supposetly those w/ADD can have successful lives, others on the other hand can't seem to. Why?

Hi Amanda,

 

Thanks for submitting your question.

 

I'm not sure who told you that you would never be able to pass the GED, but I would waste no time in consulting with someone else who has more compassion and understanding of ADHD. Under federal law, you are entitled to get help and support  so that you can take that exam, along with accommodations so that you CAN pass. The person who worked with you obviously doesn't understand that.

You are driven, motivated and passionate about your future. Please don't let your past experiences stop you from achieving your dreams; you simply need to know how to move forward with the proper supports.

 

First, contact your local Dept. of Vocational Rehabilitation and explain that you have documented ADHD. Explain that you want to get help in preparing for the GED so that you can then go on to college.

 

Find a local college that has special supports on place for students with ADHD and/or learning disabilities. Call them (ask for the student service/disability office) and tell them your story and ask them what they can do to help you.

 

I wouldn't give up on counseling. You need to find someone who is understanding of adult ADHD (many are not). With that kind of support, you WILL move forward and achieve your dreams; you just need to appropriate help.

 

To find a clinician who specializes in adult ADHD, go to the various online ADD directories to find someone in your area:

 

www.add.org

www.chadd.org

www.addconsults.com

 

In thinking more about your letter, I would contact the person who gave you such an unfair, grim report and ask specifically WHY he/she thinks you would not be able to pass that test. Unless you have a lot more going on than what you've shared here, I see no reason why you can't move forward.

 

Don't give up!

 

Terry

I know it is possible to live a sucsessful life w/ ADD because ADD and in high school make high honor roll every marking period. I have learned that you can let your meds help you but you have to put in the extra effort that people w/o ADD don't and plan to give yourself that time. I am only a teen so I haven't been an adut w/ it but I hope this is helpful just the same.

Going to college seems more of a dream than what would make you successful, or a successful life. I have ADHD and am Bi-Polar. I used to be able to biuld skyscrapers and or something as simple as a roon addition. I took the Ged 15 years after I quit school at 29 and went on to an Assocciate degree. I am 48 now and cannot seem to do the simplest tasks. I too have tried a multitude of pills and the counciling, all to no avail as of yet. BUT, I have raised my seven kids and have a wonderful time with my grandkids. That is what I consider my success. I am quite sure you too have your successes and will have more if you look for them.                       Best regards,  Randy

I understand your situation.  I was diagnosed with ADD just a few months ago at 56 years old.  I have completed 21 years in the Navy and a BS in Forestry.  Look into a support group.  You are not the only one who has had this problem, traveled down this road, as you have stated.  A solution is out there.  Find a mentor who has had the same situation and get through it.  One step at a time.

 

P.S.  The BS was rec. when I was 48.

Hey Amanda,

Hang in there, you can do it, don't let any one convince you of anything else.

Check and see if you can get a mentor to help you. Check with a local high school that works with adults or check with a local community college. Listen Amanda, you are special, there are things that you can do that others without add can't do. We can't allow ourselves to fall into a victim mentality, our attitude or mind-set is 98% of the battle. I believe that we can all have successful lives; we just need to work on having a healthy self esteem and have a realistic view of what success is. We are in charge of our own feelings, so it is up to us to tell ourselves over and over if need be that we can and will do what we set our mind on to do and then do it. Reward yourself when you make progress. Don't fall into the trap of negative thinking. Amanda, fight that hopeless feeling, don't let it win, take stock in what you can do and then maximize your effort towards what you are good at. 

Blessings, Tom 

Every one learns in a different way.  You need to find out what works best for you.  For my son with ADHD he needs to write it down to remenber it.  Reading only is just a waste of time for him.  For some it is hearing for others is is seeing.  The other trick I found with my son was having music going with no words.  It was just enough distraction to help him do better on the task he was assigned.  The school should make consesions for your ADD.  Lastly I suggest that you chew gum while taking the test.  It activates the other side of your brain and it has been proven to increase you grade by 10%.  Whether you think you can or you think you can't your right!!!!

You can do it!!!!!!!

Debbie

Amanda,

I have Adult ADHD and I have been to college and have a BS in Education. It was not easy and I truly believe alot of it depends on the support network you have at home. I have a wonderful husband that supports me and is willing to help me, even if it is just with encouraging words.

 

Still, there are things I do not do because I am bad at them and I can admit it. But, it is the same for the rest of the population without ADHD, they are not talented enough to do everything. And in that respect, they are just like us.

