How Going Viral Taught Me I Have ADHD

[@sxbarral]

There’s nothing wrong with your hards moving. :) It actually feels a bit like seeing an orchestra conductor at work. I think it’s great!

[@lourias]

At the age of 48 I was diagnosed with adhd. Medication was added, and wow, what a difference! I guess that because I kept my hands moving during lectures at school, that is why I did so well at school; I always took lots of notes, twice as much as others. Kathy's hands moving is a HUGE distraction for me. The motion is distracting me from watching her lips move. The lips movement is a way that amplifies the volume. I have enough hearing loss in one ear that I lose words when I do not watch the lips move.

[@jurajvariny6034]

@@lourias interesting, I am hard of hearing too with lipreading and I don't mind the hands at all. As long as they aren't covering the mouth of course. Maybe it's related to fact I'm not ADHD but HSP (highly sensitive person) and I like the emotional ambiance Kathy's hands create. (Roughly speaking HSP is different from ADHD that HSP don't have trouble with rigidly structured tasks but still have problems with focus for different reason: they are prone to get overwhelmed with stimuli, both internal and external. It's not an official diagnosis yet, though.)

[@garyarnold3141]

I just never really noticed your hands. It doesn't bother me at all. I'm so involved in the fascinating physics you're explaining. Stay the way you are Kathy. :)

[@jwillisbarrie]

@@jurajvariny6034 Being Deaf I noticed she has added actual captions for the Deaf. This helps alot with my focus.

[@banalestorchid5814]

I agree; I actually quite like it.

[@johnwest7993]

You just described about 98% of my youth, an amazing parallel. I was an incureable daydreamer as a small child. I could try desperately to pay attention in class, but next thing I knew my teacher was calling my name and I was pulled back from somewhere in outerspace. I can be reading a book on the bus and miss my stop and only be drawn out of the book by the driver when he reaches the end of the line. I have a horrible memory for names. (I forgot my college roommate's name over Christmas break.) I couldn't memorize single digit arithmetic sums, or multiplication tables. But I loved story problems. The more difficult the problem, the better I liked it. I was so clumsy at track that I had to put Band-aids on my ankles because I kept kicking them as I ran. But I was captain of the XC team. Fortunately, I'm already in my 70's so it no longer matters that my ADHD was never diagnosed. Besides, as a child I don't think even the doctors really had a handle on what ADHD was. Now I just blame it all on old age, and I watch your videos and Feynman's Lectures and such on KZbin and ignore the way my brain works or doesn't work. I bought your book. I've watched nearly all of your videos. I love the history of science because it explains the 'who' and 'why' of science, which to me is half of what science is. I can't learn 'pieces' of anything. All the pieces of the puzzle must fit together. I have to grok it. I wish I had been taught that way in my youth instead of having to teach myself so much after I retired. (I taught myself electronics as I worked, and spent a career solving problems in electronics R&D at HP, TRW, IBM, SONY, etc, with a HS education.) Now I look around and find that even though I dropped out of college after my freshman year the majority of my friends have PhD's in science. A friend, an American-born physicist, a professor who started the University of Central Florida's school of electro-optics can barely write well enough to be understood. He's very smart, and very well educated. But everything he writes has to be edited by someone else. We all have our quirks. Thank you for this video and your channel. BTW, just be you. It's what you do best. Your potential is your potential, not someone else's.

[@Kathy_Loves_Physics]

I’m not a big Heinlein fan, but I love the word grok. And I too need to grok it before I understand it.

[@johnwest7993]

@@Kathy_Loves_Physics, Heinlein was a sexist, elitist, pompous, Right-wing ass who never got his fill of himself, or of jackbooted military power trips. I think he was insecure all his life, and so he spent it trying to convince himself and others that he wasn't. But he and Asimov were all I had as a child at my tiny town (population 1100,) rural MI library in the 1960's. (I had to have my mother give the librarian permission to allow me to go to the adult side of the library where the Sci-Fi books were kept.) So I read Heinlein, but I loved Asimov. I read over and over the 6 Asimov books the library had. What a crystal clear and thoughtful mind. But Heinlein did create the word 'grok' to describe that deep understanding of 'knowing' a subject, having it be a part of your reality that is far more than simply being able to answer test questions. In some areas of electronics I can go straight to an optimal solution to a problem instead of having to spend time number-crunching to come up with a 'pretty good' solution, because I grok the interactions of that area of knowledge. I know. Everything comes pre-weighted in my mind with known interactions. It's just nature. It's just reality. It's a carpenter knowing how hard to swing a hammer to drive a nail halfway down into the 2X4 without ever attaching a number to it, or even thinking about it. It's essentially a Zen awareness. Just being a part of your surroundings, belonging there. So in the context of creating a word to describe something important, Heinlein performed a service. His politics, on the other hand, I would happily spit on. I'm much more of a Robert Pirsig fan.

[@FreakyPete]

Neurotypical or not, Kathy, I love your enthusiasm for your subjects. It makes some difficult topics much more palatable. Thank you.

[@jeremiahbullfrog9288]

What an amazing peek behind the curtain ... thank you for sharing this part of your journey. So glad to hear you love what you're doing!!!

[@Kathy_Loves_Physics]

Thank you, I was a little nervous about it, but I feel so good just being honest.

[@giorgosg4032]

I too am 99% sure I have ADHD. I am a physics student who constantly fails in exams, but nowadays after understanding this, it has helped me a lot.

