ADD:Truths and Myths

In our work with clients, we Professional Organizers often encounter ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder). Some of us specialize in working with ADD clientele, while others don't, and some Professional Organizers actually have ADD themselves. I might be one of them. Or maybe not. I don't know, as I've never been tested.

I have to say, I don't like calling ADD a "disorder" because I honestly don't believe it is one. I'm not a doctor, but I think ADD is simply the way some folks are hardwired. We each have different strengths and weaknesses, and we each think and process differently. In this regard, I believe ADD is just another thinking/processing style, rather than a "disorder".

My friend and colleague Ariane Benefit wrote a terrific blog piece about her experience with undiagnosed Adult ADD, some of the myths (and truths) about it, and how it has affected her life and business. And by the way, if you're under the impression that having ADD means you're...

- unable to finish anything
- unreliable
- unable to sit still
- unable to focus on anything
- unable to listen and always interrupt
- reckless and in trouble all the time
- indifferent to how your behavior affects others
- a loser

you're mistaken. Oh sure, those with ADD may have a challenge finishing things, listening, and focusing, but it's not true for many people with ADD, and the negative manifestations of ADD can be overcome with various therapies and medication. My other friend and colleague Dr. Amie Ragan has a terrific post on her blog about ADD as well, which you should check out.

If you think you might have ADD, it's important to remember that only a mental health professional can diagnose ADD, so don't self-diagnose based on a list of "symptoms". For more information on ADD, visit this link to Ariane's ADD Resource Page.

Comments

[Debbie Jordan Kravitz]

Monica-
Thanks so much for the link to Ariane's blog! My 10-year, straight A, overachieving daughter was just diagnosed with ADD and I've been struggling with the entire experience-especially calling it a "disorder". I completely agree that it is a different learning style that it just takes understanding and customization to manage, and even thrive on like Ariane seems to be. As a Professional Organizer, too, I've been searching for ways to help play to her strengths and needs as we develop behavior modifactions to help her keep herself and her environment organized. As a result,my daughter has inspired me to expand my services and research ways to help others (both kids AND adults) with ADD to organize their lives and households, without feeling like they are destined to live with clutter and chaos, or feeling down on themselves because they have been labeled. Thanks for more great resources!!

[Monica Ricci]

Debbie, thanks for your comment! When I see a list of "symptoms" for ADD, I often think I may be ADD myself, although I've never been tested or diagnosed. But hey, whether I am or I'm not, doesn't matter to me. I'm happy. :)
~Monica

[Terry Lessig]

Personally, I've tried reading this column for the last two days, and something always interrupts me before I'm done.

On a serious note, children who have been placed on Ritalin are ineligible to serve in the armed forces when they come of age. Think about that implication for our country with all the school children who have had it prescribed.

The ability to be distracted is normal, and it is what kept our Neanderthal ancestors from being T-Rex poop. Don't let Geico tell you any different.

I think the use of your organizational ideas to keep us focused on tasks at hand are a tribute to your profession. Thanks. Now, I need a trip to Office Depot to get some of your organizational items, but there's a donut shop on the way, so don't be surprised if I bring home a dozen French crullers instead of that ...that ... that ...dang! What was it I wanted?

[Monica Ricci]

Thanks Terry, I appreciate your comment!
~Monica

[Ariane Benefit]

Monica, Thank you so much for helping to spread a little more understanding about what ADD really is. The medication issue is a hot topic and there is so much misinformation out there about how often it is prescribed. I can tell you that in my case I survived without it. But I really struggled to achieve what I did, and now that I have it, I'm quite amazed at how much better I function, how much more consistent I am, etc. It's a very low dosage but it makes all the difference. To me it's like taking Motrin because of back pain. I could still walk even with the pain - but I walk much slower and get so much less done. Without the pain, quality of life is MUCH better.

Thanks again for thoughtful and encouraging post! If you are happy, and can finish writing a post or an email in less than 5 minutes, you are probably okay. This comment alone took me nearly 20 mins! (The medication has definitely worn off : )

Can't wait to see you This weekend at NAPO in Washington!

[Monica Ricci]

Ariane,
I'm exceedingly happy and I write pretty quick, so you think I'm good to go eh? Thanks Doc! :) Can't wait to meet you. In fact, I'm typing this from my D.C. hotel room probably just down the hall from you!

~Monica