CEO & Co-Founder at Fringe | Futurist | Podcaster | Speaker | Writer | ADHD and unashamed
Launching into this ADHD acceptance/self acceptance journey right now, so I may have a lot extra to say and share. I’m motivated (to share at all) by only two things: 1. I want my kids and your kids that have ADHD to grow up without shame and feeling that they are constantly apologizing for something they did not choose. 2. I want adults with ADHD to be inspired by my journey and story such that they believe the truth about themselves. They are not broken or defective, they simply have a unique aspect of their brain that causes them certain challenges, while also granting them some really cool superpowers. If I can do either of these, hopefully both, I’ll feel like I finally understand why exactly I joined this whole LinkedIn community to begin with. One statistic to share that I learned just yesterday (to spur on empathy and curiosity) : It is estimated that children with ADHD, in a school setting alone, experience about 20,000 individualized behavioral corrections/call-outs before the age of 10. Imagine hearing “why can’t you just sit still?” or “stop talking.” or “you’re being disruptive.” 20,000 times in your first 5 years (or so) of school? It’s easy to imagine why many kids with ADHD end up with self talk that sounds like a pop song. “It’s me. Hi. I’M THE PROBLEM. It’s me.” You are valuable. You are enough.
And, it’s not just hyperactivity. As a late diagnosed woman, my ADHD has been largely internal and resulted in a lot of anxiety & depression. Instead of hearing, “why can’t you sit still?” It was, “You are so dramatic.” And, “You rely on your emotions too much. You need to think logically.” Then, those comments are amplified by Rejection Sensitivity Disorder. Being Neurodivergent in this world is rough. Thank you for shedding some light on it!
Thank you for sharing Jordan. I've heard this stat a few times recently. My daughter was given reflection time in her first week of school for these exact things, which then lead to her not wanting to go to school on the day she had reflection time. Teachers should be more aware of symptoms and try to use a more positive tone for all children.
20,000 times?? Wow man. Can't imagine what that would do to you as a child. That is why it's so important what you're doing in bringing light to this issue that really isn't talked about much at all. Even if you only help one person with ADHD to know they are valuable and enough - it's all worth it! Keep going!
Thank you for sharing! As someone with ADHD, I’ve found that accepting my unique brain rather than constantly trying to “fix” it has changed everything. The moment I let go of self-criticism and embraced both my strengths and challenges, I not only felt better but also focused on better ways to improve on my strengths. ADHD comes with hurdles, yes, but it also brings creativity, resilience, and a unique perspective.
I focus on the superpowers!!
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3wPreach! I had a 3rd grade teacher break my desk w/ a book to get me to stop tapping...(turned that into motivation for being a thunderous drummer) But, with coaching, I've accepted it and used it as a strength vs a crutch. My coach asked me "where is your water flowing? Go with it." So now I don't feel like I am letting myself down if I am lacking inspiration or motivation...I know I have to do something else for a period and it will all come back when I am ready for it. Would love to have a coffee and chat more about this.