendliness as flirting or it also attracts a
type of personality that are insure in themselves so they feel the need to try and pick on me or
others like me.
Which leads me to my next experience, I’m starting my own business this spring which I’m super
excited for but remaining focused on one task and not bouncing around like a rubber ball can be
a challenge at times especially the administration of it!
However as life goes on I’m learning how to use my ADHD and draw on it as strength and not a
weakness as some perceive it too be.
Especially while in the planning and startup phase of my business when I’m “hyper focused” I
can accomplish a lot in a day as well my impulsivity in this case does aid me in decision making
as with a lot of choices to make your first one is often the right one, regardless of the outcome
being positive or negative they both offer valuable experiences as I’ve never tried being an
entrepreneur before.
It’s honestly really hard to sum up in a email, ADHD.
Back to ADHD Speaks StoriesMy answer to your question; What I would like people to know about adult
ADHD.
I can’t sit and just “visit” for long periods of time. Give me a game with a
small group of people and I can focus better if you all aren’t talking! I
need quiet to concentrate. I can’t hear just you in a whole room full of
people talking! I hear conversation everywhere and I can’t focus on just you.
Get me out of there!
I don’t like to hear chitchat that says little and wastes my time. It’s hard
enough getting done what I need to get done.
Sometimes I get over-focused in a small irrelevant thought or idea. It takes
me awhile to realize it. Instead of rejecting my idea, just remind me what we
were working on and if my plans have changed.
Enough for now…..
Back to ADHD Speaks Stories