Diagnosing Attention Deficit Disorder: Personal Stories and Insights

My Journey in Understanding ADD: From My Son’s Diagnosis to My Own

During my thirties, I found out that my son, who was diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) at the age of 8 in grade three, was struggling. Upon his diagnosis, I immersed myself in everything related to ADHD, reading countless articles and speaking with other parents whose children had been diagnosed. I also spoke with an adult who had been diagnosed with ADHD in his thirties and learned about the challenges he faced without treatment.

Reading about ADHD in my son’s case made me realize that many of my experiences, which couldn’t be fully explained by Bipolar Disorder, were probably a result of undiagnosed ADHD. We then decided to address both conditions. The process has been challenging yet manageable.

Notably, my father was diagnosed with ADHD two months after my initial diagnosis, highlighting the prevalence and often undiagnosed nature of this condition.

The Road to Diagnosing ADD in Early Life

My path to understanding ADD was quite different. At the age of 6, I was brought to my mother for a diagnostic evaluation. The experience was traumatic, as my classmates and teachers labeled me as having a 'learning disability' and bullied me for it, which further diminished my self-esteem and confidence. A diagnosis meant nothing to me at the time, as I was more concerned with the bullying and discrimination I faced. Teachers had noticed issues even from birth, but my parents initially refused to acknowledge any problems, much less a diagnosis. The school eventually threatened to expel me unless my parents got me diagnosed and medicated. Once the diagnosis was understood, it explained many of the challenges I had faced throughout my childhood.

Undiagnosed ADHD throughout Childhood and Adolescence

Despite the obvious signs from a young age, many key figures in my life missed the signs of ADHD. My teachers, particularly those who dealt with academic and behavioral issues like daydreaming and math problems, did not suspect ADHD. The same was true for my principals who, despite my shy and sweet demeanor, often found me warming their office benches. My family, who has a history of undiagnosed ADHD, did not suspect it either. My family doctor, who should have recognized the signs, did not consider ADHD. As a result, I struggled through school with a fragile ego and low self-confidence.

Years later, a close friend pointed out the signs when I was running around in circles, looking for misplaced items. She recognized it as ADHD and told me, "You have Attention Deficit Disorder!" I was then officially diagnosed by a psychiatrist specializing in ADHD, who confirmed I had ADHD with hyperactivity and dyscalculia (a learning disorder that affects math calculations). This diagnosis was affirming but ultimately required time to adapt to and manage effectively.

In conclusion, diagnosing Attention Deficit Disorder can be a long and complex process, as many may go through life without a proper diagnosis. Recognizing the signs and advocating for a proper evaluation can lead to a more informed and supportive life. It is never too late to get a proper diagnosis and manage the condition effectively.