ADHD As A Difference In Cognition, Not A Disorder: Stephen Tonti at TEDxCMU

Stephen is a Senior Directing major at Carnegie Mellon. He is also the current President of Carnegie Mellon's Film Club. He recently completed his Thesis Project within the School of Drama: a production of Mac Wellman's "A Murder of Crows." He is currently working on creating a collective of Film Enthusiasts across Carnegie's Campus as well as other colleges and universities around Pittsburgh. You can find out more about Stephen and his talk on his website: www.stephentonti.com or follow his blog "Caffeine, Nicotine, and ADHD: a guide to maintaining sanity."
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[@alysonburch]

You know you have ADHD when you can't focus on a video without going to the comments during the video.

[@davorinkuhar6932]

Yeah. 99% of population of the world.

[@SpyderWebbArt]

Just did it!

[@FedorSteeman]

Stop spying on me!

[@FedorSteeman]

I was spellbound until he started quoting Shakespeare, which is meaningless to me, so I started checking out the comments and there you were!

[@jenwestmusic]

Haha! Right?! The amount of times I rewinded this video is crazy!

[@MachineGunBambi]

Damn, this guy got lucky with concerned teachers and involved parents.

[@Tropicalpisces]

Seriously.

[@mrskeesler]

Right my parents didn’t want to deal with me. My mom I am positive had untreated adhd. It was a nightmare I’m 30 and just learning to live with myself some way

[@nerfprate]

Yeah for real. My mom was too ashamed to even let anyone attempt to diagnose me with anything and my teachers just punished me by throwing me in the back to be less disruptive

[@shannahighsmith1179]

And having so much remorse for not believing my mom when she was diagnosed... and decided she was just making it up.. Now it's my life and it is so hard..I don't know how she did it as long as she did.

[@Moddance19]

VERY VERY VERY VERY LUCKY!!!!!!!!!!!!! VEEEEERRRRYYYYY!!!

[@gracerykaczewski1013]

Teachers who understand ADHD are SO important!!!

[@zoelea4265]

I honestly I just want a teacher who teaches like Bill Wurtz or John Green. That’s all I want

[@VipulTalari]

Imagine a society which has no clue about ADHD. Being diagnosed with ADHD in my 30s is devastating. I'm so worried about all the people in India who could be possibly suffering with ADHD and have no clue.

[@CH-jj8wk]

@@VipulTalari I'm 25 and having to wait a year to even be assessed. I feel similarly. I could have avoided a lot of stress, anxiety and depression if someone more educated on the topic understood that I was a CLASSIC case of a girl with ADHD overcompensating to manage all the problems I was having. I'd certainly have gotten more sleep.

[@normial4]

Yeah if it wasn’t for my first grade teacher I wouldn’t of found my self My people My life

[@VipulTalari]

@@CH-jj8wk I feel you. Take care and use your ADHD power in the right direction. It can do wonders :)

[@dianee5375]

I am happy that his parents could afford all of those sports & hobbies for him. This is not the case for many, many youngsters.

[@bodhimind108]

I was looking for this comment. He was very,VERY,lucky.

[@Tenju96]

And would just agree to let him switch.. If I picked something I had to do it for the whole year. But yeah they could afford it. :)

[@joshKirito]

Its interesting how so many parents try so hard to teach commitment. Like picking a sport and playing it from 5th grade to senior year is so respected and honorable and that switching to try new things is quiting and shameful

[@MrsAniJO100]

Ok. But his experience is still helpful. So for those of us that can't financially afford switching things up, there are take aways from his story that still help us. Lesson learned? Keep my child in the town's sports leagues and don't bother with expensive leagues unless my kid shows a super love for a particular sport. Glean what you can from his experience.

[@lorremach5759]

I used to feel the same way. I learned that I always had enough to pay for what I deemed was important or priority to me. As I look back, with the low income I had, I really could have afforded more. Some may call it a sacrifice some may call it an investment. The amount of money spent on material things that were quickly outgrown, club weekends, latest and the greatest tech, etc., that was important to me, I guess. I wished for certain things and outcomes but I guess because I convinced myself to settle for the minimum or convenience, I got by with just enough. I always seem to find the money or time to do what I wanted to do. But the things I should be doing and wasnt, I made excuses as to why I cant, i.e., not enough time or money. I learned that it really does start with how you think.

[@coolbluelights]

"I have a hard time completing things that don't excite me" Story of my life. Hyperfocusing feels like a superpower though. When i'm in the zone I CANNOT fail

[@Jen_TheSnail]

Yesss

[@SharlenesJourney]

Yesss same omg

[@ira17593]

Yesssssss

[@joylox]

For me it's a blessing and a curse. When I hyperfocus, I often forget to eat, and then get hangry, or forget to drink water and get dehydrated, which isn't fun. I'm also more likely to have meltdowns coming out of hyperfocus.

[@ChaoticNeutralMatt]

Time tho.. So many bad experiences involving TIME

[@TJ-yg7fi]

I have been labeled, “jack of all trades and master of none”

[@hayleywest4942]

Hermes

[@grendelsmama2302]

Tania Jackson me too!

[@Spoeism]

"Specialization is for insects"

[@joseluidelcid4498]

Better then being “a master of one.”

[@dabneykuhn3048]

Me too exactly!

[@carlgrimeseyepatch27]

Just got diagnosed with ADHD at 26 and I feel like my entire life makes sense now! I’m on a journey now to harness it and use it towards good. I’m happy to be apart of this groups of awesome people!

[@booklover7527]

Same

[@Emily-no8rq]

That's really nice that you don't need medication but I sure do. I wouldn't be able to hold down a job without it, and I wouldn't have done nearly as well in school either.

[@feth7747]

ADHD does NOT EXISTS, you are an INDIGO CHILD

[@nffctrickett]

Mate I'm 26 and Ive just been diagnosed! Maybe I'm not as big as a failure as I always thought I was my whole life XD

[@carlgrimeseyepatch27]

@@nffctrickett not a failure at all! We just have to take a different approach to life. Hopefully this year we grow and find better footing 🧡

[@Pixie2sweet]

I’m a teacher with ADHD and it makes me better at my job. I have more energy, I’m super creative, I know what it’s like to be a kid with ADHD trying to learn so I know how to teach and support kids that are attention different 😊

[@revdupartist9386]

I teach adults in a classroom setting, independent of the 'education system.' I think it helps me know how to explain things in different ways. I'm fast on my feet, creative, and I listen really well. (And I have a big sense of humor...which helps ME anyway...lol...)

[@ravenclawsden2103]

​@@revdupartist9386 same! But I teach online

[@thevisi0naryy]

Just because you have a short attention span and you are this free spirited creative person doesn't mean you understand what the worst of this can be like. Having a bunch of "skills" isn't so great anymore when you have hundreds of unfinished projects. You can clearly see in the comment section those who actually have this problem. Yeah, there are some cool and admittedly glorified perks to ADHD but this shit is not fun when you are an adult and can't get your life under control.

[@aaronholmgren5497]

@Jeremy K Melb I'm very ADHD and have never touched a drug or any alcohol in my life. I bet it feels great to have something to blame all your failures on, but ADHD could have been used to your success just as much to your detriment. Plenty of "neurotypical" people reach the same state in life as you.

[@aaronholmgren5497]

I'm ADHD with 100s of unfinished projects and 1000s of dollars sunk into different unfinished ventures. I wouldn't trade it to be a mediocre neurotypical. Sure they get things done, but not anything impressive enough to get excited about.

[@wolf4811]

yeah the problem is most careers require like years of practice and dedication and if your obsession switches every few years (or if your obsessions are like with memes or greys anatomy or something) then you can't actually get anything done

[@jalabala2772]

Or when you lose your debit card 6 times in a month and have to wait three hours at the bank to get a new one reissued. Or you go to work and for the 10th time you forgot to bring your access card. When every single moment is hard and stressful.

[@ksfishchannel]

EXACTLYYYYYYY

[@CryptoNWO]

the first time I've felt confident about my ADHD... *thanks for this video*

[@SofiaMariaVona]

yeah

[@Airwrecka1980]

It's taken me years to understand that my ADHD isn't bad! It's it's truly a blessing.

[@shehaniwijayatunga2667]

Yep me too🙏

[@petebradt]

@@Airwrecka1980 PTSD can be mistaken for ADHD.

[@andyfox6943]

dont think of it as a disability think of it as a super ability, not many people can see the world in the way we can. World is alot more attainable and smaller for ones who need to do more and are never satisfied and easily bored. /cheers.

[@Bendylife]

Adhd for me has done nothing but hold me back and make life harder. I don't hate myself or want to give up because of it but it's not just a different way of thinking. This is a privileged guy that had a lot of support and was luck enough to be nurtured and helped. These are always the example of someone who has ADHD but grew up with a lot of luck when it came to treating it young. Many many people didn't have that luck and struggle even trying to do the things they love or to take care of basic needs. I'm so frustrated that the only people I tend to see are the success stories that fail to explain that many people still suffer and struggle and can't match their success because they never had and still don't have the support they did.

[@Sloop_Jonz_B]

I agree 100% with you. I was diagnosed with ADHD a few months ago. It's an absolute struggle. ADHD has interfered with every aspect of my life. My work, school, my relationships, hobbies, worship, etc. I failed High School because of ADHD. I still get paid very little at my job because of ADHD. I've fallen into bad addictions because of ADHD. It's held me back so much. I understand people wanting to believe that there's nothing wrong with them, and that their ADHD is just a "different" way of thinking. As much as my heart goes out to those who want to find reconciliation with their mental disorders, I don't think lying to yourself does any good. Thanks to my diagnosis, I've received two promotions at my job and I'm applying myself to get my GED. But I often think about how far ahead I would be in life if I was diagnosed early and received the help that I desperately needed.

