Expert: Sharon Crandall - 1/2/2008

Question
Hi Mrs. Crandall, my name is Jessica Rose and I'm 14 years old (in my first year of high school). I was wondering if it's possible to have good grades and still have ADHD. I work really hard in school, trying to pay attention in class and comprehend what the teachers are saying. Grades to me are my number one priority. They come first before everything.
I have difficulty focusing in class and get distracted easily. I'm always bouncing my legs up and down, and moving in my seat. I can't sit through a movie in the movie theater. It's too long of a time to stay put, and gets really boring. All of my friends think I have ADHD because im always restless and fidgety, and am easily distracted by certain things. I tend to randomly change the subject when I'm talking about something with somebody, not even realizing it. I don't think it ever occurred to my parents that I might have ADHD, because I've always had good grades. Ever since middle school, my focusing has been an issue. My mom is just starting to think that I may have it, now that my work load is increasing since I'm in high school, and my inability to focus is more visible. It's just that nobody understands how hard it is to try and follow instructions and understand what the teacher lectures. I make such a big effort to pay attention, but the main reason I maintain a good GPA, is because I study really hard for tests and exams, and put schoolwork before everything else. I was just wondering if you have any advice for me. Should I get diagnosed for ADHD? How do i know if I have ADHD?  Thanks so much, Jess.

Answer
Dear Jessica,

Some people have personality traits that make them so they can't sit still for very long and that is perfectly normal.  I am proud of you for putting so much effort into your schooling in spite of your challenges.

Now, low concentration is a gift that will help you in some occupation or career later on in life.  It means you change focus easily.  Listen to the sportscasters who change focus quickly in order to quickly see what is happening all over the field or court.  They catch details that a person who is high concentration would miss.  There are numerous occupations where being able to multi-task is a real plus and that is one of the gifts of low concentration.

Physically, my guess is that you are built to move around and your brain works better when you are moving than when you are sitting.  Also, being low concentration is why you change subjects quickly, and also probably the trait of impetuous.  If I had a picture of you I could tell you more.

What you need is a school where you would be allowed to do your work up at the board, or at a ledge so that you could stand, at least part of the time.

At home, I suggest that you make recordings of your reading assignments and things you want to memorize and then walk around the room with earphones.  You will probably learn much quicker by that method.

I would hope that you could find a charter school that understands those who need to move around a lot, but I do  not know where you live or what is available.

If you can tough it out, then when you take college you can space out your classes so that you can stand up while studying in between classes.  And some classes you can take on the internet and fix your computer on a higher table with a high stool so you can sit when you want to and stand when you want to.

Also, when it comes to choosing a career, you need to have a career where you are physically active, not a sit down career.  

The problem with getting diagnosed for ADD or ADHD is that the medication really messes with your brain and it can really be addictive, too.  I believe in other methods.

Now, we can all improve our brains so there is a product that you could get that is great to feel the brain nutritionally.  It is called beCalm'd and is great for all of us, actually.  I have taken it myself.  You can order it by calling 1-800-862-5033 and tell them you are a customer of Life and Mind, ID#58357.  A friend of mine, who has helped me with my classes and clients is part of Life and Mind so I would appreciate your going through Life and Mind to order the product.

That product will help you think more clearly but then I really think that you need to be in a situation where you get a lot of physical exercise in between sessions of sitting, and that you are able to stand for most of your classes.  

So what you can and just remember.  You are unique and do not fit the mold, thank goodness.  Keep looking for those talents and things that make you different, rather than those things that make you the same as others, OK?  There is a special place for you in this world and if you keep learning and exploring you will find the best place for you, with the traits that you have.

Sharon Crandall
Life is 4 Living Coach/Consultant
www.myspace.com/personalityconsultant