Expert: Christine D. DeLoatch, MA CCC-SLP - 1/2/2008

Question
I'm 14 years old and just started my first year of high school. I was wondering if it's possible to maintain good grades and have ADHD. Because i work so hard to achieve a good gpa.I I work really hard in school, trying to pay attention in class and comprehend what the teachers are saying. I have difficulty focusing in class and get distracted easily. I have difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or playing activities as well. I'll start a game, and 2 minutes later, it will start to bore me and i'll go start something else. I also can't sit through a movie in the movie theater. It's too long of a time to stay put, and is really boring. All of my friends think I have ADHD because im always restless and fidgety, and am easily distracted by things.  I don't think it ever occurred to either of my parents that I might have ADHD, because I've always had  good grades. My mom is just starting to think that I may have it though, now that my work load is increasing since I'm in high school, and my inability to focus is showing more. I was just wondering if you have any advice for me. Should I get diagnosed? Do I have ADHD? Or just symptoms?Please write back if possible. Thanks so much!

Answer
Dear Jessica,

It is a pleasure speaking to you.  I suggest that both you and your parents go to a website called www.amenclinic.com.  There is a place where you can take an on-line test to see how likely it is that you have ADD or some traits like it.  It is a wonderful place to start.  Your parents should answer the questions about you and then you should answer the questions about yourself- I would use the adult screen for yourself as you aren't seeing yourself from a child's perspective.  

The answer to your question is yes.  You can have ADHD and have good or even great grades.  ADHD isn't about how smart you are.  It is about how hard it is for you to function.  If you have to put in 120% to get out 85% then that is not good math.  If the rest of the world is putting in only 90-100% to get out the same 85% then we are the ones who end up tired, frustrated and in need of support.  

I would suggest you start at that website - then have a talk with your parents.  If you think it is mild then perhaps you can look into some strategies like chewing gum when you are doing homework or doing exercises more often.  There are lots of things that you can do besides medication that will help with organization and focus.

Your parents will probably want to try those things first before considering medication.  Good luck to you.  You are very insightful for noticing that you are a little different than other teens.  

I'm sure you will do well - just knowing you will have to make more of an effort can be helpful when you feel discouraged.  

Feel free to write to me again.  Many Blessings to you & Happy New Year.

Christine