Stephanie, what was your experience in school when you were younger? How did you experience ADHD in an American school system? I’m navigating this now as a parent of an 8-year-old who has ADHD. Wondering how it was through your eyes and what would have been helpful.
I think a big part of the problem for me growing up was that ADHD was not identified at all for girls. Most of us flew under the radar and especially if we were “good girls” and had good grades, nobody had any idea we were different or struggling. Everything was internalized. I think awareness is really the most helpful thing, and in the 80s and 90s, there just wasn’t any awareness. Getting a 504 for my girls has been really helpful in case we need modifications or adaptations because of their ADHD. I think just understanding how your kid’s brain works is what matters more than anything. When you are aware and educated, you can be compassionate, and I think that’s all I really ever wanted. To be seen and understood.
Stephanie, what was your experience in school when you were younger? How did you experience ADHD in an American school system? I’m navigating this now as a parent of an 8-year-old who has ADHD. Wondering how it was through your eyes and what would have been helpful.
I think a big part of the problem for me growing up was that ADHD was not identified at all for girls. Most of us flew under the radar and especially if we were “good girls” and had good grades, nobody had any idea we were different or struggling. Everything was internalized. I think awareness is really the most helpful thing, and in the 80s and 90s, there just wasn’t any awareness. Getting a 504 for my girls has been really helpful in case we need modifications or adaptations because of their ADHD. I think just understanding how your kid’s brain works is what matters more than anything. When you are aware and educated, you can be compassionate, and I think that’s all I really ever wanted. To be seen and understood.