[@Kathy_Loves_Physics]

I’m so glad I could help. You might have different things from me, and you probably do at least in subtle ways, but knowing your own brain will only help is my view.

[@lourias]

If you have a disability, please consider talking to the Disability Office at your school. They can and will make accommodations for you.

[@gkiferonhs]

I, too, was surprised I had ADHD. I think it's an important asset for a teacher. There were days I wouldn't take my meds because I knew I wasn't going to have the luxury of focusing one one thing at a time. We all learned to cope.

[@Kathy_Loves_Physics]

I thought it was both an asset and a hindrance as a teacher. Insured me taking attendance a challenge.

[@kn9ioutom]

LOVE !!!

[@manifold1476]

SPEECH TO TEXT ERROR - SPEECH TO TEXT ERROR "Insured me taking attendance a challenge." ---- translates to: ----> "IT SURE MADE TAKING ATTENDANCE (a challenge). [you're welcome] @@Kathy_Loves_Physics

[@paulclifford6941]

Kathy, I love your videos! They are wonderful, dramatic story telling. As someone who has studied physics, chemistry and electronics all my life I really appreciate their technical accuracy. Few historians get the science right. I know they must take a lot of work, and I am truly thankful to you for all you put into them. I like you as you are, and please keep up the hand flapping.

[@Kathy_Loves_Physics]

Thanks. 😍

[@spoddie]

I was diagnosed with ADHD (hyperactive) in my 50s. Like all adult diagnoses, suddenly things make sense. I was searching YT for clips of Adventures with Bill from the Red Green Show, and found a video made by one of the actors, "The Unofficial ADD Test". It's presented in a comedic style but was very accurate, eg give yourself a point for every book you've bought but never read. I was laughing at first and in tears by the end, "what?, that ISN"T normal?" I was referred to specialist and told I was an extreme case. Why hadn't anyone told me before? How could I have known? I lamented my failures and missed opportunities, but accepted that now. I'm still learning how I'm different. People will often say it's just an excuse for moral failures, laziness, lack of conviction etc, Kathy mentioned how triggered she was at being called lazy. But knowing ADHD is a way for us to deal with our differences. It took me about 30 minutes to write this comment as I went looking for that video and it has been removed, and got distracted by other things.

[@Cristian-mb8sr]

I’m in the same boat. I’m still looking for a good specialist. Any advice will be helpful. Thanks 🙏

[@marcopilati7464]

you're a great and interesting person, Kathy. Go on like you are used to, no metter where your hands are. We don't care about hands, we care about contents. And this is why we follow you. Love from Italy.

[@Kathy_Loves_Physics]

Thank you so much Marco, I figured an Italian would never be offended by me using my hands when I talk. It’s practically part of the national identity. In fact, when people complain about me using my hands, I said I have to because my husband is Italian 🤣 ❤️ Kathy

[@seanbatiz6620]

This just reminded me of an old corny joke I heard way back.. oh, probably @ 1985-ish; “What’s the easiest way to get an Italian to stop talking? Handcuff them!” 🤪😂 please no one take offense to this joke. It is JUST A JOKE! I didn’t create it; just heard it decades ago

[@Kathy_Loves_Physics]

I know many Italians, I’m married to an Italian, and I got to tell you I can’t imagine Italian being offended by that joke.

[@marcopilati7464]

@@Kathy_Loves_Physics esatto. Nessuno di noi si offende per queste cose. A noi piace ridere, e prenderci in giro a vicenda. Vai, Kathy, continua a incantarci con le tue bellissime storie di scienza.

[@seanbatiz6620]

@@Kathy_Loves_Physics Lol… that “disclaimer” was more intended for, or, directed towards, that sadly growing camp of SUUUUuuuper Hypersensitive, ‘trigger-happy’, energy-vampire peeps, whom ‘react’ to otherwise extremely benign commentary, jokes, messages, sentences or, questions, with/of whatever EXCEPTIONALLY RUDE, off-color, retort “opinions” or general slander; as if the rest of the worlds’ populous MUST validate ‘their’ cries for attention, regardless of how they’re seeking it. Definitely wasn’t directed to you personally or likewise, undoubtedly, most sub’ers of your YT chan, for the love &/or interest of its content 👍🏼👍🏼 Learning inspires researching which builds knowledge, that grows intelligence, that forms understandings, manifesting positive tolerance & compassion of many diverse topics, fields &, subject matter, across all walks of life. As you apply included the mention of, within your A.D.H.D. ‘rant’ (lol; as you can clearly tell, I as well have it… very much so), that most folks ARE intelligent in their own specific way(s) &, really up to each one of us, to figure out how we each can contribute positively to any conversation or, group-action. I’ve MANY times over the decades, done that similar thing of spitballing my brainstorm idea(s) out to others, with intention of stating it as such (i definitely don’t always remember to do this), for the person or group, to think about or consider as an option for solution solving a problem presented.. JUST THE WAY I THINK! Can’t turn off this inner-engineer in my minds-eye, lol

[@friendlyoctopus9391]

It was quite surreal seeing the title of your video since I've been a subscriber for quite a while, and am also a 40+ physicist who was diagnosed with ADHD two weeks ago. Thank you so much for sharing your story; I've been in a big adjustment phase after the diagnostic session, and it reinforced to me that I'm not the only one in this boat!

[@Conservator.]