[@JosiahR1]

I was coming here to say this. My entire life has been running uphill on a tredmill while I watch everyone in my life pass me by and succeed. A life full of spending every minute of every day asking myself why I’m broken and why I’m the way I am.

[@Bendylife]

@@Sloop_Jonz_B this was my life as well and for so long I wanted to just give up on making anything of my life. Now that I'm diagnosed and getting the right treatment I managed to get my GED at 27 and have now graduated university with a 4.03 GPA. I also wonder where I could have been by 30 had I just had the right treatment from the start

[@TheLivingVision11]

@@Bendylife is the right treatment medication? This speaker didn’t speak highly of it, but I’ve heard from others that it’s been a real game changer in feeling like they can really live and be successful.

[@warped6009]

Was diagnosed at age 7 and my life has been a constant struggle. My memory and inattention has gotten worse and no matter what I've done or do I can't seem to deal with it.

[@DougMay]

I’m going to put this nicely: l have ADHD, I’m thirteen and watching this on my old iPad, with my ADHD,I can use my imagination and different way of thinking to bend the world to my will, but only when I’m on my medication, the medication tones down my ADHD enough to be able to use some of my symptoms as perks. I don’t know about others but the medication tones my severe ADHD enough that I can manage it and actually function as a human being.

[@DougMay]

I forgot to mention that the iPad is my dad’s

[@sawdustking11]

Hey Doug! Your message reads very well. I am glad you are responding positively to your medication.

[@TJ-yg7fi]

@@DougMay Ok, weird. I read your first post the first time as the 'old iPad was your dads. Then read your response to your response, and reread your original post and realized that you didn't say it was your dads iPad. You never mentioned your dad in your original post so why did I already think the iPad was your dads. I think it's my ADHD. Anywho.... great post and medication can definitely make life do-able if on the correct dose and brand. XO

[@TJ-yg7fi]

@@sawdustking11 Nice Post! Great to read such positive responses these days. :)

[@kaylagilman1458]

It is good you have that to aid you. As you get older you will learn to do some of those things without it. I will tell you something that took me 20 plus years to learn. (Diagnosed at 6 combined type ADD/ADHD with anxiety disorder, now I am 34) When you are off your meds observe yourself the way you observe everything else, with that intuition and obsession, how you feel, how you act, how loud or quiet, if you’re motivated or not, what motivates you, what gets you frustrated, how you feel people perceive you. Find those things and compare them to when you are medicated and how you handle them. This way as you grow into your best self you can learn what is “supposed” to be there and what isn’t. As an example. I suffer with ruminations and anxiety, guess what isnt there with medication? But I also am a very affectionate person to those I love, guess what isnt there with medication? Be aware of what is good and what is you, and you will be able to navigate your life better earlier. Share when you learn with other Neuro-diverse and Neuro-typical. We can do amazing things. 😊

[@DavidWesleyBrooks]

"Something has to grab my attention, peak my curiosity, and then I can hyper-focus. This is a good thing and a bad thing. It's a bad thing because I have a hard time completing things that don't excite me." Yep!

[@ellieem4716]

I can TOTALLY relate to that line. And I agree that it can be both a good thing and a bad thing. It's great to have passion, and be able to hyperfocus on something. However, we all have responsibilities (like paying bills and many other mundane things) that we somehow struggle with doing. For myself, this is due to lack of excitement, so I procrastinate, as well as forgetfulness, lack of organization, not staying on my bill paying task long enough to get it done, or just feeling so overwhelmed after I know they are piling up! It's an awful and embarrassing way to live and comes with SO many pitfalls. We can't just always choose the exciting things and channel the positives about ADHD. It's just not that easy.

[@DivinesLegacy]

Lol true the only thing that grabs my attention is games, so I’m really lazy essentially.

[@Kutsushita_yukino]

Aye guys wanna hear a story of how i got adhd accidentally ? When were having a pool party during my childhood I misunderstood and drank an alcohol i thought it was sprite so i carelessly put it in my mouth but I suddenly spit it out of my mouth i think . Im not sure maybe i drink it So yea >_0 i think thats how i got it This is basically A how to ruin your life in seconds dont try it Maybe its not worth it but i dont regret it anyway ha ha ha (>_

[@TAOEXPRESS]

@@Kutsushita_yukino How would alcohol give you ADHD... I don't think you can even just _"get"_ ADHD!

[@janicesg6218]

@@ellieem4716 When I was young and was a stay at home mom, I paid bills on time, having the same pay dates every month helped. I have averaged keeping a job for at least 6 - 7 years. Good luck Heidi!

[@bassetts1899]

"I can read a 500-page novel that I love much faster than a one page article I don't care for" Damn, that's my entire life. I just got diagnosed a couple days ago haha Edit: 3 years later and it turns out I can read fine when I have ADHD meds. I have a master's degree now lmao

[@StorieswithRayna]

I have an amazing reading speed too 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@firepatriot42]

Same here if I'm interested in it.

[@Svangen1]

I could never focus long enough to tread a 5 page novel let alone a 500 page one

[@PanchoVilla-fe8pt]

How’s it going? Progress?

[@jasonbryce2935]

I feel like I'm reading 3 sentences ahead of where I should be and have to ''rewind'' constantly to understand. Following written instructions like recipes is nigh on impossible for me.

[@tinadurgin5555]

I am a 21 year old poet, nursing student, PCT in a psych hospital with a history in culinary arts, painting, pottery and childcare, who also studies Korean, goes hiking, rock climbing, marathon running, contra dancing, biking and attends two separate youth groups on week nights. Got diagnosed with ADHD last month. Thanks for speaking my thoughts to the world! I'm glad I found this video!

[@TJ-yg7fi]

OMG! Same here. I seem the need to change my life career every four (4) years. Pretty sure that's the ADHD doing it's thing. Best of luck in your Nursing Career!

[@revdupartist9386]

Welcome to the Tribe. I sure hope you learn how to REALLY rest. You've picked a very stressful path.

[@way2girly]

We are literally the same except I don’t work in a psych hospital. I’m a nanny for 3 boys 😂

[@akepaow]

I think I lost my ability to hyperfocus. I can't seem to focus on anything anymore and nothing excites me... All these sucsess adhd stories makes me wonder how they found their passion... I just like sleeping and daydreaming and all the emotions real life brings is just to overwelming...

[@postpukepeace5412]

I haven’t gotten officially diagnosed, but I know I have it and I can’t hyper focus so I find this strangely comforting

[@Reeniepie]

@@postpukepeace5412 This is me right now. I think it has something to do with low mood and depression.

[@ettab.7838]

Please listen to Sapien Medicine ADHD Attention and focus deficit on KZbin and Laziness Track. These helps a lot. Also meditation, being kind on yourself (which is sometimes hard), hypnosis by Micheal Sealey or Mind in unison etc. You will find what works for you.

[@lanarober8952]

Medication helped me tremendously. I couldn't focus long enough to do simple tasks .

[@tula__]

Finally I found someone (or two) exactly like me. I know I have it, though not diagnosed, because I could hyperfocus as a kid and almost always topped the class in a few subjects of my interest. Now I'm going through depression, lost my ability to focus, have a very good focus now on maintaining that negative self-talk instead. Always so attuned to it in my head that I easily get startled.

[@SafiaOs]

I have ADHD and I'm playing this video by 1.5 speed (to not loose focus, you know)

[@Mandalaaxo]

Omfg, I didn't know you could do that!!!

[@bleezecake]

Amanda Van Parys lol haha

[@dgrgr9638]

Nice tecnique, i just listened to 2,5 songs until i remebered i was watching this. Luckely i am very addicted to music

[@BillijeanS442]

Hey me too ❤️

[@squirrel8161]

Uncanny! I'm doing this now 😂

[@jackandblaze5956]

I'm hyperfocused on the terrible sound quality of his mike.

[@shawnkiller90]

I am hyper focused on the fact I am watching this video in 2020 and yet no one has corrected you on the fact you used a name in place of a "mic"

[@cecilysaunders5505]

hyper-focused on your misspelling of "mic"

[@shawnkiller90]

@@cecilysaunders5505 and the train goes round and round haha.

[@cecilysaunders5505]

@@shawnkiller90 XP

[@albassamhaya1]

Lol me 2

[@tara34952]

I have ADHD and I couldn't concentrate on this guy's talk for very long and gave up before the end. It is too painful for me to hear about what a great time he had growing up thanks to what incredibly amazing parents and teachers he had. I'm 40 and only found out that I have adhd last year after self-diagnosis. I have had a lifetime filled with suffering, pain, loneliness and deep and long-lasting, chronic depression. I feel broken by life. I have no confidence and no self belief and have been left traumatised by my life experiences. It is too painful for me to hear of a person like this who had all the support in the world and as a result has come out thriving in life.

[@jeffwhite2511]

I hear you, and this is why I stopped the video after less than a minute and started just reading all the comments. This week I have decided to try two things for my ADHD, depression and trauma - Adderall and microdosing psilocibin (magic mushrooms) but not at the same time. Psilocibin is an amazing and highly effective treatment for depression, addiction and so many other things. You should give it a try with some therapeutic support. Remember, this too shall pass.

[@Malfrus]

Same.. I’m 38 and recently clinically diagnosed with adhd … I’m still grieving of a life that could’ve been if I had been treated early on.

[@TLMuse]

@tara: "It is too painful for me to hear about what a great time he had growing up...". Consider skipping to 6:00, where he stops talking about his own successes, and turns to the idea of ADHD as alternative cognition, and then talks about how unlucky most ADHD folks are because their mode of cognition has not been recognized or respected.

