I spent my whole life not knowing I am ADHD, even though I work with ADHD kids.
Funny huh? No.
Professionals told us that bouncy equals ADHD. Non-bouncy equals not ADHD. That's what they thought, that's what I thought, and I'm a Professional and I had ADHD.
So how has this confusion happened?
At some point, some amazing, well-meaning Professionals discovered and named ADHD. And this discovery was based on external presentation, what they see, their behaviour. Bouncy and hyper. And so this became the benchmark.
I have heard professionals say an adult can't be ADHD because they got a degree and can sit still. Or that, kids aren't hyper so can't be ADHD.
But a whole bunch of ADHD people exist out there. They have a different presentation. Inattentive and internalised hyperactivity. It can show up as anxiety, hyper-nervousness, overthinking and over-focused. It can look healthy and positive if we find careers and environments/people that complement us. And it can be detrimental if we are in toxic environments/relationships. Then it shows up as Mental Health, but not recognised, as ADHD.
I hope Professionals are realising ADHD is more complex and different to what was previously perceived. Speak to people who are ADHD. Ask us what it is like. This applies to Autistic people too. Ask us. Listen to us. Let us lead you. Follow us. Read research papers written by Neurodivergent folk. Ask professionals who are NeuroDivergent themselves.
This is the inside information you need. Stop guessing please and stop telling us what we are.
We are leading the way from now on.
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