A friend was asking me questions about ADD/ADHD the other day. It took me back to the days before my children were diagnosed with ADHD/ADD. I remember noticing symptoms and wondering what they meant. It really concerned me that the kids couldn’t focus a lot of the time.

I have two children with ADD/ADHD.  My oldest was very hyper and hard to settle. His impulsivity caused problems on a daily basis. Both of them could hyper focus on television, books and games which I thought did not fit. I assumed that a person with ADHD would be unable to focus but what I learned is that it is more of an inconsistency of attention. At times unable to focus and other times hyper focusing. Impulsivity, hyperactivity, distractibility, restlessness, difficulty waiting for turns, easily distracted by extraneous stimuli, difficulty following instructions, difficulty completing tasks — these can all be hallmarks of the disorder.

A book I read during the process of diagnosis was Driven to Distraction by Edward M. Hallowell, M.D. and John J. Ratey, M.D. I learned so much about the process of diagnosis, symptoms, treatments and in general what ADD/ADHD was about. It answered many of my questions and gave suggestions to help a person with ADD/ADHD.

There is so much misinformation and assumptions about all hidden disabilities. Some people are very understanding and others want to judge. I suppose that is a reflection on humans in general — how we process information about others and respond to it. I have learned to not get into discussions (or excuse myself from discussions) with people who obviously don’t understand. When people judge I have learned to take it to the Lord and cry my hurt out to Him. Who understands more than Jesus how it feels to be judged, ridiculed, belittled and punished for doing the right thing. He is the only one who really understands and feels my pain and He is also the only one who can HEAL my pain.

Lord thank you for your sacrifice on the cross and thank you that you understand and feel my pain. You alone hear my heart’s cry and you are the only one who can HEAL me. I release my hurts to you. All of the times I have been judged and misunderstood. I am so grateful that at the judgement day you alone will judge me and you know my heart and my intentions. Help me to allow you to guide me and give me Your wisdom because You are the source of all wisdom. I love you with my whole heart and I want your will in my life and for my family. Amen

Twyla