[@mr.increediblle7964]

I can relate to you because i am 34 and experiencing all the same symptoms and have struggled with loneliness, chronic depression, feeling broken. I am trying to seek help and hope you did too

[@Boosted_aj]

The amount of self advocacy I had to push. Just finally at almost 22 I’m going to speak with someone who can help me diagnose myself. So many people who don’t understand the problem. So many doctors who don’t care and want to medicate and get that “save” on their record. So many nuances that make this process scary for anyone that wants help. I can only imagine what you went through. It’s likely what I’m fearing at my young age and I refuse to let that happen. Bc frankly. I’m starting to see suicide as a viable option if I fail at adapting to life as an independent individual who clearly is suffering from a mental difference of some kind. Idk man. I just hope I can find help. And for what it’s worth you helped push me away from the negatives we both are wanting to avoid

[@tslater1989]

I know I'm capable of incredible things. ADHD made that possible but also destroys my capacity to complete tasks involved getting those done. Anxiety, ADHD, Dyslexia..... got medicated finally at 31. It really does help. But only if I can get myself in the right frame of mind. I've found over the years, that the old adage "like riding a bike" rings true with the things I've learned. I reach back through the rolidex in my mind and pull the needed skill when necessary. But I never stick with it. Trying to find my true interest has always been a difficult task. If you ever need to verify your adhd with yourself. Tally up what you have learned, see how that measures up to "normal" people. Pretty good indicator is being a "jack/jill of all trades". Everyone I know that shares add/adhd, has this in common. Over contain a wealth of knowledge they rarely utilize. I do think that my biggest hold back from doing things I enjoy, is financial. Normal folks say something like "well go get a good job and make the money to support your hobby". They really don't get it. The mundane tasks involved with doing so make it incredibly difficult. Don't get the wrong idea, I've held jobs for long stretches. But that's just it. They are jobs, tasks, chores.... nothing that gets me excited. It's taken me 20 minutes to write this because I keep going back and forth. At first I was excited to share with other who might benefit. Now it's becoming a chore. So I'm probably gonna stop now 🙃 BTW below was typed before the 2nd half of what I wrote above. Fun like that is adhd in a nutshell Skills I've developed from adhd hyperfocusing. These are self taught or learned from my pops: Welding and fabrication Automotive diagnostic and repair ATV repair Construction Machining and precision engineering Electrical engineering Structural engineering Scale model building Computer sciences Phone repair HVAC diagnostics and repair Mental health psychology in adolescent children Paint and auto body .........lots more In relation to jobs offering educational resources: Plastics engineering Hydraulic machinery operation and repair Associate management Team leader skillset Base medical understanding and principles Mental health and depression understanding, in relation to aggression and addiction principles. Customer service and sales (highest rated associate in that company😄) Food and welfare assistance Low income housing guide Lots more here too, just getting bored of this now 😅 ADHD is a curse sometimes, but it's blessing too. Use it to your advantage from time to time. Hope you have a great day!

[@GoGetaFriggenJob]

Learn order and discipline for the mundane tasks, these are the things that have to be done day in day out. Makes life easier. Set up everything in place and keep it that way. Shoes here, clothes folded this way immediately after coming out of dryer and put away, this goes in this drawer, that goes in another. Keys put in a bowl by the door everyday when you come in. Coat hung in same place. Food stored in kitchen in same place. Pots, pans same way. When you cook, pull out everything you need and as you use it, return it to its place. Driving, focus on driving, you don't have to play with anything while you drive, and don't let things distract you, keep you mind busy by evaluating every aspect of the drive. Tasks like reading something, school work, etc. Buy a kitchen timer, one that is silent as the minutes tick down. Set timer between 20 and 30 minutes, when timer goes off, stop that project. Get up, stretch, go to a window look out, read a text or respond to a text, this is your 10 min relief, now go back to task and set timer again, repeat as necessary until task is done. Work: you will never fit in a box. You need to find a job that you can work independently, like consultant. You should never sign a long term contract. Instead a performance contract. You perform, you get paid and move to next project, this is why you did well in sales (bet that you took the sales info presentation and tweaked it, made it your own). Use the curse always. Making list of things you have to do in order of priority everyday, always use a calendar. And outside of the mundane stuff, consider everything an adventure.

[@Evermoregreen23451]

Ditto…..I can totally relate with you. I have been very fortunate that I have managed to work in the same field of expertise and am now a consultant working internationally. ADHD is a curse and a blessing. I can see complicated things others can’t in an instant but can’t complete simple tasks. I am mentally exhausted at the end of the day and can’t wait to spend time alone. I could go on and on but you have managed to succinctly capture the essence of living with ADHD. Would I change it if I could? No.

[@revdupartist9386]

Having a schedule helps me. Write and keep a list of to-do things, especially the mundane. What I think works is have a 'treat thing' to do after every so many mundane things. You are only 31 and know what a rolidex is and you used it in a sentence. I don't mean that in a snide way, I'm impressed. Truly. It's old school.

[@TheSkatersk8terskate]

One word, medication. My life was falling apart no matter what I did. I tried everything, sleeping right, therapy, eating right, working out, meditation. You name it I tried it Once I got meds it was like a light was flicked on and I could finally bring all those things together. ❤️❤️❤️ love all my adhd brothers and sisters.

[@finlay3077]

how old when you realized that you had it?

[@nuzhatsuraiya8367]

what kind of meds did you take?

[@saladandcheese4178]

can i ask what kind of med did you take ?

[@BigBodyBiggolo]

Medicine spiralled my life out of control, it wasnt the cause but definitely the trigger

[@TheSkatersk8terskate]

& SALCHEESE vyvanse 30 mg

[@stargoop]

I was diagnosed at 12 by a school psychologist who chose to speak to my mother instead of explaining what ADHD was to me. My parent was not supportive. When the psychologist told her that my IQ showed that I should be"making As in school with very little effort" instead of just passing with Cs she told me that he had confirmed that it was my fault for not living up to my potential. I didn't even know that it was a disorder or that there were others like me until,at age 50, I saw a commercial for Adderall. After learning that my self esteem was healed and I was able to fix so many things in my life that I had accepted as frustrating character flaws because I learned to question my perceptions instead of my judgment. I try to explain my thought process to others by saying that they see life as a series of individual pictures to be viewed one at a time but I see a poster on which every thing is relevant to eachother at once.

[@kevinbuckley3879]

“Seeing life as a poster where everything is relevant to each other at once”. I’m going to use that to explain myself to people. Thanks 😊

[@butterbee_bb]

Hugs!

[@AmberwingArt]

Your experience mirrors mine exactly - even the age at which I was diagnosed. I'm sorry that we both had to go through that and I hope you're doing better (getting diagnosed has helped me tremendously).

[@mermer58]

I never lived up to my potential. Diagnosed at 50. What's so disappointing is that my stepmother and Aunt were both educators and well aware of my "quirks", inability to complete tasks timely, blurting out random comments, not following conversations, never being on time, wasting time, etc, etc., etc, yet never thought to get me tested.

[@Maevelikeschampagne]

I’m trying to figure out what to do because my meds, after 11 yrs, have stopped working. Imagine getting your life on track and poof it’s all gone. I’m reeling. Diagnosed at 37, now 49 and lost.

[@GrannyNerd]

When I was70, a psychiatrist diagnosed me with ADD (not hyperactive). He prescribed a med to help me focus. After a couple weeks I had to quit taking it because it made me super focused - to the point of ignoring every single other thing. It was then that I realized through my work history my ADD was a plus: I could concentrate well on more than one thing at a time. This resulted in promotions and raises. ADD isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

[@TJ-yg7fi]

Great positive story so thank you for sharing!

[@divinee.155]

It is its fuking curse ur annoying and u never SHUT UP

[@kevinkruger478]

Absolutely agree. I have ADD as well, luckly i was diagnosed when i was 27. I have 3 different businesses study full time and teach.

[@r.s.fletcher7066]

​@@kevinkruger478 Right because nobody wants to admit they have a disability, but these types of claims are exactly the ones that birth the stigma encapsulating our community

[@marianacortez1083]

My mom is a phychologist and since I was 3 years old or so she suspected I had ADHD. She was understanding but she also worried a lot because I just couldn't focus at school. My kindergarden teacher told her it was fine, I couldn't pay too much attention but I was a smart kid. She supported me a lot through the years, even now that I'm in college. And I couldn't be more thankful, I just wouldn't be here without her and many other teachers that were supportive and understanding, I was really lucky to have them.

[@swindler1570]

Man. Must be nice to have had such financially capable parents as to support so many momentary obsessions. I remember trying to do that, and my parents just got tired of me tossing new hobbies and activities aside.

[@denverdubois5835]

Same here. I got a month of piano lessons before my parents decided that I wasn't committed enough and so it wasn't worth the budget expenditure. To this day I wish I had learned to play the piano.

[@resourcefulsigma3506]

my tears are dropping of the fact that parents have the biggest influence in our growth .my family was broken since I was 9 and I’m already 24. I just figured it out that I have ADHD .For so long I questioned myself why am I like this then I just realised this is my Fate .

[@TJ-yg7fi]

Yes! I was in: Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Gymnastics, Soccer, Basket Ball, Ski Team, Chess Club, School Photographer and Choir. That was all before I entered High School. Then I broke my leg Skiing and 8 months later I broke my other leg and arm in a car accident. That slowed me down, lol. Nothing stuck with me...... I almost forgot to mention,,, I've been writing poems lately. ;)

[@cindy3937]

My whole life I've thought ADHD was when a person wasn't able to focus on almost anything. I had no idea that that isn't the case, so when I was diagnosed with ADHD last week, I was shocked. There is such a big misunderstanding when it comes to ADHD and it's honestly sad

[@Dancestar1981]

It’s not an attention deficit it’s actually issues with certain areas of executive functioning time management, organisation and planning, a lack of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine and a difference in brain wiring.

[@daustin14441]

@@Dancestar1981 yes. I don’t know how you overcome all of that and still make progress in life ….but I will not give up.

