Late night information gathering has me feeling sympathetic.

While reading HN, I stumble across this. I was diagnosed at an early age and share in much of what William has said, however I suspect many do as well. Ultimately, I rode the short bus to another school for some time until I learned to socialize. I’m still experimenting to this day. I’ll let you know how it goes!

Never have I been medicated (sometimes I think I want to be) for ADHD/ADD and only now later in life have I come to appreciate the gift of an early childhood diagnosis and simply using other avenues to deal with it. I focus on small tasks, intense details and such. Broad strokes for me equals poor perception. I generally observe body language and situation-type details more than eye contact when recalling events, for example. Zero interruptions when performing tasks certainly helps. “Oooh! Shiny thing!” or LOUD NOISES are never helpful where matters of productivity are concerned. Getting bored with one thing usually just means I learn and do another thing. Stuffing my brain full of new ideas constantly helps.

I feel as though this comment sums up my little slice of experience somewhat well:

“Congratulations. Now you know your brain just doesn’t work like the typical brain. And that’s a good thing. You can see things differently even if there are times when you can’t see things the same way the typical person sees them (social cues, body language, but you can still learn to pick those up). Use ADD to your advantage. I’m at least twice your age, but had a similar experience at your age. I’m still trying to finish school but it didn’t stop me from developing a career as a software engineer. I can personally attest that exercise and the “no sugar/low carb/paleo diet” mentioned by Dylan. Ambient and trance can also help at times. Lists, small goal, small breaks, help you practice focus. Medicine can help, but only in combination with behavioral therapy. Medicine has side effects, too. Many things will be harder for you to accomplish in a given amount of time while other times you’ll be amazed that others are so slow. If your ADD is documented and you are being treated by a medical professional, you can get extra time for assignments, lecture notes in advance, and other accommodations like a private room for exams where you can read out loud along with extended time limits. ADD isn’t a limiter to your personal success and happiness. It’s a challenge to which you adjust.”

Bravo sir, excellent advice and I agree with you. I think you speak from a place of wisdom.

My only closing comment would be to choose your path carefully and seek help if you need it. The condition is manageable and you are not alone.