ADHD / ADD Support Group
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and attention deficit disorder (ADD) are more common than you might think. It is a syndrome that exhibits symptoms such as hyperactivity, forgetfulness, mood shifts, poor impulse control, and distractibility. Join others who suffer from these conditions and share your experiences.
I really wish my teachers were more understanding of my condition! I work very hard on my schoolwork, but never achieve what my friends without ADD can. Often times I would have studied more than anyone else in my classes, but still recieve unsatisfactory grades. Looking at my test grades, my teachers lecture me and tell me how I need to work harder, eventhough that would be impossible. As a 16 year old with ADD taking 3 AP classes, I often fall behind in subjects that I am uninterested in. Since AP biology doesn't interest me, I fell behind in that class. I would sit at home and re-read my asssignments, but nothing clicked. Even worse, my teacher would call me out for my unsatifactory grades, and enforce to the class how I need to improve my efforts. These moments make me want to cry, but nobody would understand. But the main isssue in our schools is not the lack of understanding, but the lack of respect and sympathy for those who are different.
As an adult who has struggled with ADD/ADHD throughout their life, I understand how frustrating it can be when people simply don't *get* it. I'm not sure if you are in the states, but you should absolutely have an IEP (individual education plan) that addresses any accommodations that the school can make to help you retain what you are learning.
I'm currently in graduate school, and one of the things that has helped me most is the use of sound cancelling headphones/earbuds and classical music. My brain is occupied by the music, allowing me to focus on the task at hand for far longer than I would have been able to without listening to it. If you have Amazon prime, they have a TON of music completely free :) :). Chewing gum while you study also helps with retaining information. I hope this helps, even a little!!