[@tonyphillips4549]

I wish I didn't read the comments. Ppl with only adhd, low key bragging about their accomplishments. I just feel more of a failure. I'm 33 and I graduated university ten years ago. Being alive is my main achievement. Respect to those able to deal with themselves and keep going.

[@elizabethweigle6146]

“We are Attention Different, not Attention Deficit.” 🤯 Dude this single quote just made me reevaluate my entire view on my ADHD and my frustrations with myself. God bless you fam 😭💜

[@mrgummygod]

I wish I was in your position. I have been failing my classes since 6th grade. Every single year my teachers all say "He is incredibly smart and he knows the material..... he just doesn't do the homework." Its unfathomably frustrating to completely love a subject and work your hardest while being totally engaged only to fail because of the paperwork. Even when the teachers know that I have learned the material.SO what is the point of school then? If its not to learn is it just to do the paperwork? Is the sole purpose of our education system the classwork and homework? Not the information or education? I feel like i have been born into a system designed to be as difficult as possible twords ADHD. All I want to do is learn. Sorry for the rant.

[@TheExMuslima]

I've suffered the same thing!! I haven't been able to graduate college for 8 years for the same reason. I gave up but now im gonna go get evaluated by an adhd specialist to see if I have it. it would explain my whole life the way it unfolded. It got so bad that I couldn't face my teachers and peers anymore and id skip classes and cry at home or skip even exams so no one sees me and questions why i didnt show up or do my assignments when I was a bright student in almodt every class with an eagerness to learn. i just couldn't do the work. i also suffered from panic attacks and depression because i felt like such a failure and feared everyone judging me

[@Lonsoleil]

+The ExMuslima Wow. You and I have too much in common. I feel like I'm the one who typed what you said. Glad you're seeking help! And don't let anyone tell you that you don't need meds. Take what your doctor prescribes to you. Things got better for me when I started my ADD meds, but now I can't afford them and everything is falling apart for me. Good luck and God bless!

[@mrgummygod]

Banter Board damn, with insurance i pay 14$ for enough 30 mil for 3 months

[@TheExMuslima]

Banter Board Im glad im not alone! Thanks. It's nice to know there is hope with medication. I hope I can find what I need because where I live only Ritalin exists and is difficult to get. I hope you can get back on your meds soon! I Heard caffeine can help..currently trying that.

[@mrgummygod]

Caffine does NOT help for me. It gives me crazy anxiety headaches and debilitating focus

[@omaryaghi2217]

When I was only 7, my mom tried so hard to get me to focus while tutoring me. She then suggested I start walking while studying. It worked for me through 22 years of education without needing any ADHD medications. I managed to get through graduate and medical school. You have it in you too, you just need to find the way in which you learn best! Great video!

[@zaunaura]

Where did you walk?

[@desireegreen653]

How did you walk and study at the same time? That's awesome. I'm helping my seven year old nephew with online school.

[@jackrobins1221]

Im going to try this with my son....like letting walk around our apt where he cant get hurt maybe on a lego hehe while reading time....a fidget spinner works to a certain point....he has also tried so many sport and activities never sticks to one my poor guy but i get i alos have adhd

[@unbearablepleasures]

The charter elementary school in my neighborhood has a curriculum centered around movement as a way to reinforce learning by layering a physical action on top of the educational content.

[@carliejung8408]

I do this kind of thing too!! In order for me to function and do the "boring necessary" things in life, I do it while I'm also doing another thing.

[@hopecreekranch365]

Adam’s story made me tear up! It’s so sad how so many of us with ADHD have been misunderstood. I wholeheartedly agree we need to embrace neurodiversity!

[@ADHDDoc]

One person's obsession is another person's passion. Stephen is so lucky to have understanding parents and teachers.

[@therealdeal5844]

I found out I had add over the summer, and today was my first time learning on my medication. I got spanish verb conjugations, something i've been struggling with for 2 years, almost instantaneously! I swear this is the happiest day of my life! :D (im 13)

[@prpr6731]

What was the name of the medication?

[@sabellamastriani4161]

I've been studying rench my whole life and could get past level A2. This is my first week on medication and I've learned more this week than in all the years of studying unmedicated.

[@NuhShawon]

Im happy you. How's it been going so far?

[@DietEllie]

I started taking ADHD medicine in fourth grade, and still take them at 23. I can't imagine what my life would have been like without any meds, especially since I can't even stand the chaos in my brain of thinking about a million things at once when I forget to take them.

[@jorgeet3049]

@@sabellamastriani4161 woow 🙌🏻 do you know the name of the medication? I too have ADHD I’m currently 15 years old , and I have a hard time delivering my homework and stuff I would apréciate if you would tell me , thank you

[@sakurap95]

This is how I want people to see me. Not as someone that needs to change. Someone who is creative, intelligent, and free spirited. Yes, I have ADHD, but I'm not inhibited by the way my brain likes to think, and I'm not ashamed of the way I admire the things I find wonderful in the world around me. Nobody should have to feel like a 'defect'.

[@TJ-yg7fi]

3 Years later and I hope you are doing well. XO

[@ginamartindale8095]

I love this comment. I am crying because I get it. Thank you.

[@justaconversation3729]

ATTENTION DIFFERENCE --- we aren't broken, people who are only comfortable with ONE kind of cognition are the ones with BROKEN PERSPECTIVE. Saying we are lazy or not trying, when we don't have the tools we need, when they have already all the tools they need. Expecting that WE ALL HAVE TO do the things we are not interested in or are confused by, that just a little bit of effort and the smallest bit if character are required to accomplish anything that we are told to do, the way we are demanded to do it, and within the time frame that we are mandated --- all while those things are Mount Everest or impossible for us. This is the real problem. Society HAS to stop shoving us trapezoids into circular cubbyholes, and berating us and punishing us, when we don't fit. Telling us that we are choosing to not cooperate or take responsibility, when we literally cannot be or do what we are expected to be, or expected to do.

[@jodirose922]

I love your comment SO MUCH !!!!!

[@sebastian3004]

stop playing the victim.

[@heididospapas8860]

I’m 56 now. Was on riddilan as a child. Wish my parents and school could have seen this when I was 6. You nailed ADHD perfectly... sharing this With all my friends so they can understand me better thank you so so much

[@bunsellastudios]

Sad to see how simplistic this speech is. The condition is debilitating for many. He revels in the fact that his condition is not severe, and this thinking could impact others adversely. ADHD is grouped in with many other ailments unfortunately, and not properly understood.

[@liamsnor]

"Robin Williams, a poster child for someone with ADHD" - this neatly illustrates the high co-morbidity rate of anxiety and depression with ADHD. Medication helps.

[@sarahthompson6435]

What medication?

[@demotroniczz6943]

@@sarahthompson6435 Whichever one works for you. Talk to a psychiatrist. They'll run you through many different brands and types of ADHD medication. At least some of them are bound to work. Trial and error.

[@Dancestar1981]

Also there are ADHD coaches who are online who you can access to help with areas you struggle in. I recommend watching Jessica’s How to ADHD channel and also Rick Green in his KZbin site they are both terrific resources and have been a godsend for me

[@FreeSpeechXtremist]

The most important thing is teachers I think it's alot better than in my day but teachers and adults in general being intolerant of the behavior is the majority of the cause of anxiety and depression in later life.

[@purplepixie1979]

Actually Robyn Williams was affected by a rare form of dementia that impaired his ability to think as quickly as he always had (adhd brain) which was somthing he had built his success on and loved about himself. Also it triggered terrifying hallucinations and delusions. The doctors could not properly diagnose him until autopsy his brain which added to his despair not knowing what was happening to him and feeling like he was going crazy or losing himself. There is a documentary about him that explains it fully but the point is it was not a comorbitity of adhd that caused his demise, rather the loss of his extraordinary abilities and the fear and delusions the dementia created in him that did.

[@turbanheadless]

Youre lucky to have parents like that. Most are no way near as loving.

[@PLBen]

I really like this talk except for your implicit judgement against medication for young people. This is one of the most researched areas of medicine. And while I totally agree we need to approach ADHD more holistically. That doesn't mean you are medically trained enough to rule out meds altogether for young people. There are plenty of ADHD adults who still thank their parents and doctors for prescribing them medicine when they were young.

[@DietEllie]

Medicine is the only thing that is able to help me function properly. I started taking them in fourth grade, and the difference between being on meds and not is insane. I'm so glad that I started them when I did. It helps me feel like a somewhat normal person and definitely made school easier to handle.

[@leanne8271]

I agree. I just found out at 22 years old that I have severe ADHD-I after failing high school, feeling like a complete failure. I would have benefited greatly from having the right medication… For some people it’s a necessary option. I’m still struggling a lot but will soon be on medication.

[@anna20812]

exactly. I wasn't diagnosed until post high school and I can only imagine how much more I could've done if I didn't go unnoticed and untreated for all those years... it makes me sad.

[@ratyjoona]

Mmh but medication doesn't necessarily work for everyone. He is talking from experience, probably.

[@genecowherd8568]

ADHD is a spectrum and a one size fits all approach won't work across the board. Meds, physical activity, socio-cultural attitudes & approaches, environment, CBT and diet all play a role. A holistic approach would include an understanding of all those factors interrelate to produce a functional result. The aim isn't to "correct" a neurodivergent phenotype to a neurotypical one, but to help the individual gain a more functional quality of life in the situation they're in, with an understanding that treatment approaches should grow and flex with them over time. I've used meds at various points in my life with varying degrees of successes and tradeoffs. I used it through grade school, and again in graduate school, but I'm off it now because it interferes with my well-being and relationship with my wife and kids. However, I'm less productive around the house, but more productive at work where my unregulated curiosity combined with the research skills I learned while being medicated during grad school is valued. But I'm also off sugar and do combat sports regularly as a means to help regulate the production and uptake of neurotransmitters in my brain. All that to say that if you (like me) have ADHD, there's no magic pill or supplement for normal. But that isn't really the goal, it's about finding a way to put the "fun" back into the dysfunction....