Oh no, you’re not alone! You’ll have a lot to discover the coming time and most things (if not all) will be fantastic. Welcome to the club! (of out of the box thinking, creative, fun and interesting people).

[@Kathy_Loves_Physics]

That is so funny! I was just diagnosed two months ago, so we’re basically in the same boat. But I think there’s a lot of people in the boat with us and that is a great comfort.

[@biancagarzia]

Quite a fashion this adhd 😢

[@TerryBollinger]

0:06 _“And it turns out I have ADHD. So I'm guessing a bunch of you are saying some version of Duh!”_ Thanks for sharing this incredibly important example of how folks need to listen carefully to others who communicate differently, instead of assuming the worst - and for telling your story with such cheerful humor! You are a great science communicator, and I love how you dive into the nitty-gritty details of the histories and the personalities involved in otherwise dry-looking equations.

[@henrymydlarz7486]

A few months ago I chatted with a young lady at a charity collection stall outside a supermarket. In the course of our chat she said she had ADHD. I knew very little about ADHD, but without any hesitation I told her "in many ways you are better than most people" Without knowing ADHD, I knew she was! My congratulations, Kathy, on explaining this not from the respect of someone who has simply learn it as part of their career, but BOTH as someone who has analyzed it and has it. Couldn't do better! A word on negative comments, even thought they don't bother you. Having started mt involvement with the internet in unmoderated newsgroups, I soon came to know people who are referred to as "trolls" but are basically cyber bullies - people who specialise in making sarcastic and biting remarks. A few might do so because they disagree with you in some way, but most are simply malicious. Why? They target a person they deem as "vulnerable" - easily upset. They target people who are obviously clever. But they may also be going through their own grief or hardship, and for reasons unknown to me they find some relief in deliberately upsetting others (speaking from experience). So....... keep up the good work! Share with us the benefits of your ADHD!

[@cyclonasaurusrex1525]

I’m excited for you. On the other hand, the quality of your scholarship and videos was first rate. Plus, anybody who throws Calvinball into a conversation is clearly a superior human being.

[@KevinToppenberg]

Laughing out loud when you talk about commenters complaining about your hands. Some people have too much time in their life. Your hands show your enthusiasm, and your enthusiasm for the topic is what makes your channel so great. Don't change!

[@RichardMaguire110]

Dear Kathy, I work in the field of Neurodiversity. I have watched your videos for some time and like what you do. I have found this video especially interesting. I train people in many orgaisations on Neurodiversity. I need to update my business name which just reffernces autism. In your video you describe the model for success I have lived and seen in 38 years working in this field. Lots of my work is with scientists amd mathematicians who share many of the strengths you have. Like you I love having several strands of thought, enquiry and creativity on the go. I too was branded as lazy at school. I love pinging around discovering many new things and seeing the patterns in them and the wider reality. May I use your video in whole or parts in my training? This week I delivered a workshop on this subject at a well known science establishment. So many of the people who work there are just like you. The insights you give would help them be managed in happier ways, they are bright, passionate, creative and good at maths and physics. I too love hyper focus with me its people and lives. People who are neurodiverse. I love the patterns in lives like ours and keep promoting the ways we succeed. You are living the most common route to success in our lives. I am the same as you with emails. Kind Regards Richerd Maguire

[@Kathy_Loves_Physics]

Of course you can. I would love that. If you want to email me at KathyLovesPhysics (at) gmail.com, I can probably find a way so that you can download it so that you can show it to people without commercials on KZbin.

[@waynesmith2287]

Don't let the trolls get you down. Ignore them. Your style is your style.

[@Riin_Rio]

As a former radio broadcaster let me assure you that talking with your hands adds to the power and vivacity of your voice. Repressing those dancing hands would flatten your presentation. So it’s not just about you being you, but you being your best you !

[@Conservator.]

I recognise so much of what you’ve said in this video. Thrown back and forth at school and being called lazy. I was even convinced myself that I was lazy. The diagnosis felt like a blessing. I got medication that instantly improved things but above all, I could make sense of some of my ‘failures’.

[@Kathy_Loves_Physics]

I’m so glad, I figured I can’t be the only one who went through this journey this way.

[@MrJafredderf]

It is amazing to discover you have ADHD as an adult. I discovered many of the same things you did and the patterns all fall in place. Your great, and I don't understand it all, My strength was cognition of words not math.

[@richard5346-o4y]

I enjoy your talks because you love the wonder of creation. I love it also. I am a retired Mathematical Statistician but am interested in everything. I agree physics is beautiful. I liked it at school but was side-tracked to Biometry. I have been always fascinated by the extraordinariness of living things. Your talks on Physics have filled in a gap in my understanding that I enjoyed 100%. I think you are a special person. 🔴✔

[@MissJean63]

Hi Kathy. I’m 2 classes short of my Masters in Education. It’s the research that’s holding me back. Same as you, I have ADHD. Undiagnosed as a child. I enjoy your videos. You tell the story of how they got there. I find that fascinating. I’ll never understand the math but how these people’s brains work is the thing I really enjoy. Keep them coming. I’m teaching 8th grade Physical Science and you really help me. ❤

[@meepmeep1329]

Didn't know how much i needed this as an adhd female physics student with a very non lineair career and life path. Seems like our stumbling isn't only our weakness, but also our strength is the reassurence i needed. You are such a delight and so brave!!!!

