Your brain is a race car
A doctor named Edward Hallowell explains it to kids like this: your brain is like a race car engine. It is strong and fast. But the brakes are the kind you find on a bike. They are not strong enough for such a big engine.Source 1
So you are not broken. You have a big engine, and brakes you are still building.
Some things are harder and some are easier
Both things are true at once. Sitting still for a long time can be hard. Waiting can be hard. Remembering where your shoes are can be hard.
Other things can come easy. Having ideas. Noticing things. Going deep on something you love.
A kid who got in trouble for drawing
Dav Pilkey made Dog Man and Captain Underpants. When he was a kid he could not stay in his seat. He was looking out the window and daydreaming. One teacher even tore up his drawings. That was wrong, and it was about the teacher, not about Dav.
He grew up to make books for kids like him. He has his own name for ADHD:
…attention deficit hyperactivity delightfulness, is how I prefer it
Powers to try first
Pick the one that sounds most like you, then tap it.
- Movie Mind for kids who see pictures in their head
- Turbo Engine for kids who love to move
- Laser Lock for kids who get super into things
- Quick Wit for kids who make people laugh
- Big Heart for kids who care a lot
Asking for help is smart
Asking for help is a smart move. Lots of kids with ADHD have a team: the grown-ups at home, teachers, and doctors. They help with the hard parts, like sitting still and remembering things.
Even race car drivers have a whole pit crew.