Re: Expert Doctor says I don't have ADD – I say I do

[Anonymous]

I’ve known something wasn’t “right” since I was a small child…and once I left my parents home started going to therapy to find out “what was wrong with me”. Years of therapy later, although many things had been worked on and corrected, there was still that “something” I couldn’t put my finger on which also kept me from finishing college. One day I met someone who said they knew of a program I could take and pass with “open book” tests, so I signed up and began learning how to be a hypnotherapist. However, it was still difficult to understand and as the weeks progressed, I went from front row to the back row. And then, one day, fate took over and the class was about “how we learn” and I discovered there are 7 ways to do that and, that I was a kinesthetic learner. I finished the program, although I’ve never gone into practice, but what I did do, was start checking out everything I could about learning. And one day, I signed up to go back to college. Yet, again, the discomfort of having to sit in those boring classes started to frustrate me so, I did what lots of us do…I dropped out. And quickly, came a call from the L.D. instructor at the college telling me she knew why I dropped out, and if I didn’t come voluntarily to finalize some testing, she would come and get me.

I was indeed intrigued…and went in and finalized the tests…and when she told me I had ADD (later ADHD), I told her no, kids had that….and she replied kids grow into adults, with IT! I found out my I.Q. that day too and told her she made a mistake which indeed, she hadn’t…that’s how I got diagnosed.

As to those of you in this forum who go to neurologists, here is what the IDIOT I went to told me. He said I was a middle aged woman who didn’t have a good life and was looking for an excuse. He said I needed to find out what I was good at and stick to it because I’d never be anything better…BUT, he said, I’ll give you some Ritalin just to show you it won’t work…and with that, this professional man had the unmittigated audacity to tap me on my knee…

I got the Ritalin immediately, and was quickly jerked into reality and clarity. When I called this so called professional neurologist a few days later, he was stunned and said my goodness, you do have it. I then told him off, indicating how callus he had been and I was worth far more than he ever would be. Of course everyone, I was angry at him…especially when he responded that I had misunderstood him. SO, as for the neurologist who told one of our forum members she didn’t “have it”…go get Dr. Hallowell and Ratey’s “Driven To Distraction”…that book indeed IS the Bible of ADD and find another person who IS professional and willing to help instead of taking your money and laughing all the way to the bank.

I’m new today on TotallyADD because I just saw the PBS program…I live in Houston Texas where they have no clue at this time, about ADD/ADHD. I am originally from L.A. where they DO understand. I am hoping this PBS program was seen by people in the Company I work for, who treat me like an idiot and shutter when I tell them over and over, I MARCH TO A DIFFERENT DRUMMER…I have ADHD. I think I haven’t been fired because they are a BIG national company and know about the Disabilities Act. I am not interested in causing them or any company a problem…I just want to be trained properly but more, UNDERSTOOD.

Anyone want to respond…I’ve now had 20 years of learning about ADD/ADHD…and share with people as often as possible, even if only to point them to Dr. Hallowell & Ratey’s precious book.

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