[@chucksteele4787]

When I was studying for my PhD I struggled in a few subjects, mainly Physics. How I wish you were my Professor! Your enthusiasm keeps me focused Before, it was like listening to Charlie Brown's teacher. I look forward to your videos, especially the one's with history. It's like I am hearing it for the first time!

[@MariusHeier1]

I knew it!!! Welcome to the club of late diagnosis adhd youtubers. Love your videos. ❤🎉

[@Kathy_Loves_Physics]

Yeah, once you know the signs, it’s obvious. Before you know the signs, it’s impossible to tell. It’s the weirdest thing. I am so happy to be part of such a wonderful club

[@barrycraig1549]

I'm 61 years old male in all my life I was just described in this video and the other one you did in ADHD. I have learned more about myself and how I think and do then many many of my peers. Lately I've been having an internal conversation about what I accomplished in my worth with a certain amount of regret. That's not normal for me because my glass is more than 50% full. Thank you for reminding me who I am. God bless you

[@alanpaulgalindomaldonado1289]

You are an amazing person with great storytelling and teaching skills. Thanks for sharing your story and your message. I love how passionately You explain the history of science. Congrats for your great KZbin channel. Greetings from this high school math teacher in Puebla, Mexico.

[@Kathy_Loves_Physics]

Thank you so much.

[@aekee8434]

You are a great person Kathy. It is wonderful to have people like you, during this period of time I am also living. I enjoy every single video you made as well your book. Your joy on making videos here is shared with everyone that follows your work.

[@Kathy_Loves_Physics]

Thank you so much.

[@philipreich7035]

Hi Kathy, As a person (now in his late 60s) who was finally diagnosed with ADD in his late 50's I can empathize with your story. Thanks for your courage in sharing this, and by doing so "doing your "bit"" to help non-neurotypical people feel worthy of being human. I too struggled in school, and was told I was brilliant, but was labelled as being "lazy", "unfocused", "uncompliant" or "defiant" because I could not do what neurotypical people are seemingly easily able to do. As your story so ably shared, growing up with these kinds of labels is crippling to self-esteem. It takes: 1. recognizing these labels for what they are, 2. and then taking the time to work through and disassociate these labels as defining our "selves" and worth, to then climb out of the negative "pigeon hole" into which others have placed us and to then accept and embrace who we actually are. Kudos for discovering this for yourself and for sharing this journey so publicly! I just discovered your channel a couple of weeks ago, and have now caught up with your videos to this point -- starting from the oldest to the newest. It is wonderful to be able to learn about the people behind the science, and the context of their history. Thank you for your part in "setting the record straight" in regards to Westinghouse, Tesla and Hamilton, and for providing links to the sources of your information. I look forward to watching the few more videos you have done since this, and the ones you'll be producing in the future. Thanks for all you have done and are doing, it is greatly appreciated! Philip P.S. Your hand gesticulation is just to be part of who you are -- please don't try to change this to appease other's sense of "correctness".... P.P.S. I am "subscribed" and have "clicked the notification bell", and also have purchased the kindle version of your book. P.P.P.S. Have you considered adding some or all of your content to Nebula? P.P.P.P.S. Can you tell I too have ADD? 😉

[@Kounomura]

Listening to you is truly an uplifting experience.

[@Why_The_People]

Cheers from an older woman with ADHD that finds it to be a “delight” to be creative, curious and live in my head. The lamentation is that there aren’t many like me to relate to. ADHD can be a major superpower for those like us that love theoretical physics.

[@EricKolotyluk]

You are one of my favourite content creators. So much nerdy entertainment and excitement that makes learning so much fun. Please keep up the valuable work.

[@JohnJenkins-ib5wh]

Absolutely loved this honesty Kathy. Really brilliant and funny thanks for inspiring me to be my best friend also💕

[@marcwilson564]

Welcome to the club! I diagnosed myself when I was in my counseling psychology Ph.D program over 30 years ago. I have learned to accept that I learn differently, react differently, process differently, etc. I love to say "not all great minds think alike!" Although I resisted taking medications for decades, I find that Vyvanse (a dopamine reuptake inhibitor stimulant) really helps on days when I need to focus my concentration for long periods. Thanks for sharing your story!

[@davidabulafia7145]

What attract me to your channel was your spirit and enthusiasm in talking about your subject material. I have ADHD so I never really notice your hands moving.

[@A9106]

Having got to the end of this I have to comment again! You are so true and inspriring (I don't normally say this sort of stuff!). I'm nearly 54 and have of late really begun to think seriously that I'm ADD, recognising a lot of the traits you talk about in my myself. So thanks for shining a light on the subject in your charmingly non-BS way.

[@secularseattle6779]

So important to highlight how ADHD shows up differently in girls! I wasn’t diagnosed until my 40s because I was smart enough to mostly compensate. On meds I was able to earn my MS while working full-time and am succeeding at a high-level professional job. No one should be shamed for taking legal drugs that help them, whether for depression, diabetes, or ADHD.

[@eldorado5319]

🎉🎊🎉 congrats with you diagnose. Your story sounds identical to mine, I was diagnosed at 52. It feels so much better when you finally understand why. I follow you for a while now and you are KZbinr number 20 or so who reveals they have ADHD. So I will say duh 😅

[@Conservator.]

We ADHD-ers seem to like each other. 😁

[@Kathy_Loves_Physics]

Isn’t it funny that once you see it it’s so clear in other people and yourself, but before you see it you have no idea?

