When I was 5 years old, I was diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety. Because of ADHD, I find it hard to function in school, communicate well with others, and be organized to get things done and get them done quickly. Since I was diagnosed, my parents have found many people to help me. I’ve gone to speech and occupational therapy, and my teachers have been supportive. I’ve been taking medications since we found out that I had ADHD. Some of them have worked, and some of them have failed.

ADHD has affected my life in positive and negative ways. For example, my communication skills can change. I find it difficult to make friends, but it’s easy to communicate with people who are my friends. I find it easy to talk to people when we have something in common as well. I have less confidence in volunteering to read to the class. I also struggle with my word usage, and I find I have to slow down when I begin to stutter.

Being able to do things independently is another way ADHD has affected my life. For example, it took time for me to be able to learn to ride a bike, tie my own shoes, and make my own food, but now, after a bit of practice, I’m able to be successful at them. My anxiety has stopped me from trying new things because of the amount of time and effort it takes. In the past, I’ve been overwhelmed by trying new things. As I get older, I’m finding it less overwhelming to try new things. I’m able to cook several meals by myself, I’m able to do my own laundry and dishes by myself, and I can remember my morning routines with fewer reminders.

Another way that ADHD has affected my life is my education. School gets harder every year, which makes me worried. Sometimes when my teachers are talking to the class about something that I’m not interested in, I commonly zone out and miss most of the information my teachers are giving. I may not know what to do the first time when I do an assignment, but I need to know how to ask for help when I’m stuck. Asking for help is another thing I struggle with. It’s something I rarely do. Over the past few years, I’ve realized that people will help me if I ask for help. Homework is another thing that stresses me out. Especially when I’m supposed to finish it at the last minute. I often procrastinate and do other things that are easy and fun. That’s when I eventually have to do it at the last minute.

I also worry about the future and how it will turn out. For example, I worry about getting a job when I’m older because of how my brain works. I often think, “Will I get fired for not doing my work or doing something wrong?” But I realize that I’ve been successful with things like hockey, theater, and much more. I’m starting to learn that my strengths and talents will lead me to success. I am confident that I’ll learn how to focus better, stop procrastinating, and develop better study skills. In conclusion, I’ve started to realize that ADHD can have both positive and negative effects on my life. I’m choosing to focus on the positive. I’m able to communicate better, I’m also able to gain more confidence in doing things, and I’m also able to pay better attention in class.

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