Drop the Kid Gloves. Explain Adult ADHD

Part of #ExplainAdultADHD.  A campaign to reduce the ignorance, misinformation, and stigma against adults with ADHD.
Drop the Kid Gloves
“This didn’t happen every time, but it was often enough that I don’t think I’ll ever tell anyone about my diagnosis anymore.
There have been times that it was extremely relevant, and I’ve shared it with people (employers, classmates, team members etc) to try and help explain what was going on or why I was struggling with this or that, and their demeanor would instantly change.
A moment before they would be talking to me as a colleague, but after ADHD was mentioned, it was over.
Whether it was a slow calm voice and a smile or curt instructions, it was the same. I was spoken to as if I were a child again, being “handled” just so.
Expectations of me were greatly diminished or non-existent and interactions became awkward and uncomfortable for both parties.
I have been told that ADHD was made up and to get over myself, had responsibilities quietly removed and reassigned to other staff, or been simply ignored and left to my own devices.
These experiences were incredibly alienating and I felt so embarrassed.
I hate being treated like I am not capable, or like I am less than. Being talked down to is humiliating, and being publicly outed after a request for privacy is devastating.
I didn’t mention my ADHD to get special treatment or to make excuses for myself, it was necessary and useful for people to...

Source: Adult ADD Strengths - October 16, 2017 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Pete Quily Tags: Explain Adult ADHD To Non-ADHD Adults Source Type: blogs