[@lucaambrogioni]

How can you congratulate someone for getting a medical diagnosis? What sense does that make?

[@Conservator.]

@@lucaambrogioni The diagnosis doesn’t change who you are/what you have, but it explains a lot of things that happened in your life. The diagnosis also gives the opportunity on the improvements by means of medication and or therapy. The diagnosis of ADHD usually means that things will improve. It’s totally different from being diagnosed with cancer. I hope this helps.

[@glenfredlund7679]

I love your approach to science education and have followed your channel for several years. But this video didn’t immediately call to me. I am so glad that I finally got around to watching it this morning. As a severe, self-diagnosed adult dyslexic I had not idea of the overlap with ADHD. There were so many commonalities in your life experience and self-discovery and my own it was emotional to watch. This video helped me see myself more clearly. In addition to physics and history you have taught others what it means to have compassion, and it the big picture having compassion for others is more important.

[@mikefixac]

In appliance repair school, 50 years ago, I learned about diodes. But I actually really understood diodes only a week ago. After all the books, all the videos, and all the years, I finally got it. And it was done by watching a video on how electrons were discovered. I can't tell you what a game-changer it's been. For me, I need to dig down to the "how" or the "why". Since then, my understanding of the unseen and small has rocked my world. Someone on another YT channel in the comments mentioned you and here I am. I'm so excited to have discovered your channel and I'm looking forward to learning so much. You're so charming Kathy and thank you for sharing your love of making YT videos. Kathy, I went to Patreon, but I see to give money, I have to do it every month, which I don't like to get locked into. Have you thought about YT's "Super Thanks"? That way I can just send a one time donation and I'm not locked into a monthly payment scheme.

[@Sam_on_YouTube]

Welcome to the club! Most people diagnosed with ADHD as adults are smart and learned to mask it enough to get through school and such, but we would have been better off if we had known WAY sooner. In high school I was warned my acceptance to Cornell would be rescinded if I didn't start doing my math homework and then I got a 5 on the BC Calculus test. I got a perfect score o. The GRE Logic section (and math), but when I took the LSAT, which is basically the same test, I just couldn't focus despite taking it repeatedly and I could not understand why. I was diagnosed after passing the Bar Exam, but being unable to apply for jobs as a lawyer. Today I work as a consultant and expressly do NOT track my time. I get the right amount of work done on average... as long as I'm not pressured to keep track of it.

[@Kathy_Loves_Physics]

That sounds so incredibly stressful! I’m so glad you found a way to do what you love in the way that works for you. Oh, and thanks for welcoming me into the club.

[@MultiPetercool]

Kathy, longtime fan here. I’m 63 years old. Also undiagnosed childhood ADHD. I totally relate! My world changed when I took up my father’s coffee habit. I consider it “Ritalin/Adderal Lite” 😉 I suspect I’m also slightly Asperger’s. You might be too! Coffee and my obsession with computers and electronic music got me through a Bachelor of Science in degree in Physics. As a music lover of music, I remain obsessed with acoustics, electronics and digital signal processing. The history of musical instruments and recorded music of all kinds fascinates me. Wish I could start a channel like yours! Never stop what you’re doing.

[@pdelong42]

"You're useful the way you are". Thank you for saying that. I've had my own issues, and took a while to get to a point where I was okay with who I was, and how my brain works. I wouldn't go as far as to say I'm neurodivergent (who knows, maybe I am and just don't know it), but I've definitely got my own ways of thinking that have been difficult to convince other people of their validity. I can see that my son is very much cut from the same cloth, but I feel like it was easier for me, because the stakes have gotten so much higher in our school system since I was a kid (he's 12, I'm 50). So he may benefit from hearing your message as well.

[@zamplify]

Just diagnosed with severe autism and ADHD at age 53. There is some anger at all the suffering but I'm super encouraged by finally knowing what's going on.

[@hervecaci4151]

I’ve loved your videos for a long time, and learned so much. As a specialist of ADHD here, I have to thank you so much for this sincere testimony. Awesome. Surely it will help other people to understand they’re not stupid and encourage them to seek for help. Well done.

[@lcirocco]

Thank you for this heartfelt video. My ADHD expresses itself in aphorisms: You don't have to be neurological to be good. You don't have to be good at too much to give your best. Stay awesome. p.s. My motto is now: We're all different. It gives me something to talk about ...

[@joeo3377]

I just wanted to share that I teach some physics classes and I came across your channel last year when I was looking for some videos to share with my students for additional context. I'm not sure how my students feel about your videos, but I love when you have one that fits nicely with the content. I think that the historical context is important for learning and for understanding that science is done by real people, and your videos do a really good job of that!

[@mach1driver630]

My late wife was Italian and her family would all talk with their hands. A friend of mine was sitting on one side of her and I was on the other while she was gesturing away. I looked across her to my friend and nodded- we each grabbed a hand and she went da da... and couldn't say a thing. We all laughed. You aren't alone, and we're all different. Keep up the good work.

[@anthonynicoli]

Kathy- this is your best video ever. I love your science history videos, but learning about your personal history was heartwarming and moving. Thanks for sharing so openly. :-)

[@kn9ioutom]

YOU ARE A BEUTIFUL PERSON ! LIVE YOUR LIFE !!!

