“Can’t you sit still for ONE MINUTE!”
“You’ll never learn this if you don’t focus!”
“What is wrong with you?!”
“Will you just pay attention for ONCE?!”
Can you envision the impact of those statements on one’s childhood? Ingesting the embedded message that you are worthless, simply because you struggled with symptoms of ADHD? Actor Bex Taylor-Klaus has. Yet, with time, they identified the benefits of being neurodivergent and how to optimize ADHD in many areas of their life.
You have a unique way of looking at things.
Wow! That was very creative/innovative/original!”
“Let’s take this process, one step at a time, so you can understand it.”
“I notice the effort you are making to follow instructions. Keep it up!”
Knowing how negative messages can deeply impact how we see ourselves, intentionally learning about ADHD may aid us in becoming a positive, powerful voice for those who live with it. Knowledge is power. Our willingness to learn can empower others to go on and do amazing things!
Learn more about ADHD: Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)