2# Diary of a teenager with Dyslexia & ADHD

ADHD is a condition that can affect someone’s
behaviour and the way they think and understand
things and their ability to control their actions and
behaviours. Having ADHD, is to have trouble
concentrating and focusing, as well as being
hyperactive or impulsive, acting without thinking
it through first. Without strict timetables, I am able
to bend learning to my ADHD brain, not the other
way around. It’s also worth noting that some
parents of children with ADHD found their children
do better without the distraction and peer
pressure that can occur in a school setting. I
found the school environment suffocating to my
brain, always being told what to do and having no
free will in my process of learning. My years of
school were HARD due to the fact that no one
knew I was ADHD, they just thought I was stupid.
When I was sent out or told off for my consistent
going bonkers, I just thought it was because of
what the teachers told me, “I was immature and
and an idiot”. I found that that was often the
response to my behaviour so I became sort of
scared to try anything or ask questions. I stopped
getting involved and didn’t ask questions. I still
chattered and went crazy all around the class
room and was forced to sit out side of the room
for hours at a time, playing with what ever toy they
used to distract me from the fact that I was
missing out on my education.

I find home school stressful too, as my teacher is
my mum. I find it difficult being told what to do
and I find it even harder being told what to do
educationally by my mum but I enjoy my time
spent at home. I think it has brought me and my
mum closer due to the fact we now spend every
minute of every day with each other. I find that I
can get annoyed quicker and am often a little
angry or on the verge of being angry. My mum
gets angry very quick because of my work pace. I
find that when I’m with her, I work on her terms
but when I’m working by myself I don’t get as
much done so I’m at a sort of checkmate with
myself.

I like doing some maths and parts of English but I
need to stop being so picky and just work without
borders so that I can get on. Often when I am
working, I don’t take in any of the information I
need to learn. I can’t do both, it’s either one or the
other so that’s another thing I have to work on.

All in all I enjoy my home schooling lifestyle and i
highly recommend it. I’ve still got a way to go but
I’m really grateful to my mum for everything she is
trying to do for me. I know I’m not easy.

Annabel Douglas

If you’re looking for support for a child or young person with special educational needs or a disability, book a free call with us today and find out how we can help.