Adults living with ADD/ADHD are often left out of the conversation both within the realm of public policy and in media coverage. I've been hard pressed to find support services available specifically for adults here in British Columbia, with the exception of ADD/ADHD coach Pete Quily, and data on adults diagnosed with ADD/ADHD is relatively obscure. In my view as a journalist, a seeker of information and truth, this seems odd.
I've decided to dedicate a great portion of my second and final year of grad school to researching adult ADD/ADHD and the stories behind the diagnosis. The stories I hope to share are personal in nature and must be treated with sensitivity and humanity. I fully understand the potential risks that come with speaking publicly about personal struggles associated with ADD. But I also know first hand how much stress can stem from undiagnosed, untreated ADD.
Growing up, my older brother always struggled with school while I usually finished my homework on the bus ride home. He was up late with my mom, desperately trying to finish a spelling assignment or throwing together a science project last minute. I remember these scenarios vividly. I wanted to be good at school, while he appeared not to care. I wondered how we could be so different. Looking back at this time in my life, I can see how much pressure I placed on myself to succeed from a young age. After all, my mom didn't have time to tutor both of us.
My dad worked 60 hours a week managing a restaurant. I remember him coming home smelling like cheeseburgers and ice cream. Most of the time if I waited up for him, I was greeted with a bowl of chocolate almond chip or cookies and cream. Mom usually didn't mind.
My parents fought mostly about money. My dad had forgotten to mail a bill or he didn't tell mom that he bought something at the store. I learned early on what it meant to "bounce" a check and how to shop for presents on Christmas eve. I also learned who kept our household together amidst it all.
It wasn't until high school that my parents separated. My brother was a senior in college, running the risk of not graduating because he was failing Spanish. He explained that he could not understand what was going on in class; he literally couldn't follow. My mom worked in a school district at the time and had experience working one-on-one with kids deemed "special needs." She paid a visit to my brother's college and she fought for him. She found a doctor and suggested that he get tested for ADD. The psychiatrist told my brother that he was amazed he graduated high school and survived three years of college without treatment - surely a testament to my brother's will and my mom's dedication. That spring, my brother was the first in my family to graduate from college.
Two years later, my parents divorced. My mom was certain that my dad also had ADD and she encouraged him to seek support. He was diagnosed and began educating himself about the condition. He is one of the most knowledgeable people on the topic that I know.
I think both my dad and brother would tell you that being aware of their ADD offered them a sense of relief. They weren't stupid or lazy or unmotivated. They felt a certain sense of empowerment.
The ultimate goal of my project is to offer people the opportunity to share their story. Whether it involves empowerment, regret, relief or fear. Maybe it involves all of these and more. I want to capture a picture of the human experience of adults living with ADD/ADHD - both the ADDers and the members of their support system - all within the framework of current policy, research, support services and treatment options.
I intend on using written text and audio interviews to relay these stories. I often find that video cameras can be intimidating for people sharing personal stories. That is not my goal. I want to be sure that those who wish to participate are comfortable in sharing their story and I want to offer the general public some insight into the label of adult ADD/ADHD.
Anyone who feels inclined to participate or who might like some additional information should feel free to contact me directly. It is true, this will be the first piece of journalism I've researched on ADD. But this is not my first experience with ADD.
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