A film by Karen O’Donnell
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Canadian filmmaker Karen O’Donnell checks in on two boys with ADHD, one of whom is her son, Kail, in the follow-up to her 2002 production, Odd Kid Out. Both Kail and Daniel have grown up to be determined, but seriously struggling, college students. They face similar challenges, but end up taking different paths.
This time, O’Donnell turns the camera on herself, as well, and discovers the likely genetic source of her son’s disorder. Watch the film to learn her story, and to see how Daniel and Kail are faring as they make their way through life.
O’Donnell has a knack for getting her subjects to share their insights. In one such moment, an instructor explains how his training in ADHD helps him to draw out Kail’s ideas during a discussion in class, instead of giving up on him when he loses his train of thought. You’ll walk away from A Mind Like Mine knowing something new about ADHD.
Q&A with the Director Karen O'Donnell
Q. Do you think Kail was better off to have an ADD parent?
I wonder whether I could have done a better job for him. But, in many ways, he was better off, because I had a sense of being different myself. I understood him when he needed it most.
Q. What if he doesn’t make it through college?
Kail is finding his way. He is very interested in working with animals, and chose a school that offers courses in animal behavior. He’s also smart about how he is approaching school. He takes a break between semesters to develop his skills and to mature. I have no doubt that he will graduate. It might take him longer, but we are happy to do it in stages.
Q. What is the best advice you received while making the film?
ADHD is with you for life. Accept your limitations and recognize your strengths. Work in a field that can accommodate those strengths. Many people excel by harnessing the energy and creativity that accompanies ADHD. You just have to find the right place for you in this world.
