“I Want to Shine a Light on ADHD”
An teen writer and entrepreneur with ADHD talks about coming to terms with her diagnosis, learning how to work with it, and finding her own path to success.
I realized something was wrong during fourth grade. I could pay attention in class and liked school, but nothing stuck. It took hours to complete the smallest assignment. My family supported me and tried to give me guidance, but I didn’t know how to communicate with them effectively.
During my freshman year of high school, I recognized that I couldn’t learn the way other kids did because of my ADHD. I had to re-learn how to focus. I needed to play on my own terms to achieve success.
My doctor diagnosed me, but he never told me what ADHD was or how to cope. This happens to a lot of teens, so they ignore their ADHD or assume that something is seriously wrong with them.
When I was 15, I started writing “Embracing Your ADHD.” I created this guide, and addyteen.com because teens feel stigmatized by ADHD. This prevents them from thriving in everyday life. It’s crucial to learn how to make ADHD work for you. My goal is to start a conversation and shine a light on this tricky but manageable disorder.