[@novascotiarasta]

I was strapped every day, when corporal punishment was popular in Schools (growing up) Every report card said "STANDING IN CLASS" but never listed 10 out of 20 students, just the words *STANDING IN CLASS* I was close to retirement when diagnosed. #ADHD I still can't sleep more than 4 hours, or sit still, or focus very long on something. But I can spot a hair highlight, a shiny object on the highway, at 60MPH passing by, filled a whole toolbox with lost tools from trucks on the highway. I have been an Engineer, Safety Manager, Auditor, Financial Claims Clerk, Teacher, Student, traveled the world, and I don't see things the way anyone else does, but I have good critical thinking skills, and the only time I can focus, is that quiet time at dawn, when all of you are still snoring quietly.

[@novascotiarasta]

Oh, there is MONEY in it. Big Phama has space-age ADD/ADHD drugs. If a kid won't listen to their parents, maybe they are ADHD, take this pill. It is too often over-prescribed. I was prescribed just before retirement, it made me a sloth, not suitable for functioning.

[@Garf_malarf]

Rasta novascotiarasta I got the same comments in sections of report cards all through my life then realized I still got good grades in all of classes. It's a gift in my opinion. When you find your purpose it will propel you higher bc of the way we think things through. I would never change who I am and what I have

[@novascotiarasta]

Exactly Mike Falkowski Made me who I am today, and the parts up to now were pretty significant for anyone to accomplish. I have no regrets, except, it would have been cool to have understood it sooner, so I could exploit it. ;)

[@whit2642]

DITTO!

[@frankf.marcus7768]

I WISH I COULD SNORE QUIETLY. ARGHHHH

[@tabithaakers8732]

people keep complaining about how fortunate he is. At the moment, my life is pretty crap because of adhd, but the way he talks about how it's not a defficit but something to be proud of gave me hope. I'll probably never be as successful as him, but it's made me see adhd in a new light and something I shoudn't be ashamed of.

[@kadianedobor1715]

but he had people to support him...I think that's what you need. ADD and ADHD affects everyone differently.

[@jasminflower3814]

There is only one of you on this whole planet. You are totally unique and have your own wonderful personality. When you find what it is that you really love doing, enjoy getting into it. It will make you really happy and build up your confidence. ;-)

[@tabithaakers8732]

Jasmin W thanks :)

[@DannyMcLaneDC]

i have ADD and i'm a doctor, and because I see things unconventionally, i'm usually the one to help the patients that others cannot. you are AMAZING. read it again and believe it. AMAZING. it's just that 'regular' people don't know how to help you develop. the system is set of for 'normal' people, so you have to translate everything to match the way you think. but you can there is no problem that comes to you without a gift in it's arms. ADHD usually means you have a great imagination, are emotionally available for people and can remember episodic events much better than the normal person. you can do it. you just have to figure it out because no one will give it to you, unless they have tread that path too.

[@tabithaakers8732]

Danny McLane thank you :) that's really nice to hear

[@justaconversation3729]

The thing I'm most concerned about with my ADHD and possibly my children's ADHD, is the emotional strain it has put on them and on me. Getting stuck in an emotion that I can't regulate without help, or that my child can't overcome without a nap but can't nap with that level of distress already in full swing. It's the emotional volatility that I'm most worried about. If there's something that medicine or outside the box solutions can do to help with the rocky & intense emotions and difficult recovery from those sudden bursts, that's where the real difficulty and concern lies for me.

[@llm7013]

So great to discover this talk, especially from my alma mater CMU. 🥰 I have been stating this premise for years: difference, not deficit. I took so many extra classes at CMU. I also dropped those overloads, due to my constant distractions of activity, much less the capacity to organize the overload of work. But I was always exploring outside the box. I did not have the same kind of parental support or economic resources as Stephen growing up.

[@LibiB26]

I take Concerta and my life is better for it. When I was younger I did feel like a different person on my medication, like I was less social and quieter. But I also understood the overwhelming positives of taking it. Before the medication, I couldn’t focus enough to even learn how to read, but afterwards, I fell in love with reading and it allowed me to escape to new worlds and places. Yes, it sucks to feel like apart of who you are needs to be “fixed”. But when I am not on my medication, I feel worse because no matter how hard I try, I cannot focus and get anything done. Time passes by and my to do list has not changed. It is frustrating to feel like your mind is working against you. Also on my medication it helps with my emotional regulation, so I wouldn’t act out impulsively. I feel in control and at ease when I am on my medication. I am empowered when I can do both things I love and get things done like ironing and dishes. Everyone has different experiences with side effects, so I am only speaking for myself. For myself, I want to accept who I am with ADHD, but also not let that stand in my way from managing my life. It can be hard to decipher what parts of my personality are my ADHD and what part is me. I also need to reassure myself that no matter what struggles, I can make the most of my life. But I think that medication plays an important part in that equation. I don’t want to spend most of my day applying strategies to force my brain to focus (when it is impossible), just so I don’t take medication. For me, that is like not wearing my glasses, but if I squint enough and sit close to the board in class, I can make sense of enough through the blur that I can get by. Also, medication is only part of your treatment, you need to have regular therapy, organizational strategies, exercise, to do lists and much more. So to close out this rant, I hope that people who take medication will follow my lead and not feel ashamed for it; and people who decide not to will not judge others who do. When I take medication, it’s like the fog has lifted and I can see clearly, so don’t shame people into living in the fog, just to please the fear and judgement of others. Thanks you for reading all this, it means a lot.

[@katalinespinoza4226]

❤

[@crispypotato3]

very well put. It's always difficult for me to explain my ADHD and the glasses analogy really helped. I was taking Ritalin and it increased my anxiety like crazy and gave me migraines daily, so I have to keep trying. Mood stabilizers and anxiety meds are ok for now.

[@95turbogirl1980]

I first read "I take concerts"

[@DavidSettonPersonal]

Concerta seems to be helping me. I am 49 years old and have been taking it for 2 weeks now. Feel like a better version of myself and the glasses analogy is 100% accurate. In the evenings I feel tired though.

[@77luchris]

With my ADHD, my short term memory is getting worse the longer I live. Im unmedicated and when i try to focus on my schoolwork, its like i cant get a thought in my head related to the topic. In the middle of my hyper focus, i get the urge to run and bounce, which I do, because its a very very strong urge.

[@heathertoomey7068]

Hey, if you change your username to "I smooched my brother" and take off the comma and last word, then your comments will show, "I smooched my brother • 6 months ago" XD

[@meghansullivan6812]

oh my god i've been so fkn forgetful lately

[@kevinpilch7848]

Yeah, short term memory issues are a pretty common issue with adhd, and it can get worse when left untreated and we spiral into our bad habits. Therapy and medication can help wonders, and there are better non-stimulants than when I was growing up (which might help with getting medication given the stigma of stimulants.) This is 11mo late, but I hope you are getting help.

[@77luchris]

@@kevinpilch7848 i dont like how meds make me feel

[@kevinpilch7848]

@@77luchris thats not an uncommon response. Several didn't work for me and made some things worse until I found what did work. And if you never do find that balance, or don't want to go through that messy process, I still hope you are getting therapy to help manage it. Its pretty important for undoing bad habits like negative self talk (which spirals) and can even help with habits to improve memory.

[@MelanieLiCausiLeveledlLearning]

I wish I could like this 10 times!! It's heartbreaking to see people ingrained with the belief that something's wrong with them, instead of working from their strengths.

[@GypsyAmria]

Thank you, You have masterly put into words what I have been feeling for 10 years or so now. I would love to be apart of a movement to bring such an awakening to society.

[@runawaysuzie]

"At least he's quiet now..." I just broke down crying.

[@KieranLeCam]

I just figured out yesterday that I have ADHD. I'm 23 years old. I live in France, and unlike the US, it's extremely badly diagnosed here. French physicians simply don't believe ADHD exists. I've even suffered abuse from psychologists that I was taken to for my "risk taking deviant tendencies" (stealing), which I now channel into more rewarding activities such as music and other forms of creation. I kept telling myself I was born strange. And I actually managed to cope with ADHD without knowing I have it. But now I know that I'm not alone. I know that I belong. And I'm going to be a musician. Nothing will stop me. To all those who have ADHD, let me tell you that although it's hell to have a radically different way of thinking in this stuck up, uneducated world, if you learn to channel your abilities, NOTHING can stop you from being extraordinary. Fight those that doubt you. Make your own rules. Show them how amazing you are. Never give up. You aren't alone. My feelings go out to you all.

[@tinymeows]

I'm with you, i'm 27, from London. I've always known i learnt / worked differently but nobody ever picked up on it because i was naturally compensating and creating techniques to cover it. When i tried to talk to doctors, teachers, or family about it, i was told i was being a hypochondriac. Finally, 2 days ago, i got a proper assessment and was confirmed with it. I think it's also the case that, when we were in primary school, it wasn't a recognised "disorder", so we all just coped.

[@Moneyaddthenmultiply]

ADHD awareness is much better in America than it is in Europe

[@briankinghorn6951]

Unfortunately, France's approach to mental health is the archaic Freudian psychoanalytic model where everything is the mother's fault. Apparently neuro-cognitive psychology hasn't taken hold yet. There is a film called Shameful about how autism is treated in France. There is no support for families and most autistic children are not allowed to go to school.

[@KieranLeCam]

Brian Kinghorn Let's just say that, in France, people take themselves so seriously that they doubt anything "out of the ordinary" which is another way of saying they doubt anything they weren't taught. Embracing new ideas and customs, in this country, is something that only the younger generations do. And even then, they still have a stick up their arse more often than not.

