Interview with Howie Mandel

It's so refreshing to hear such a great interview with someone living with both ADHD and OCD. It also lets others know they can achieve anything in life that they want to.

Great job to both Eileen Bailey & Howie Mandel!!

You're awesome!

Maybe readers missed the part where he said he would like to trade in his symptoms.  That assertion belies his claim to have been undaunted by AD/HD.  I think that speaks volumes to the yappy-happy people who want us, for reasons of their own, to consider ourselves better off with AD/HD and to "embrace" its massive inconveniences.

People like Howie Mandel are sufficiently bright and able that they can compensate and have enough left over to do well.  Most people with AD/HD use up the same resources compensating, but have less left over, so don't do so well.

Why is that so hard for people to admit?  It is the sad underside of the reality of AD/HD.

I am a 44yr old female and wasn't diagnosed until I was 40. I was in an out patient facility for drug abuse. After a few years learning about adult ADHD I too often look back and see where this disorder has affected my childhood and teen years. It became obvious to me that part of my drug use was me self medicating because I always felt different. It is unfortunate that back in the 60's and 70's we were labled as hyper active and ADHD in females is even harder to spot. I am grateful that I now know about my disorder and I really try to accept it for what it is. I have some very strong symptoms that I sometimes get angry at myself for repeating....so I try the acceptance on a just for today basis.

Maria

New York

I really appreciate Howie Mandel speaking out on behalf of the Adult ADHD is Real Campaign, because we all need more role models...people who've learned how to cope with the difficulties associated with ADD/ADHD and even more importantly,  how to maximize the positive traits of being an ADD'er to enhance their careers and their lives. I too would like to not have to deal with some of the less pleasant aspects of being wired the way I am (like losing my keys, purse, ATM card, etc. for the millionth time), but I'm not so sure I'd be willing to live without the positives associated with ADD/ADHD that help make me who I am.

I really do wish that more of us had access to the many tools and resources available to help us cope with our "condition". As a group, we tend to be "resource-challenged" that is to say unemployed, underemployed, or self employed, which in turn often makes us uninsured. Even if we have insurance, we rarely can afford options like ADD coaching, which could help so many of us unlock our potential. That being said, when we come together we can be each others' greatest cheerleaders and supporters, so let's support this campaign and show the world what we are capable of! Education is our greatest weapon and tool!