Do we all have ADHD?

I get comments all the time, when trying to describe to others what we deal with, that "oh I do that too" or "that happens to everyone." And it's true. The problem with that, though, is that then people fail to realize that ADHDrs have it happen ALL THE TIME--AND it's combined with other issues as well. Take for instance waiting until the last minute (or after it!) to get ready. I do it EVERY time. I always think I can fit in "one more thing" or I get totally absorbed in something (usually involving a screen) and then the other combining factors that add to the issue might be: I can't figure out what to wear, can't find my keys, think I remember where I'm going--but I don't--and get lost, etc. So yes, other people procrastinate, lose things, misplace things--but we do all of it every day.

I like to explain it as "the same stuff that happens to everyone else, but amplified." Turn it up a notch--or 10, or 100--to see what ADHDrs do (depending on what type, if they're mild or severe, etc.). My teenage son is a perfect example. Great kid. Deals with a lot of the "normal" teen stuff, but then turn it up a notch since he can't really learn from his mistakes--he'll make the same "choices" over and over, despite the result. So my friends who don't deal with this say, "take away his phone" or "ground him" and when I try to tell them this makes no difference whatsoever, they think I am just too lenient and have a spoiled kid (which may also be true). Rewards work slightly, punishments not at all, but when YOU, the parents, are also ADHD, then things really get fun!

I can't really criticize, though, because I used to be a disbeliever too. Thought ADHD was just an excuse for bad behavior and bad parenting. Now that my boys are 12 and 15 and one has it and the other does not--and I am finally being treated as well (Dad is ADHD too, but that's another story : )--I finally understand how that makes our lives different from other non-ADHD families. Poor son 12 has to deal with all of us!

On most days, I wouldn't trade all of the gifts ADHD brings for not having to deal with challenges. Life is so much more interesting!