[@Kathy_Loves_Physics]

Thank you

[@pasixty6510]

I appreciate your attempt to draw attention to the difficulties and discrimination we had to go through. There are millions of people like us. I still refuse to agree, we’re suffering a deficiency. The way we think and our view on the world may be different, but that’s not a disease, even if we feel uneasy when having difficulty managing the challenges of life (differently). I had a hard time in my childhood and youth with the exact same difficulties, you described. Nowadays we call it ADHD, 50 years ago it was nothing else than misbehaving and my parents tried hard to find a remedy. Later on I found out, my father had also to go through all that in his youth. I raised three children who were the same type of experiencing the world. My father, me and my children made/make their way. So, being special is not necessarily a disease.

[@robertpinto6515]

Please don't be sorry for who you are. You are a delight to this old soul, even though most of the time you're way over my head! I love your passion and love for your subject, and you make my day better by coming into my home!!

[@meofamily4]

All I can say is, Kathy, that I found out about you because of your book, not your KZbin. And your book is really, really great -- it brings the history of science to life in a way that is truly original and unique. As for me, I found this video delightful and laughed a lot, perhaps a wee bit guiltily. I also loved the history of science form the first time I came in contact with it, Yet, I also flunked out of PhD programs. Twice (it wasn't because of playing too much solitaire, though). This is one person who hopes that your KZbin work doesn't interfere with you writing another, if not a series of, book(s).

[@billmosby673]

I love the way you present. And I love this authentic look into your life and yourself.

[@Mike-jl1rl]

I absolutely love your enthusiasm...and I love spell check! My dad was an english teacher and taught me to love books, but he could never teach me to spell. I'm 70 now and lean more towards biology than physics, lthough the AF sent me to school for a masters in Aeronomy, but we share a love of history to go with our science.

[@pieterschadron3644]

You have an original way of presenting, not because you do move your hands, but because you stand out between many. I must admit that when I started watching your videos, I sometimes thought why can't she stop moving her hands'', but the path you took us viewers on. Explaining how the human knowledge about physics evolved over time, this made me a subscribed viewer. The content is always first class, the pictures you use, the research you do, superb. The picture you sketch for me as a viewer connecting this knowledge evolution to physics itself is a natural way to understand or maybe better expressed to comprehend physics. I would hate to watch a future video without your hands. Thank you for all your work. I think that simplifying science (or math) is a stupid idea; it is a way of hiding essential parts. Many educators think that by leaving out certain parts the topic will become easier to understand, I disagree, explaining might take more time, but please let no one think that adjusting the facts makes learning easier. Your succes underlines this philosophy. I am looking forward to your next posts. Best regards.

[@nukiduki2]

I think it's great you use your hands so much. I certainly can't imagine watching someone speak for 30mins+ without them moving.

[@robincross4625]

I self-diagnosed I had ADD when I was about 50. When I went back to college at 45 yo, I taped every class and listened to the tapes once or twice. I graduated Deans List. Before that I was a B-C-D student. Life was SO fun fun is still HARD. Having fun is still important to me.

[@lucaantognini]

Thank you for your honnesty, authenticity, and passion!

[@deanej1]

I must admit, I hadn’t really noticed the hands until you mentioned them. Interesting story. I recognise many parallels - barely turning in any homework as a child, annoyingly engaging in debate, family having low expectations of me academically (my mother described me as not very bright). Despite this, excelling at maths as an undergraduate, then research in particle physics which fizzled when it came to the actual research. I was at a loss there - ok, super-symmetric Yang-Mills isn’t exactly easy, but trying to get my head around it by taking a random walk through the ‘literature’ is overwhelming. I would not think I have ADHD, but my brain is definitely unique - I’ll learn more about ADHD now though. I’m certainly ‘uneven’ too though ;) - I can relate.

[@noneofurbusiness5223]

"Contribute w/ur skills, not ur deficiencies." Love ❤️ it.

[@jakebearnyc]

I have ADHD too, and got a late in life diagnosis. I can relate to all of this. I saw part of me in you, and have loved binging your content. You're a great presenter and I love your channel.

[@Kathy_Loves_Physics]

Thank you

[@roberthayter157]

We're so grateful. Your way of introducing us to the history of science is so great. Your enthusiasm is catching.

[@lysandroabelcher2592]

I love your expressive way of moving. Never stop! You have the whole Italian diaspora and the whole ASL community wondering why that judgemental people say it's wrong to express with hands. Keep going! We love you.

[@chuckotto7021]

Dear Kathy, Thank you for sharing your inner self with us. You are simply wonderful!

[@richardaragon4096]

After watching some of your videos regarding quantum mechanics and thermodynamics, I realized that many of what I considered difficult and abstract topics are really logical consequences of prevailing knowledge at that time. I also realized that there is something wrong with how they teach physics nowadays and it really helps to go back to the source. We don't have the resources to go back to the source and translate from original publications so thank you for doing these videos! Historical approach, in this case, works especially when your audience has a considerable background on the subject. It made me see the forest and not just the trees.

[@speakerbench]

Hi Kathy. I live with a person who has ADHD, she was undiagnosed for many years (more than fourty), and I can follow what you're saying in this video. Congrats on your success on KZbin. I also like the history side of things and I have written web-pages about my field (Loudspeakers), a book, and a couple of KZbin videos with historical content (and they took months to prepare). I also gesticulate and I think of it as part of the communication. I totally understand your attraction to the history perspective. You're wonderful. Keep up the good work.

