My Declaration of ADHD

In a twist on the landmark American document, 13-year old Kesler declares these ADHD truths to be self-evident.

By Rebecca Kesler Updated on March 30, 2023

When in the course of my life with ADHD, I have had trouble day in and day out with concentration and learning, to be like others would be joyful.

I hold these truths to be self-evident:
That I should be relieved of symptoms;
That I can lead an un-confusing life;
That I am taught in a way I understand, different from the rest;
That I should have things explained to my understanding;
That I should be treated the same as everyone else and not
be a target for jokes.

The history of my life with ADHD is a history of repeated injuries. The illness has been the cause of teasing by friends and family.
It has made studying and learning hard.
It has made my life riddled with confusion.
It has added to my forgetfulness.
ADHD has made it hard to make friends, lest they decide I am
unworthy of their friendship, because I might forget important times or things.
It has made me unclear when I try to explain a certain situation to my peers and elders.

ADHD has made me afraid to speak out on important matters,
because I might confuse my audience and not be able to explain my views.

I therefore have accepted my position and problem and have decided to live with it and try harder than most, for there is nothing more I can do.