 

You can pass the GED exam and you must believe that. You need to find your method of learning and find a school that is supportive of students with learning disabilities. I dislike the term "learning disabiliites" because it implies you can't learn, instead you should say you have "learning barriers" that stand in the way and change the way you learn.

 

Will your insurance cover some counseling for ADHD? You might need that to help you raise your confidence and help your find your method of learning. A good counselor should be able to direct you to these services or work with you to figure out these things. I am a visual/ auditory learner, in other words, I have to hear and do something to learn it. I also found that the computer was one of my best learning tools.

 

Good luck in what ever you do. And, remember you can do it and DO NOT LET ANYONE TELL YOU CAN'T!

Dear 48,

 

The following works for me and may work for you also. You have a number of choices here.  There are two ways to attack this.  First get rid of the depression.  I believe the key is to stop eating refined sugar and add in fish with lemon juice. Sounds pretty simple, but when you look at all the evidence this is my conclusion.  From what I have read, one of the underlying components of ADD is the inability to metabolize sugar.  When we eat a lot of it without a counterbalancing protein, it causes depression. Been there.  Several ways to rev up the metabolism is add in B vitamins and especially the B vitamin Biotin. Biotin helps us metabolize the starches and sugars and balances things out.  Also, a lot of ADD people are low thyroid also.  You may have to consult with a natural doctor or health care provider who specializes in this as the normal medical tests do not tell the whole story from my reading.  The other way to attack this is the "Get Clear" as I call it by eliminating all the poisons that are affecting your system.  An ADD body was designed to eat meat. A pure meat diet with beef cooked less than well done to preserve the nutrients in the meat and with all the fat on is the quickest way to do this.  Once you are clear, add vegetable items and fruits back in to determine what makes you feel better or worse. You also have to eliminate anything that has a manufactured scent to it (as it overloads the ADD brain), all food additives, sugar like I said earlier, and eat pretty much natural.  Additives, dyes, scents, hydrogenated oils, can all cause fogginess and all have to be eliminated to "Get Clear". Also, it is necessary for most ADD people to eliminate acidic foods except lemon, and ruby red grape fruit.  In order for our bodies to function normally we need to eat basic foods.  Two percent milk is the only one that works for me also.  As you do this you will find your ability to remember things increases significantly and you should be able to remember the info for the GED. Additional overall guidelines are to eat foods high in antioxidants but not in sugar. Antioxidants preserve the good fat needed to run our brain.  A high antioxidant food for example is blueberry jam with no added sugar. Basically what works for a diabetic person works for an ADD person.  However, you can eat sugar if it has been modified from its refined form. For example, the sugar in sugar pops is caramelized. Other examples are barbeque sauce, sweet & sour sauce, etc. When eaten with chicken strips, etc., these sauces keep the brain supplied with sugar and protein while not going to high.  Being able to think clearly for an ADD person is all about eliminating all the toxins while providing the right amount of energy to run our brains without overloading it with sugar.  If you would like to know more about this subject, email me at ADDDiet@thisistheplace.info. These are some of the things that work for me and they may be useful for you and is not medical advice. You should consult your medical professional before changing your diet or taking supplements. DavidLee.

Hello Amanda. I put in a situation very similar to yours. I have always been considered a "do not do anything right." I'm going through many difficulties and know what you feel. Not yet found the right words to tell you of my hope to overcome all this. I have made many friends who support me and I'm sure you will find them too. We do not desist Never!

add is very different  with each case. I think it is possible that you might have learning dissability with your add. please look into that. keep in mind that add is not unlike anybody's life,some do and some do not

ENROLL IN A COMMUNITY COLLEGE. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO HAVE EVEN GRADUATED FROM HIGH SCHOOL. YOU MUST BE 18 YEARS OF AGE; AND  YOU DO NOT NEED THE GED. THEN IF YOU GRADUTE FROM  COMMUNITY COLLEGE YOU CAN  JUST  TRANSFER TO UNIVERSITY AND NOT NEED THE GED.  FORGEDABOUDIT;  DON'T GIVE UP. YOU ONLY NEED THE GED IF YOUWANT TO HAVE THE SAME AS A HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION DEGREE. I HAVE A RELATIVE  WHO DID NOT EVEN GRADUATE FORM HIGH SCHOOL AND HAS A FABULOUS  JOB WITH VERY HIGH PAY.  THERE ARE ALWAYS OTHER WAYS AROUND YOUR PROBLEM