[@Kathy_Loves_Physics]

Thank you so much

[@chandanagarikipati1712]

When it comes to mental illnesses and treatment, acceptance is always the hardest step because no one wants to have a broken mind, right? I can understand your turmoil when you've had that computer test. It is always hard being proven to have a broken mind and to take that info in. But once we've accepted it, things get a bit easier and we move on to finding help and getting better. Glad to know youre living your best life yet at the moment. Love all of your videos. Physics and physicists always have amazing stories and you connect the dots very well! ❤

[@tomeubank3625]

Thanks for sharing. Especially, the "Stop being you!" insight. My ADHD wasn't diagnosed until I was 63.

[@wattsupdave]

Hi chatty Kathy. I’m an adult with adhd and a huge fan of all things science. Lifelong learner, no surprise you show up in my cue. I enjoy your videos & the interesting tidbits about history. You’re a gem!

[@k.moyers4746]

Thanks, I needed that. I’m so discouraged and I really needed to hear about how you cope and make ADHD work for you. Thanks!

[@russellloudon1092]

Kathy your youtube is just so easy to follow I look forward to each posting they are so well layed out and bring sicence and the understanding right to me your hand flapping helps bring it all home and makes the story come alive Thank you so much. Russell Loudon New Zealand.

[@Kathy_Loves_Physics]

Thank you. (also, New Zealand is on the top of my bucket list so maybe someday I’ll come and visit you.).

[@virginiacentral]

Don't stop being you! I love your story telling. Keep it up.

[@WECB640]

Kathy, THANK YOU for sharing with us. Your "imperfections" are what makes you unique and I would argue, a better teacher BECAUSE you had to struggle and know exactly how flawed the education "system" can be for many of us. Your passion for the subject may be labeled as hyperfocus, but it is that passion and high level of interest that is is infectious to your audience. A teacher who simply reguritates the data like a machine with no passion for the subject is IMO a bad teacher. One who truly enjoys sharing their knowledge base in the hopes of "passing the baton" to the next generation is one of the very definitions of a teacher. You are clearly this definition. I wish you many thousands of wonderful teaching moments with us. Never stop being you! Remember, "The perfection in nature is the imperfection in all of us."

[@janeclark1881]

I too am a physicist with ADHD, diagnosed late in life. So I can easily relate to your video. I can also relate to your stories of being a misfit. They aren’t quite the same as mine, but so what? We have both struggled with being not quite what society expects. I enjoy your videos, and your keen eye for scientific nonsense. I also enjoy your manner of presentation. It’s lively and makes you come across as very human, not like some presenters I could mention, who could be replaced by an AI chat bot without anyone really noticing.

[@liryan]

Almost crying. I'm on the same boat as you, always losing things as a kid, always plays after class and forgot to go back home, get bored so quickly as i thought the homework is so simple, yet can't achieve good grades in middle school when focus is important. Eventually it all worked out with grad school with engineering, and with spell checker's help, i finally can catch up with study.

[@Kathy_Loves_Physics]

I feel like getting a great big present to whoever invented spellcheck, that person really saved me.

[@logicaljuan]

I love love this. I identify so much with the description of your experiences in your youth. Feeling I recognize patterns well and create my own ways of solving problems in school and always nervous somebody would discover I wasn’t doing things the way I was supposed to.. the way all the good/smart kids did them. I’ve been told I seem so smart by others all my life but I never achieved much academic success and always felt like a bit of a fraud. Like I’m not really smart because I find it so hard to do academic things that way I’m supposed to do them… I only discovered your content because I was exploring content on 3 phase as part of my small business maybe a year and a half or two years ago but I fell in love with your style and I enjoy history so much. You seem like such a genuine person and I love that. I wish you so much more success! I just bought your book and donated to the audiobook project. :-)

[@trep53]

I knew there was something very special about you! My oldest son was diagnosed with ADHD in middle school. It was a difficult time and my wife and I had a difference of opinions on what treatment to go forward with. Her and I worked it out and we modified our lives to help our son without medication. He did well in grad school and today he is doing very well. Kathy, you have great content I enjoy your mannerism and enthusiasm. Keep it up.

[@PerJohannessen]

Thanks Kathy, I am 100% sure I have inattentive ADHD. I struggle in math and physics because of poor working memory. This makes it extremely difficult for me to learn as fast as others, organize the material, use the theory in practice, plan out a solution, and also paying attention to detail when I read the problem statement. I am an adult now and have grown out of some symptoms that have affected my general life. Also have a difficult time visualizing the physics when I read or at lectures. Hopefully I will soon be diagnosed. I struggle with Electromagnetism (griffiths) and I saw you have conceptual videoes about it, which I look forward to watching. Thank you

[@glenmartin2437]

I have a enjoyed you and your videos for some time. Thank you. An industrial psychologist years ago told me there are several hundred job skills and few to none have them all; therefore, we are all handicapped. Later, a family counselor told me everybody is crazy, but most of us adjust in socially acceptable ways. Keep those key ideas in mind and life will be easier.

[@kstlfido]

Thank you, Kathy, for a great video from the heart to add to all your others! "You are worthy already" really rang true with me. BTW- you might like to come visit the CHRS radio museum over here in Alameda someday. Keep doing what you do- it's perfect- handwaving and all!

[@lysandroabelcher2592]

This one really deserves to be made a TED talk !!!

