Imagine being tall, gangly with big ears and poor impulse control. Imagine being the kid that caused so many disruptions in class that teachers became weary at the sight of you. Imagine struggling with all of your might to get through one school day without getting in trouble. Then, imagine someone introducing you to something that challenges you, strengths you and aligns you with greatness. Imagine being Michael Phelps.
ADHD could have defined him and, for some, it has. However, Michael had someone in his corner that we all need: a champion and, in his case, a rock-star Mom. Below, Debbie Phelps explores how she determined to focus on what made Michael unique instead of trying to fit him to a socially normative box:
We all need an advocate, children most of all. Children with ADHD need us to speak up and speak out for them; they need to know that they hold value at their most fidgety and least focused. When we truly see those with ADHD as human beings with burgeoning potential, we can contribute to their ultimate success.