Recently I said to a friend that I love how I don't have to pretend to be neurotypical anymore and the freedom that comes with not pretending to be something I'm not. For most of my life I hid my dyslexia and it only been in the last few years that I have allowed myself to be me - confused spelling and interesting thoughts and all!
I'm not sure where I want to get with this next, if any where. Interested in following your journey and the stories of the people you share.
I'm a writer/photographer who has ADD, with a now adult daughter who is ADHD/bipolar and a spouse who suffers from depression. I understand completely about needing solitary, quiet time to focus, even though I can just as easily become distracted in my own thoughts. What I enjoy about photography is that it gives me a chance, for even a fraction of a second, to focus on something. I'm not sure how we can change the narrative — although being out there and open about these issues is a good start. I'm interested in seeing where this takes you and others who have subscribed.
Thanks for reading and commenting, Glenn. Funny, when I read how photography makes you focus, I thought about how many times I was shooting some event and really missed so much because I was so busy with my camera. Not sure if that makes sense.
I'm pondering my next post. Perhaps I'll share some of the insights I've gained about ADHD since my diagnosis and how I've found ways to thrive despite (or maybe because of) it.
It does make sense. What’s funny is I find the camera is a source of comfort for my ADD. There’s nothing I enjoy more than those rare times I can walk around a city mindlessly, knowing when something catches my eye that I’ll be able to focus on it.
Look forward to your next post. Check out my site when you get the chance.
Hi Glenn. That's an interesting perspective. As a journalist, I find it challenging to shoot and report simultaneously but it also soothes my ADD brain to embark on that challenge. So, yeah, I get it.
BTW, I checked out your site and just read about your son being in West Side Story! Wowza! That's so cool. Congrats to you and him!
In 2014 I worked for The Priory Group - a group of private mental health hospitals in the UK (where the celebs go when they need a "break") and one of the consultants diagnosed me with Aspergers. I never told anyone at the time as the world wasn't quite so open-minded. "He's on the spectrum" was not a statement of fact but an insult. And it remains so certainly in older generations who are less tolerant of "otherness". I'm outing myself now :-)
Recently I said to a friend that I love how I don't have to pretend to be neurotypical anymore and the freedom that comes with not pretending to be something I'm not. For most of my life I hid my dyslexia and it only been in the last few years that I have allowed myself to be me - confused spelling and interesting thoughts and all!
I'm not sure where I want to get with this next, if any where. Interested in following your journey and the stories of the people you share.
Thanks, Cathy. I didn't know you had dyslexia. Funny now we've learned to adapt, no? Hugs!
I'm a writer/photographer who has ADD, with a now adult daughter who is ADHD/bipolar and a spouse who suffers from depression. I understand completely about needing solitary, quiet time to focus, even though I can just as easily become distracted in my own thoughts. What I enjoy about photography is that it gives me a chance, for even a fraction of a second, to focus on something. I'm not sure how we can change the narrative — although being out there and open about these issues is a good start. I'm interested in seeing where this takes you and others who have subscribed.
Thanks for reading and commenting, Glenn. Funny, when I read how photography makes you focus, I thought about how many times I was shooting some event and really missed so much because I was so busy with my camera. Not sure if that makes sense.
I'm pondering my next post. Perhaps I'll share some of the insights I've gained about ADHD since my diagnosis and how I've found ways to thrive despite (or maybe because of) it.
It does make sense. What’s funny is I find the camera is a source of comfort for my ADD. There’s nothing I enjoy more than those rare times I can walk around a city mindlessly, knowing when something catches my eye that I’ll be able to focus on it.
Look forward to your next post. Check out my site when you get the chance.
Hi Glenn. That's an interesting perspective. As a journalist, I find it challenging to shoot and report simultaneously but it also soothes my ADD brain to embark on that challenge. So, yeah, I get it.
BTW, I checked out your site and just read about your son being in West Side Story! Wowza! That's so cool. Congrats to you and him!
In 2014 I worked for The Priory Group - a group of private mental health hospitals in the UK (where the celebs go when they need a "break") and one of the consultants diagnosed me with Aspergers. I never told anyone at the time as the world wasn't quite so open-minded. "He's on the spectrum" was not a statement of fact but an insult. And it remains so certainly in older generations who are less tolerant of "otherness". I'm outing myself now :-)
Good on you, Lisa! You aren't disabled in my mind. Only a little different. Keep on keeping on, my friend!
Oh and BTW, I LOVE different. Why be like everyone else when you can be unique?