[@MrAngryGorilla2000]

I'm surprised I thought the Europeans would be more open minded and understanding towards people who have ADD/ADHD. Also, I have ADD and what really throws me off edge is when ignorant people make false accusations about us saying, that we are lazy and don't care about anything. Sometimes parents can be the biggest unsupportive jerks, and they tell their friends, neighbors, coworkers, etc about how lazy and stupid their kids are. That is what happened to me and some other kids who have ADD/ADHD. Well now my idiotic parents finally got their head out of where the sun doesn't shine and they are very supportive of me. I no longer get in fights with them too, because of the false accusations that they made about me.

[@dhillonalamshaw8642]

Hands down the best talk on ADHD. Everything was phrased perfectly. Thank you for this.

[@buriedunborn]

ADHD isn't fun, ADHD isn't cool, and it's not just "being different"; ADHD can make your life literally impossible. I'm truly tired of people calling it "another form of normal" or trying to make it "ok". It's not ok, it's painful, stop it.

[@huh5007]

ADHD makes my life hard too, but that doesn't mean everyone's experiences are universally bad and we always need to discuss it in a negative manner. There's a lot of bad, but there is some good too. At least, without it, I wouldn't be me.

[@cheyrosefontaine3432]

I have ADHD and Gifted. I failed most of high school yet am working on independent neuroscience research (for fun) with accreditation from Harvard and Stanford. Alas, I was the "problem student" who was not expected to pass high school. School was not built for ADHD brains. Do not give up. And never listen to what those around you say, no matter how hurtful and demoralizing it may be. As of October of this year I will be starting my nursing program.

[@TJ-yg7fi]

You should be giving a TEDx Talk!

[@archangelshiro]

I would give you comment of the year award if I could. So inspiring... you remind me that I'm not what my teachers told me. I struggled my entire way through school with ADHD and barely got out of college with a bachelor's in general studies after SEVEN YEARS of college...... Only to find my passion and now Im a business owner, entrepreneur, and skilled repair guy. You're right, to anyone else who reads this, DO NOT GIVE UP. YOU CAN SUCCEED. You just have to find a way to hyperfixate yourself towards dedicating to success. :)

[@dianam3299]

He was so lucky to be born on a first develop country where teachers actually realize he had it on the first place,i myself have it as well and i know because I had to go to the doctor myself alone at 25 living in Mexico is not the best hope for someone like me my teachers actually called me stupid

[@haidengeary8277]

@Bianca Fit Here in the U.S. people are not understanding, and it is difficult to get good help.

[@ukuleleliza]

Bianca Fit Girls and women get pretty overlooked: misdiagnosed and undiagnosed - in the U.S.

[@sirenia1241]

I didn't realize I had ADHD until I was 15 and I never got help for it.

[@huzi37709]

I love that he shared just how amazing and interesting his life has been due to the supportive people around him. It reminds me that if I was born in a world where people with ADHD were supported as much as neurotypical people then my life would probably be as cool as this guy's has been and that I shouldn't blame myself for a lot of my short comings since my upbringing was much like his room mate's.

[@archjen]

Amen! I’m 76 and have been tested twice years ago and was labeled as ADD. I went to college about 4 yrs after High School and after being an architectural draftsman for three years and completed a 5 year course at LSU in 6 years. Go for it people….! Your worth the bit of extra work to break out the other side into your dream!

[@simmerheart3615]

I'm glad this guy is in a position where he can appreciate his ADHD and that the drawbacks don't affect him as much as the good parts. But I wish he'd recognize that not everyone can be in that situation, and passion alone isn't enough to succeed. Like, I am also in a very fortunate situation, but my passion is medicine. My parents figured I had ADD from when I was pretty young, but didn't get me to get formally diagnosed or medicated, even when it became a serious problem. I really want to be a doctor, but I'm not sure I'll be able to get into a medical school because I waited so long to pursue treatment. I have no clue how I'd make it through if I didn't have access to my medication. Different types of ADHD affect people differently, and it has different severities. Some people can do just fine if they choose the right field! But just going outside isn't enough for everyone.

[@feth7747]

ADHD do NOT EXISTS, is a COMPLETELY FRAUD, to hide the INDIGO CHILDS

[@TheMeepArmy]

My ADHD is so terrible. I have all the co-existing disorders with it as well. OCD, anxiety, and depression. I learned to control those co-existing disorders but life has been a blur pretty much. Even when I was watching this video, I got bored with 20 seconds and started scrolling to read the comments while listening to the video at the same time and I was going to type something else, but I forgot. Fuck

[@seider780]

BryanTehHero I also have almost all of the co-disorders. Depression since I was 10 (the depression is not always there. More like 3 days in a week.) I also have OCD,tics and anxiety. How do you cope with them?

[@laylam4241]

He's undermining the challenges ADHD people go through. Because things have worked out for him so far (the key word) doesn't mean others are not and won't suffer because of ADHD

[@katiepetran4519]

Sir when you listed all your titles and then introduced yourself I literally started crying because I just felt so understood

[@OnlyTeaGuru]

THIS GUY IS ME!!! Hyperfocus is a curse and blessing. Learning how to harness it has been my struggle.

[@donnascuteri2634]

I totally agree with you.....hyper focus leads me into trouble every time!!!

[@WayneRiesterer]

Did anyone else watch this clip and have a "cha ching" moment? For those that genuinely have ADHD, do you ever answer the question, "So what do you do?" with, "Um, it's complicated." Maybe we should start a business and ride the temporary compulsion wave; go flat out on projects and then hand them on to the next person before we shelve it. We'd get a lot done...and even finished ;)

[@JustinGottuso]

I've been thinking the same thing... what are great things we can do together as a community of friends who share a common disposition of behavior and thought? what could happen if we became intensely focused on exciting projects and partnered with a team of administratively gifted people to help sustain our attention or take over when we get tired?! let me know at www.theadhdchaplain.com!

[@seider780]

Wayne Riesterer that's actually what a lot of successful people with ADHD do! They set the fundament and then pass it on to normals.

[@anupriya6759]

True..☹️...

[@donnasantolin8194]

This is by far the best description of the problems we can face having ADHD ! I only realised what the heck was wrong with me in my mid 40’s when my some was diagnosed . And yep my 4 sisters still scoff at it . I’m 58 now and still struggle . 🙃

[@kayreeve.author]

I love the thought of it being 'attention different' and now listening to your amazing talk, I understand why I can complete sometimes seemingly complex tasks, while being unable to pay my bills on time, and why my home is cluttered with so many different craft activities, while I still get bored and get overwhelmed with trying to do anything because they clutter the house.

[@repsieximo]

its sad that even for this educated drummer from CMU, ADHD is mostly about being too active and wild and not about Executive Functions. Time Perception. and Racing Toughs. also he does not get into even sharing his challenges. having physical pain when you are bored and have to do the repetitive tasks like homework or long-dead lines like a term paper.... ADHD is much more than this well intended fellow is glamorizing.

[@Lolokinary]

Boom Thank you. While their can be many strengths and a higher ratio of giftedness in A typical, ADHD, it’s not a “gift,” especially in this society.

[@mundanemonday7091]

couldn't have said it better myself.

[@chrisgould101]

your overdramatising it but yes. if ONLY it were about the pros of hyperactivity in the working life. Some can master it, theres levels to this!

[@chrisgould101]

Also please can you explain your pain when bored? like your just itching to do something or actual physical pain? Because perhaps there's truth to both those things.

[@alimir5723]

Very truly

[@VTV-Live]

How to reply to someone who tells you ADHD is all in your head, you just need to focus your thoughts. If they wear glasses tell them they don't need them, they just need to focus more on what their looking at. Or go tell the person with hearing loss it's all in your head they just focus more on what their listening to... This usually puts what people with ADHD struggle with in a perspective others can understand.

[@pianobooks42]

sara smith Some people still think that. I'm visually impaired and have ADD. I swear, some of my teachers think I've made the whole thing up. It's always those classes I do poorest in as well because they don't help. Then they just say I'm REALLY not trying now, and it makes it worse. Sometimes, people won't get things. At this point, the best thing you can do is describe it best you can and agree to disagree.

[@agennec]

My brother went to Eagle Hill in the late 70s or early 80s, I seriously hope it's evolved since then...we rescued him and he turned out to be an amazing human being because of the person he already was and knowing his caring, loving Mom was there at a time of need. Love you Josh posh!

[@maya4166]

for someone who had ADHD, i wanted to say thank you for making me feel special in a good way

[@Breakthrough9]

I came here to read about people like me. It hurts when I tell someone I have ADD and they laugh at me. They say Im too pretty or smart but if you ask ADD, it doesn't care what I look like. It has really affected my entire life. I've had many jobs, cussed out more than a few people. It has gotten better over the years and I am going to the Dr. next month for a four hour test on my brain. I hope they have something that will change my life.

[@Thelittleclipstore]

I relate to most issues that people with Adhd have and I don’t have adhd although if u wanna label me with that you certainly can but since taking the myer briggs test and enneagram my life has turned around and became confident and functioning , I think everyone should take the test before getting diagnosed for adhd or autism and taking medicine .. I am a intp type 5 and this is all normal for this type and because it’s a rare type my behavior is not acceptable by most . using the website personality hacker and beatrice chestnut has given me so much clarity and tools.

[@magdalenawiszniewska2825]

Tests and horoscopes label but not help. Someone can feel fine with untreated brain labeled as adhd too. Still valid to know the diagnosis. It means you are not neorotypical and then comes question if your life quality is ok. If it sucks and you cant get to pay taxes feeling you are this type by some psycho tests doesnt help. I am enfp maybe maybe infp. Cool to know. But there are things in life that could go better. More for the therapy than for drugs tho

[@lindachis7]

I was diagnosed with ADD when i was 7 or 8, then again when I was 37 and wanted to take a massage therapy college course that I was not accepted into because of my ADHD . I am now 59 and have worked at over 400 places, have 5 different degrees in different subjects, none of which I worked. Happy to hear there are so many like me.

