by Bruce Ziebarth

Created on: October 15, 2008

ADHD is a cop out for people who have not learned how to cope." A persona quote, from me, three years ago. It hurts when one of your own statements is so wrong.

I made this statement in response to a colleague of mine. Kathy, a very wise women, in her fifties. I will never forget the moment I uttered that statement. She let her horn rimmed glasses slide down her nose and peered at me. One of those glances that sent a shiver down your spine as a kid. A mother's glance. One you received when you had broken her prized figurine, or had gotten caught sneaking out of the house. She simply had asked me "Have you ever been tested for ADHD?" I had given such an ignorant response.

Kathy did not rebuke me for my answer. She put her long, slender fingers on my shoulder. "I realize how you may believe that." she said. "Are you willing to put that belief to the test?" Her question raised my competitive spirit. She knew that I was always ready for a debate, especially one I believed I would win. She asked me to go buy "Driven to Distraction" by Dr. Ed Holliwell and Dr. James Ratey. I love to read and was always open to new books.

I took a detour on the way home. You guessed it, to the book store. Looking down the psychology aisle, I found a very brightly colored book. I found the cover very soothing. I took the book to the counter and paid for it. I saw it as a small investment in being right.

I sat down on the couch. The house was filled with the scent of vanilla and pot roast. Usually, I read the paper as my wife fixed dinner. Tonight was different. I was out to end the debate. I began reading this wonderful book. I reached page 5. I became paralyzed with shock. My jar dropped to my feet (or so it felt). My hand began to shake. I read the page again. There lay my answer in black and white. It was nothing more than one man's story of ADHD. It might as well have been mine.

I took the book to my wife. I asked her to read the same page. But, not to look at the cover. She read the page. A very puzzled glaze came over her face. She looked up at me and asked "What is this about? This is you." I explained to her that it was a book about ADHD.

I could not put the book down. I read all through the night. Feverishly turning pages. Looking for the next nugget. I found many nuggets of knowledge in those pages. I also found a life altering experience. This one revelation would set me down a lifetime of learning. Learning about myself, the way I see the world, people around me, and how I interact

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