Harnessing ADHD: How My Condition Became My Strength
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The Irony of Being Gifted
It's quite ironic. Despite being labeled a "gifted & talented" (GT) student during my schooling, I struggled to maintain focus in class until my college years. Back then, it was hard to imagine that I would eventually have the discipline to pursue a Doctorate in Behavioral Healthcare.
By high school, I often skipped classes, confident that my attendance (which only counted for a small portion of my grade) wouldn’t hinder my academic success. I cleverly submitted my assignments when teachers were preoccupied, ensuring I never failed a class. However, that strategy didn’t protect me from the consequences of my truancy, which ultimately led to an embarrassing visit to truancy court.
Interestingly, while I often re-taught myself the material we covered in class, I found it challenging to engage in traditional lectures. In quiet settings, I excelled on standardized tests that measured my intelligence, yet in a classroom, I felt lost. A truancy court judge once called me "the smartest dumb kid [he'd] ever met," a statement that has stuck with me ever since and prompted me to seek solutions for my struggles.
The Lack of Awareness
At that time, no one considered that a GT student like me might have an undiagnosed condition. Living in a rural area of West Texas during the late 90s and early 2000s, mental health issues weren't widely recognized, and resources were extremely limited.
The Diagnosis
Fast forward to my 20s, when I was finally diagnosed with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It was a revelation; the key to understanding my lifelong challenges had finally been discovered. I was no longer just a misfit; I had a legitimate condition that explained my struggles.
The emotions that flooded me upon receiving this diagnosis were a mix of relief and apprehension. It was a validation of my feelings regarding reading and attention—two things that had always seemed at odds.
Understanding ADHD
ADHD is a developmental condition marked by patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These symptoms can create significant barriers in daily life, affecting executive functions such as memory, emotional regulation, organization, and time management.
The three primary types of ADHD are:
- Combined Type: Characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
- Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: Marked by high energy and impulsivity without inattention.
- Predominantly Inattentive Type: Defined by distractibility and inattention, but without hyperactivity.
It's worth noting that many women remain undiagnosed until later in life due to historical biases and misconceptions.
Understanding ADHD Coaching
ADHD coaching is a relatively new approach conducted by professionals with relevant certifications. Unlike therapists, coaches may not hold clinical licenses but can offer valuable support alongside therapy. Coaching focuses on practical skills such as organization, goal-setting, and time management, tailored to an individual’s specific needs.
My ADHD coach, who shared my condition, transformed my perspective on ADHD. She illuminated the advantages of having ADHD, which helped me reclaim my confidence.
The Transformative Power of Coaching
My coach explained that individuals with ADHD can harness their unique traits to excel in ways others cannot. For instance, while it’s true that ADHD can lead to difficulties in focusing, it can also allow for intense concentration on tasks of interest—often referred to as hyperfocus.
Through our sessions, I learned to appreciate my ability to juggle multiple responsibilities, which friends often commend me for. Behind the scenes, I rely on various tools like spreadsheets, journals, and reminders that my coach helped me develop.
Achieving Success through Awareness
Receiving ADHD coaching coincided with my studies in addiction counseling. My coach reassured me that my challenges as a counselor could actually enhance my skills. This insight was further reinforced in class, where we learned about the importance of active listening and being attuned to clients’ non-verbal cues.
My impulsivity and inattention have evolved into a more analytical approach, enabling me to thrive as an addiction counselor and behavioral therapist. Through self-awareness, I’ve learned to convert my symptoms into strengths, finding a balance between hyperfocus and hypofocus.
Conclusion: Embracing My ADHD
The journey with ADHD is complex, and its impact varies based on context. While my attention and energy levels may help me excel professionally, they can sometimes be hindrances at home. It’s essential to grant yourself grace as you find your balance. Although I still grapple with interrupting others in conversation, my ADHD has become an asset in my life and career.
Signed,
The "Smartest Dumb Kid"
Video Description: Explore practical strategies used by a therapist to manage ADHD effectively. Gain insights into the nuances of ADHD coaching.
Video Description: Discover what to expect from therapy for ADHD, including key factors to consider when seeking treatment.