Get a clue

Consider the following list:

• Alexander Graham Bell
• Hans Christian Anderson
• Beethoven
• Harry Belafonte
• Terry Bradshaw
• George Burns
• Admiral Richard Byrd
• Andrew Carnegie
• Lewis Carroll
• Prince Charles
• Cher
• Winston Churchill
• Bill Cosby
• Leonardo Da Vinci
• Thomas Edison
• Albert Einstein
• Dwight D. Eisenhower
• Benjamin Franklin
• Michael Jordan
• Abraham Lincoln
• Stephen Speilberg

Anyone want to venture a guess at what these people (any many others) have in common?   That's right - ADHD.

I downloaded Coping With ADHD, and I came across this very list when reading it.   But, what really struck me was this:  "This could be you or your child.  Don't give up.  Don't blame yourself.  Take control and take charge.  ADHD can be controlled and sufferers can live normal, productive lives."

Well, that's easier said than done.  One of the hardest things that I have had to learn through all of this is to ignore the people around me who are more interested in slinging insults, pointing and whispering, or turning up their nose.  There are too many people in this world who have an opinion about things they don't have the first clue about.  

I find myself being overly sensitive to things people say, especially people who don't live with and deal with ADHD everyday.  It amazes me that people will so openly throw insults toward someone with ADHD because of their lack of focus (or whatever other trait they want to pick on).   I find myself needing to bite my tongue and take a deep breath more often than I'd probably like to admit.

Do you think that these same people would find it appropriate to insult someone in a wheel chair because he/she can't walk?   My guess would be no (at least I hope not).  The disability is obvious, and the inability for that person to control their muscles to walk is obvious. 

People with ADHD aren't disorganized or hyper or inattentive or disruptive because they WANT to be.  The struggles with ADHD aren't as obvious, but they are real.    All I can do is focus on what I can control and ignore those who don't have a clue.  I am constantly reminding myself that they aren't worth my time or my energy.

So, my challenge to those people is this.. Either shut up or educate yourself.   Remember what your mom always taught you... If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. 

Your insults aren't helping!