[@cyberneticwhitehat-student6296]

Wait how you managed to pass university? What to do?

[@mistyculous9644]

A good reason to keep your health information a complete secret. Stop using your real name on Social networks - delete these comments related to your health... Also - I used the many lifestyle templates from a book called: "refuse to choose" by author Barbara Sher to design a lifestyle to better integrate my multiple abilities & interests

[@TJ-yg7fi]

@@cyberneticwhitehat-student6296 When reading for studies I found it helpful to listen to Binary Beats on headphones. I'd get done with like 2 hours of reading, not knowing what the heck I read. But then it came to Test time and I nailed it,,, it all came back somehow. Who knows if it would work for everyone but it worked for me. I searched KZbin for "Binary Beats for Studying" :)

[@shannahighsmith1179]

Your mediation was too high. I have found the secret is taking Just enough to focus without hyperfocus. For me, that is 10-15mg of standard release Adderal. 20 makes me hyperfocus

[@subbernh5192]

Think I know what you're trying to say here but if I was living with some difficult situation, I wouldn't be 'Happy' that there were so many like me.

[@TommyPepper2012]

I have shared this with my boys. The three of us have ADHD. My 10 year old is a budding actor and my mom started a Shakespeare festival. This talk really hits home for us.

[@stephenleach4485]

I can't like this enough! This was my early life, but I'm 51 and in the 70s and 80s we were not as aware and it was punishments for misbehaviour, laziness and daydreaming. Being told that I would never amount to anything. That I wasted my abilities. Thanks for this!

[@danac3766]

Funny man. I get hyper-focused too. I used to refer to it as my "short-term obsessions". Listening to him is so good. I finally feel better about myself. I'm so happy he went to a good school and had supportive parents. He's right. Those two factors have helped him avoid a lot of the mental health issues. And schools definitely need to adapt their teaching to accommodate young people with ADHD

[@revdupartist9386]

They need to change the whole Edu System. Throw out the old one! Bring on the wooden torches! LOL.... I like the 'short term obsessions' I can relate.

[@Mckenzieknudson09239]

I was not so lucky. My school did not follow my 504. Instead of giving me extra time, allowing me to sit in front, or letting me test in a quieter room I was put in special education because they “didn’t have time” to accommodate me. Instead they sent me to the special ed class where the para did all my work for me. Most of my classmates were non-verbal and even unable to walk. We even had a separate lunch table. I got bullied severely and completely shut down. Letting the school know why I was struggling did far more harm than good. This happened just 15 years ago. Now at 23 I remember the handful of people who treated me like an intelligent human being who learned differently; that were more than happy to work around my little barriers to learning. They were the only ones that hadn’t seemed to totally give up on my ability to learn. I will be graduating nursing school this year with zero accommodations from my school.

[@duncanbug]

I know this is an old comment but I just want to say I’m so proud of you. My parents never medicated me (wish they did) and I had the same experience as you in school. I’ve never seen someone else who was put in stuff way below their actual ability level and given up on. You’re amazing ❤️ and I can’t believe the schools still do this.

[@Dancestar1981]

Congratulations on your graduation despite all the obstacles

[@debmoses]

I’m saddened you went through that at your school 😟😔 Your perseverance through years of bullying shows your strength! Huge congrats for graduating from nursing school!

[@BitchOnWheelz]

Loved this presentation! Love your perspective! I have adhd, diagnosed at 4 yrs old. My mom refused to let the dr medicate me. Instead, she got advanced grades' homework from my school, signed me up for tap lessons, swimming lessons, jewelry making classes, anything to keep me busy and active. She helped me learn to work with my adhd. This has served me throughout my life. 💗

[@natewatl9423]

4:53 "It's easier for me to see the big picture." A manager once told me "You have to see the big picture." How I wanted to tell her she had no clue how big the picture is, and that there is no such thing as "thinking outside the box" *because there IS no box.*

[@catvega7128]

„The box“ is the limited mind. Stepping out of that is indeed quite helpful.

[@kitsunacat5376]

Thank God someone explained it. I cannot for the life of me do math but I am amazing at art. I hyper focus in visualization and zone out in calculation.

[@kitsunacat5376]

Well at least we can donate kidneys safely.

[@tenedria]

its actually really frequent for people with ADHD to have some talent in art. Not everyone actually develops it tough. I do have a tip tough, I didn't use it this time but it usually works. Try turning subtitles on, they made it better lately. Its easier to listen while you read.

[@Tridentus]

I dunno about that- my artistic ability is very limited, but I have innate talent for maths.. The differences comes when I turned 17/18, when I couldn't just work things out in my head, and therefore had to pay attention to a teacher instead of figuring it all out myself. Up until the age of 16, maths required very minimal concentration for me. In short- those are things you are born with, but aren't linked to behavioural traits like ADHD.

[@tenedria]

Dan Lee actually I was really shocked to discover most people can't draw anything better than stick figures. Basically you are above average if you can draw something that is clearly a giraffe.

[@Tridentus]

tenedria same

[@frostbite5082]

I have ADHD and I'm struggling to pay attention to this video.....

[@raymondnickolas608]

I do too sometimes, I like music with headphones for my unconscious mind to focus on, while my conscious mind pays attention to the video with subtitles.

[@melliwika4166]

I dont have ADHD but i have the same problem so i don't see the point in this or any other similar comments in this comment section.

[@aaronholmgren5497]

That is because people beat around the bush too much in videos and never get to the point.

[@hybrisschoch5467]

lol i can hyperfokus on that vidos, because i tring to solve my sleepproblem better, so i have an internal goal and motivation. Searching motivation all day with almost no internal voice is not normal, i first heared 4 years ago with the diagnosis -.-

[@hybrisschoch5467]

@@raymondnickolas608 that i can not do. Music and reading at the same time, how does that work with no internal (or very quit) voice. You not listing to a text or its just white background noise? Then i can see me doing that, but i surely can not do 2 things that needs a internal voice or i have to direct this to a splitpersona of me, so my internal voices can talk in my head to each other and have a defined goal and point.

[@freshpepperino]

it's a small thing, but the way he trips over his words sometimes is exactly how i trip over mine (also diagnosed). i can tell his mind almost moves too fast for his mouth, something I'm super aware of and always have to watch out for. he's great at speaking and handles it very gracefully.

[@overdozenguquen]

Thanks. The best remedy of ADHD is encouragement not medicine or discrimination. I've learn that after seeing my son suffering from people who condemn him.

[@Claudetite]

Ok but this guy is talking from like a very fortunate situation? Not everyone can be functional without medication, not everyone has been supported by their parents and/or teachers, hell considering that there are many kinds of ADHD, not everyone can even put attention into the stuff they like. This guy seems to have the hyperactive type, imagine to us who have the mixed type w/features from all the kinds. We pass over obsessions without being to focus on a single one of them, not even with how much we want it. In my case, it has completely ruined everything. I am 22 now and just now I am about to get medication for it, and from where I see it, I think I sorely need it. Some of us just cannot cope, not everyone is as lucky as this person.

[@psmylife6832]

+Claudetite Indeed, this person is very fortunate to have had a supportive and nurturing family to help him. He is now trying to help others with ADHD by educating and informing those without it, so that those others who have it may benefit. :) I can relate to your inability to even start those obsessions you would like to - it is very frustrating! Good luck with your medication, I hope it works for you. Unfortunately I have not yet found any medications that have been successful for me. :)

[@westmeetseast]

+Claudetite I agree. It really feels like he's whitewashing the situation by extrapolating his merely inconvenient-yet-manageable situation onto the rest of the population. ADHD inattentive has nearly killed me on several occasions and to call it a mere "difference in cognition" is a belittling as it is inaccurate.

[@trtomei2]

+westmeetseast im the hyper type and society needed us to constantly make stuff jump from thing to thing and stay up all night watching for predators when young i was able to perform tasks up to 72 hours wo sleep b4 noticing the results of severe sleep deprivation and yet after working on bullshit paperwork and preparing to aquire a truck shop for more than 48 hours B4 i fell asleep and hit a tree in haddonfield i aint young anymore

[@AMoistEggroll]

I kinda have to agree with you. When it came to school punishments, I tasted the rainbow. Meaning that I went through all of it during my academic years. Even my overall performance had been very shaky. When I was diagnosed, I started going through different meds. Adderall was great and Vyvanse was alright, but the Ritalin got to me. It was only about 7 years that I stopped all medications because I wanted to join the military, and I wanted to learn how to manage my ADD. I found that meditation and yoga were definitely beneficial.

[@lumendoza8037]

+Claudetite I hear you, but there is hope. When our mind is like a wild horse, we need to develop methods. I was diagnosed at 55 and I finally understood why I had had so much trouble concentrating or focusing or sticking with one thing. If you are interested to learn more about how I did it, please let me know :)

[@veraw.9044]

I would love to hear this story from the view of "Adam". I was diagnosed with ADHD quite late in life although I had my suspicions for a while. As a result it feels like a burden more often than not.. but when I look at this TED talk I see someone who has made ADHD work for him since very early in life, someone with awesome self-confidence. I would love to see the story of someone who has struggled with the effects of ADHD for a time and found a way to turn it around.

[@nickallbritton3796]

Be that someone and you can make that video for me to look up to one day. idk

[@veraw.9044]

@@nickallbritton3796 wow! It's been 2 years so I forgot about my comment.. I've actually been managing my ADHD a lot better lately. I'm gonna rewatch the TEDtalk :) thanks for the comment; it's good to be reminded of how far along I came already.

[@nickallbritton3796]

@@veraw.9044 congrats!

[@Retinueretinue]

I was diagnosed very recently (at 42) and started meds and it feels like I can work and act almost like a normal person and there is so much time for everything. I am still disorganized, lose things, pretty messy but my short time memory has increased, I can retain info when I read things especially if on-Concerta hours.

