Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a malfunction in the brain. A simplified explanation is that there are several regions of the brain that all work in tandem to keep you alert and mentally functioning, as in reading, talking and watching out for wolves and lions.
Let us say that each region of the brain produces a certain amount of energy that if added equals 100mV of electrical current. If the frontal lobes (where this disorder resides) contributes 50mV and the other regions 50mV we’re okay. If the frontal lobes decide to produce only 10 mV then the other lobes have to gear up and contribute 90 mV. The adjacent regions that step up to the plate are usually the areas for motor function, like in Billy hanging from the chandelier, hence hyper-motor-activity. The idea is that the brain needs to maintain a level equal to 100mV.
It’s not common for people with ADHD to reach the level of academic achievement to become a physician, because paying attention and learning are severely compromised from an early age. Making up lost ground from a deficit in early childhood education is very tough even for those who don’t suffer from ADHD.
We’re learning more about the plasticity of the brain that can increase our intelligence. They once thought that by the age of 5 or 6 there was no improvement in basic intelligence. We now know this to be untrue, those test scores and our functional capacity can be increased with study aids and other tailored learning techniques. Medications make a big difference and give hope to children and adults who suffer from this malady.
I know because I am an example of brain optimization-(this is an article of inspiration so I can use that word.) So how did I become a doctor with this handicap? I mean I failed miserable in school, the fact I could read was a miracle; though I was attracted to words; like when my Mother would say, “stop that incessant bickering.”
In fifth grade we would stand in front of the class for spelling bees and when you got a word wrong you returned to your seat, embarrassing! So I would just plan to keep my seat warm until one day I had to spell corroboration and I was like still standing-where did that come from? I knew it was a fluke, but it gave me hope. After high school I started to read Time, Newsweek and The Minneapolis Tribune, albeit with a dictionary by my side. At the age of 19 I went to community college for what they called “bonehead math” yes 1+1=2.
My rebirth came when I read The Study Game by Laia Hanau. Then I stumbled upon the study technique SQ3R- Survey Question Read Recite and Review, using flashcards. That’s it, next thing you know I’m giving the commencement speech at the hooding ceremony for medical school. Well you say, “you really didn’t have ADHD,” trust me (I’m a doctor) I did and do and deal with it daily. There is hope, we can change the brain in many ways; we are not doomed to failure.
I think when it’s all said and done and you’re an adult with ADHD, having missed opportunities coupled with misfortune you must aim for a rebirth. Embrace a certain comfort in humility, and find no shame in reading a children’s book to learn. If for nothing else learning is a pleasure, it builds confidence and feels good. Your struggles build character and insight that make you special, combine the two and you’re a winner.