[@PaulTacorda]

My third grade teacher inspired my love of reading by listening to her stories. Keep up with your science stories as I enjoy watching and learning from them. I got a copy of your ebook and looking forward to your next ones. I do not mind your hand gestures as some ethnic groups are famous for doing those when they speak. :) Keep up the good work. Thanks for being you.

[@mortysmith8049]

Thankyou so much for your channel. I was diagnosed with ADHD on Monday which is both life changing and life confirming for me. Also at the age of 39 I am retraining to become an electrician. Your videos and excellent way explaining 'stuff' has really helped be grasp concepts I was previously struggling with. Thankyou so much, keep up the great work! Am looking forward to your next 3 videos.

[@richardwills5780]

Thank you for a most inspiring personal reflection. You have a delightful sense of humor. I actually find that your hand movement adds drama to your presentations. Love your videos!

[@TravelNakisa]

You are one of the bravest souls I have ever seen.

[@pramodkeshav1120]

Kathy You are really a creative story teller …. A great teacher. I admire your skills. Love to meet you once. Being a teacher I refer your videos to teacher so I become more resourceful when I feel confident and impress kids with history of science. This important for every kid that motivates them to do better. Thank you so much!!!!

[@spinospinellibass]

Well, I'm Italian, I really didn't realize you were moving your hands (quite normal here) 😊- I *did* realize you passion and love and enthusiasm, and instantly fell in love with your work. This video makes my eyes wet , but as usual you are great at communication and leave us with a feeling of joy and empathy. Thanks Kathy you're great just as you are!

[@JANSENM9]

Love your work, please keep it up. And also, that flower arrangement behind you - beautiful

[@cabrazarado]

Great video. Different from most Kathy videos. Congrats for the best channel in youtube

[@TerryBollinger]

I just finished the full video, and I don't think I've ever had so much fun or so many chuckles listening to a physics video. Kathy, in addition to physics, you are providing an incredibly important human message, and doing that very well also. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your honesty in particular, since it is so easy and tempting in life to be disingenuous. Finally, your habit of jumping quickly and enthusiastically jumping to new topics feels so right to me, and makes me feel better about myself. I am notorious in my own family and workplaces for doing just that. I remember when the snappy-poppy instrumental song _Popcorn_ by Hot Butter came out in the 1970s (I'm old), four different friends came up to me and said, enthusiastically, "That song reminds me of you!" Well, now I finally know what they meant, because, Kathy: You remind me of _Popcorn_ by Hot Butter!

[@Kathy_Loves_Physics]

Yeah, so after I read your comment, I decided to look up that song because I thought I’d never heard of it. Turns out that I was very familiar with it, and I’m delighted to be associated with that song. Heck, I think I can even do the dance in the video!

[@TerryBollinger]

@@Kathy_Loves_Physics The Muppets Show Swedish Chef version of _Popcorn!_ I had completely forgotten that video, and just now had a ball looking it up again! I have _got_ to show that to my granddaughters! Thanks, and have a great week!

[@wayne5447]

Kathy, Thank you for this episode! I watched your 3 phase and was hooked. I have ADD and was fortunate to have two careers that allowed me to use my weird talents to make a positive contribution in the engineering field . You are a great teacher and have the ability to explain concepts on many levels!

[@erikziak1249]

Kathy, I am truly happy for you, that you found your place in the world, that fits you. Even though you had it rough, eventually you are happy, you can do what you are passionate about, you do a great job doing it and you can pay your bills to live a comfortable life. It is rare to see this happening to people. I am truly happy for you and wish you all the best for the future. You said so many things in this video, I could talk about them on hours with you, so we could expand each others knowledge. But that will not happen. Bottom line: It is great that you recognize yourself as being worthy. Some of us still struggle with it, maybe we just did not have luck.

[@guywood67]

Hi Kathy, thank you for posting your story and for making your videos. My wife also has ADHD. I enjoy your videos.

[@oldguysrule5895]

You are so human. You are a breath of fresh air in the formula driven KZbin world. I am better for having you in my life.

[@jwillisbarrie]

Thanks for adding actual captions for the Deaf - makes video so much easier to follow.

[@CraigRevie]

I watch many KZbin videos and this is the first time I have commented. This was very inspirational - I am very much enjoying the series "Kathy loves Physics and History". Highly informative and entertaining.

[@Kathy_Loves_Physics]

Thank you so much.

[@tomdownes1g]

Thank you for sharing / thank you for the courage of your self-disclosure!

[@mister_chispa]

I'm going to put this on my favorite tier list because I feel very, but very much identified with you, Kathy!

[@jansugalski4856]

Great video. I love the videos you produce. They fill a void in KZbin which is hard to do.

[@itsevilbert]

Kathy, I must be blind, never noticed your hands moving until you pointed it out. I love your videos, always have. You are great, never try and change who you are for random people on the Internet - you just keep on being you. In my mind the only purpose of a language or any form of communication (I just noticed I'm moving my hands while thinking what to type, anyhow where was I, on yea), if I am currently the speaker, is to transfer one or more thoughts inside my head to the head of one or more fellow humans (or animals) and vice a versa. If I have tried my very best to say something but I end up mispronouncing the odd word, I do not see anything wrong with that as long as the bulk of the information has been transferred from A to B in the most accurate form - and you are brilliant at that. I expect that very soon your videos will start to reach a level were each one is viewed by more people than someone pre-internet would have communicated with in their entire lifetime - just keep in mind when that next jump in popularity happens that the way YOU got there was not by being what other people what you to be for them, but you being you.