[@suzyanne9126]

@@Retinueretinue I am 57. Just diagnosed with ADHD. There is another real side to ADHD that isn't brought up here. RDS. For me, meds make me feel "normal", or at least my perception of it. I am happy, I can actually ask myself if my thought process of rejection is real or presumed. Without meds I suffered. I'm in college now, is it a game changer, not completely. I still struggle to give attention where I'm not interested, but I am not as clouded by 100 other thought processes at the same time, now only 4 or 5. 😊

[@laraegrotzinger2432]

All the information I have had about ADHD came from scholars who may not have ADHD. I gained so much more understanding from this short clip of my foster child. Thank you

[@arselamallick3248]

Amazing talk...he has amazing parents and teachers and an inspiring lifestyle and mindset

[@Stalkerx13]

This is so true. When we find something not interesting we procrastinate very bad. Now that I know that I have ADD and have been becoming more and more obsessed on finding wtf is up with our brains that blocks us from focusing and doing things regardless if it catches our attention or not. On top of that the poor memory we have. It gets me very mad that I forget very quick.

[@bluesdealer]

Story of my life, friend. I have 3 projects due very soon that I am trying to finish in a timely manner, but aaaarrrgh! Distractions!

[@Matthew-by2xx]

Difference between ADD and ADhD is with me,when I was IQ tested, they said my memory was 7 times better than the average adult.

[@maddieedits]

I took an IQ test at a really young age. My test showed I was above average in my age group. However my teacher thought I had a learning disability.

[@thegreyghost5846]

sounds just like an INTP...

[@gebaskaras]

This is me right now omg. I am so obsessed doing the research on internet about wtf is wrong with my brain

[@canadankim]

He's talking about the common MISdiagnosis of ADHD of gifted people and the frustration gifted people experience when they are understimulated. Gifted people are multi-talented and very passionate. But not true that all of those actually with ADHD are like this...

[@tabithalynnjohnston]

Well most people with ADHD who are not multitasking all the time are on medication. I know when I took the medication it made me tired often, took away my excitement, and made me not want to do anything. And he is saying (nurtured ADHD) kids who their parents and teachers taught them how to control it and have fun with it rather than suppress it are like this.

[@mrbusdriversir]

MC Smiley It depends which medication you took. Many medications for other mental conditions (like depression) are now used for the treatment of ADHD, which can make people very tired. So, you should have had worked with your doctor getting the right med and dose for you. For some people it takes trying many meds until they find the right one.

[@tabithalynnjohnston]

mrbusdriversir I did. lol. I was on Adderall, which is what most kids with Adhd are/were on. And I went through extensive university studies and medical examinations to find out if I was Adhd, how Adhd, and how much medication I should be prescribed. Basically what I was saying is just that when on the medication for most people with Adhd I've come across, it takes away the will to want to be creative and work hard to be awesome because you feel lame. I stopped taking the medication by age 16 and let my creativity fly. God only know's how far I would be as a musician (..etc) if I would have never been on the medication in the first place and was nurtured to embrace my Adhd and talents. And I know there are many other Adhd people who feel like this. And his speech was dead on.

[@Ownerofthepaint]

MC Smiley p

[@Eddie-wn8tu]

MC Smiley So your saying all people with ADHD should be musicians then? What about those that want to be creative engineers, and could use medication as a tool to assist with the book heavy training years? Or those in music school who are in the history of music class? Medication abuse-MISuse-overuse aside.

[@SnAx505]

Oh my God yes!!! I love this! My son suffers in school and this brought me so much clarity. Thank you!

[@llRandomHeroll]

Yo ... The look in his eyes when he said : "At least he's quiet now..." Been there. I am so grateful that you were able to have the courage to do this and just seeing this really helped me because I was on the edge of not being alive... Thank you so much...

[@keithtaylor3347]

This man deserves a medal. Our being able to do so many things confuses most people. They denigrate us and call us by derogatory names such as "know-alls" and they shun us, because we always know better, having done the research, but they don't live in here, so they will never really understand.

[@mcbrizzle82]

I was absolutely terrible in high school, I could not pay attention and therefore my knowledge of the curriculum was next to nothing. I dropped out of school and got my GED because it was frustrating that I just could not focus or understand subjects. When I decided to give college a try later on, I talked to my doctor about trying ritalin for the first time in my life. I must be one of the lucky ones because it had no negative side effects on me, and concentration became a brand new thing for me. I now loved school, craved assignments and graduated with a masters in psychology. For me, ritalin really was a big help with helping me to pay attention and retain information.

[@sapir970]

I always thought I lacked the ability to be excited about things until I found biology and cooking and playing the piano and running and singing and making people laugh. It made me feel so grey, like I live next to life. And when I found(still searching), what I love, I became a genius. Literally reading Wikipedia for hours about celebs and bottle making and recycling and mountain tops and the state of the crawfish in the ocean. I wish we could be more free the discover. It feels like knowledge is not free anymore.

[@Raqq15]

this is the 4th video I've watched about ADHD and I have learned so much, everything that I was going through as a kid until now makes soooooo much more sense now. My goodness I am mind blown, I never went to therapy nor psychiatrist - because I was told "there's nothing wrong with you" (by a family member) VERBATIM, so I lived on thinking that way - in the midst I am still processing every thing and it's still difficult but since I am now learning about ADHD I understand it now. Although, I was not diagnosed by a doctor - every thing I have heard these speakers say is on point with me. I am going to a doctor to reassure myself. Thank you to every one who is supporting each other through this, it makes life brighter for me.

[@evghow2]

I got so emotional during this video. When I can't focus on what they want me to, they try to think I am stupid. I've had a teacher say that I was never going to pass 7th grade. As if I am stupid? I play trumpet and I have for 3 years. I picked up a french horn and learned it in 2 days. And I'm stupid, right? Bless this man. At my age seeing this has probably set me on the path to real happiness.

[@johnellis7639]

I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was very young. By the age of 8 I had been on Adderall, Ridlin, Intuniv, and Concerta. The first three had very negative side effects and I was punished as a result for things out of my control. Concerta works well but I feel pushed down and controlled. This video was inspiring for me. This is a guy that knows how stuff. Now I'm going to finish the last two minutes of the video.

[@JanetArnold1257]

LMAO Me too!

[@sonicfoxxmusic4281]

....and that John was in such an excited area that he mean't to type "THIS IS A GUY WHO KNOWS HIS STUFF" but through complete enthusiasm typed "THIS IS A GUY WHO KNOWS "HOW"" STUFF...and for proof...look at the closest letters to "O" and "W"......they are "I" and "S". Just pure excitement and adrenaline at finding kindred spirits.....NOT a spelling mistake, eh John. I work with ADHD writers and singers...i see this all of the time...and LOST MOBILE PHONES.

[@burningman8066]

concerta sucked breh. not only did it make me skinny but it made my mouth dry and I couldn't eat. I could barely even drink water without feeling I was choking. concerta is so bad.

[@burningman8066]

I don't take concerta anymore. I take vyvanse. so much better!

[@lifewiththeenriz]

iiLordOfDoomii my Doctor switcher me to Vyvance and my insurance wanted me to pay $290 as co-pay lucky for me I have a better job now and it should be covered now

[@binitapradhan112]

"Society must conform to us instead of us confirming to society"... brilliant way of putting it actually. Thank you.

[@theresa263]

I love that this video talks about hyperfocus and obsession of interests. We always associate the inattention aspects of ADHD and forget the opposite is also true. That's the part that made me excel and be a high grade student. In what I disliked I was poor and had a hard time focusing, but when I liked a subject or assignment, I far surpassed my classmates. I believe that's why I was never diagnosed as a child, because my fears of failure and hyperfocus overshadowed my struggles. My teachers said I always had a hard time paying attention to instructions, but once I got started, I was fine. In highschool it was the same. I could never understand the directions from the teacher, or stay focused on what they said. I always had to ask a classmate what we had to do.

[@mistyculous9644]

yeah - I renamed the directions: The Destructions

[@cybersmedley]

Stephen gives an interesting talk, but his ideas about medication betray his tendency toward incomplete attention to subjects that don't interest him. Not every person's ADHD is exactly the same, and not every person can benefit from the exact same treatment plan. You (or your child) may or may not benefit from medication, but don't take your medical cues from a college student. Talk to your own qualified medical professional!

[@wanderingangelstudio1359]

Thank you. I remember myself as a youth. I would have benefited from medication even then.

[@oeu3669]

Howard Hall that’s the thing about adhd.. understand that even adhd itself is on a spectrum and then there’s the three main manifestations on top of that - and different things work for different people - as it depends on what is available to them. I don’t know if you have it but as an ADHD’er this is easy for me to understand ❤️ Often people are trialling and Erroring

[@mirandabochner7663]

I agree. I just got on medication and it has changed my life. I still am the same person but the anxiety has went down so much and I can actually focus on a single thoughtZ

[@teasp00ns]

Miranda Bochner happy for you 🙂 everyone’s brain and circumstances are so different. Medication is right for some, but not others. My life completely changed for the better when I started meds as well

[@laylam4241]

Agreed!

[@DoodleBugLisa]

ADHD can cause severe problems. People make jokes and every other person claims they have it. I have it and it can be very debilitating when I’m over tired or out of balance. It’s no joke. I’m a balloon artist....and 1,000,000 things more.

[@Youdontknowwhatliterallymeans]

Wow. I'm borderline ADHD and I'm also obsessed with movies and editing. We sometimes lack concentration but we also have hyperfocus WHEN WE"RE INTERESTED.

[@hannahstewart5337]

I first watched this about 5 years ago as a teenager pre ADHD diagnosis. Its very interesting watching this now at 22 with an official diagnosis, using medication and having a whole heck of a lot more knowledgeable and understanding about my brain.