Was I supposed to have ADD?

 So, I must admit that this post has been inspired by my friend's blog, Lady Bottle Blues, and his reflection of his own ADD.  And as a typical person with all that ADD or ADHD crap, I was distracted with an attempt to read a handout for homework.  Ironic that the topic was Diagnostic Criteria for ADHD.  Here's my next confession...I don't have ADHD/ADD...and I'm not a hypochondriac trying to claim a disorder.  My reasoning for the post is this.  I believe that had I been educated in a typical school system, I might have been a victim of over diagnosis.

1)  Does not follow through on instructions or chores:  That homework I'm supposed to be doing?
2)  Fails to pay close attention to directions: I hate minute details
3)  Forgetful:  How about that hike I had to cancel 5 minutes ago because I forgot that I have a wedding tomorrow?
4)  Easily distracted:  This speaks for itself...and also goes along with the next one
5)  Avoids sustained mental effort:  I wouldn't say avoids so much as, hates doing it all at once
6)  Inappropriately runs and climbs
7)  Squirms or fidgets

  The list goes on, and although many things are over generalized, I've noticed that this explains much of my impulsiveness.  But are the symptoms part of ADHD, my mania, or just being human?  The friend mentioned earlier, Steve, made some interesting observations about his diagnosis.  When learning new things, or adding onto older knowledge, his mind begins to paint a picture of what is being processed.  As he learned about the Duwamish people who had lived in what is now Seattle, Steve's brain is now imprinted with the image of people weaving baskets along Lake Union and begins to see past the skyline of the 21st century.

   Now hold on just a second.  This guy sees things that aren't there?  Of course he has some sort of disorder...in the restraints of our typical education system.  Unless you were lucky enough to have teachers who cater to your learning style.  Enter, the Open School system.  The majority of my school years were spent at Clara Barton Open School, and I believe that this saved an incredible number of students from a Ridalin stupor.  Rather than reading a book and turning in a two-page essay, we had the choice of an essay, a picture, a play, a speech...whatever conveyed the main ideas and proved your knowledge.  To this day, I hate writing papers, but this doesn't mean I missed anything.  Like Steve, when I read a book, I see past the words and and generic ideas, but fall into the pictures these words paint.  My schooling, from Kindergarten to 12th grade, fostered creativity and helped kids who couldn't stay still.

  Unfortunately, universities,community colleges, even graduate schools, do not follow the pattern I'm used to, and I believe the American standard of learning is why I burned out so quickly.  Even this online class I'm taking is proving too "normal" for me.  I am intrigued by everything I learn, but find it incredibly difficult to sit in front a screen for 15-20 hours a week.  If, however, I was able to turn in an art assignment, or show my knowledge in a hands on format, this class with be a blast...but no such luck.  I am thankful that Western has me working with clients for a vast majority of the program.  Otherwise I could expect another painful school experience...I wonder if professors pull their students into the office to discuss the benefits of Ritalin. I think Steve has a point when he pictures the blessing of his ADHD mind.

       In the future, I imagine, teachers are going to lean in, speaking directly to parents with a solemn tone, and say, "It appears your son doesn't have ADD, and it's likely he is going to struggle in school."

  I will leave you with this wonderful video, another tidbit from homework I am avoiding.