ADDER WORLD ADD ADHD Positive Thinking

Our Visit to Heidelberg Castle Germany

Bryan Hutchinson — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 07:47:26 +0000

Here are some of our photos from our visit to Heidelberg Castle. We thought you might enjoy them too:

The Beauty of Writing – Lessons in Writing (12)

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Does Lindsay Lohan have ADHD? 90 days Jail time prescribed for her.

Bryan Hutchinson — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 06:55:59 +0000

I don’t know if Lindsay Lohan has ADHD, but with several news reports reporting that she is indeed taking prescribed ADHD medication, maybe it is true. It adds up. So, let’s go with the reality that there must be some semblance of truth if she is indeed taking the medication. If that’s the case, let’s discuss the public reactions to her behavior.

Lindsay’s behavior, I think we all can agree, has been erratic, odd and extremely confusing – dangerous even. Sound familiar? But let’s not forget sometimes her behavior has been brilliant too, which is why she originally became famous.

Many people literally hate and despise Lindsay for her negative, sometimes outlandish behavior. I have even read several degrading remarks by ADDers who, by the way, have displayed odd, erratic and extremely confusing behavior themselves from time to time (and yes, sometimes brilliant too), that is, if, they indeed have ADHD.

I don’t want to excuse Lindsay Lohan by any means; however, I do want to take a moment to point something out. Typically when someone like Lindsay or Paris display the tale-tale signs of ADHD and get in trouble for it the public outcry is amazing and devastating! Very few, if any fellow ADDers come out to support these people. I wonder why? Maybe it is because these starlets do not openly admit they have ADHD right away? I think we ADDers know full well why this information is often kept under the covers. Many of us do it too, so that doesn’t float so well. Maybe it is because they are rich and socialites and should therefore be somehow better, because they have access to better treatment? So, in that case, ADHD should be less of a factor for the rich and famous? I wasn’t aware ADHD affects the rich and famous differently, or that it should. Bottom line, their behavior is unacceptable. Right? Just asking, of course.

Or, maybe it is that we see a bit of ourselves in their behaviors, the things (hidden or openly) we loath about ourselves. We can use someone like Linday or Paris as the target of our frustration instead of ourselves?

Now, please think about it for a moment, if you or a loved one has ADHD: If you have rejecting and/or negative feelings or thoughts about Lindsay due to her behavior, consider for a moment that may be very similar to the rejection, negative feelings and thoughts too many people have about us with ADHD. Now, with this consideration, perhaps we have a better idea what it is the non-believers of ADHD think and feel about us who do have ADHD. It may be as close as we get to understanding where they are coming from and from that, perhaps we can work to educate and inform the public about the oftentimes brutal reality of ADHD. Also, we might consider that the public’s awareness of ADHD may come from the behaviors of the few famous people with ADHD that get into trouble. If we reject them too, why shouldn’t they (public /society) reject all of us with ADHD?

Just wondering…

I posted this not to defend or excuse Lindsay Lohan. I posted this because it might just give us the ability to visit the other side of the debate internally within ourselves. I hope she gets the help she clearly needs and deserves, sooner rather than later. She’s an incredible and brilliantly talented person. I look forward to a day when she rises back up, but I am not going to abandon her while she’s down. I wouldn’t want to be abandoned either… what about you?

~Bryan

Is it a Cult Classic? A Simple Book About A Kid With ADD Growing Up Into An Adult With ADD

Bryan Hutchinson — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 09:14:36 +0000

About a year or so ago someone wrote me and told me that One Boy’s Struggle would become a cult classic. As per the usual with me I didn’t pay that complement much attention (yep – A.D.D.). It was a complement, right? Then a few weeks ago someone else wrote me and said nearly the same thing and then again, just last week yet another person called it a cult classic. The latest person didn’t even say it would be or could be, she said it is a cult classic! She was pretty much a-matter-of-fact about it.

Okay, now I am starting to pay attention. I decided to look up ‘cult classic’ in the dictionary, or rather, Google, and this is what I found:

Cult Classic – allwords.com: ‘A work of fiction that is extremely popular with a select audience but may or may not be successful at the time of the work’s original publication.’ also: ‘has acquired a highly devoted but specific group of fans’ Wikipedia

The first thoughts that came to mind when I read the definitions is that One Boy’s Struggle is not fiction and the word ‘cult’ doesn’t seem complementary. One Boy’s Struggle is a memoir and therefore, non-fiction and it isn’t a movie. I know, a bit picky of me, but we ADDers tend to be perfectionists to a fault. However, if I ignore my uncertainty for the word ‘cult’ and get past the ‘fiction’ part and put in ‘non-fiction’ the definition is pretty much true.

There really is no other book like One Boy’s Struggle either. Not dealing with ADHD, PTSD, a child’s struggle into adulthood and beyond, or much less anything else for that matter. How could there be? It is the story of my life, after all. It is a story of hope, spawned from tragedy, but it is not a novel or a character driven play. It is the assemblage of real life notes of a life that was in jeopardy, from someone who was trying to figure it all out and put his life (back) together.

Still, I have discovered something else and because of what I have discovered I can no longer be entirely certain that it is the story of my life anymore. No, I haven’t gone crazy, in fact, quite the opposite. Things are clearer for me today than they ever have been and I must admit, I give special thanks to the readers of One Boy’s Struggle, because, it is not simply my story anymore. It is your story too. So many people have written me asking if I am their long lost twin or relative. Even people who do not agree with everything I write concerning ADHD, or, my ideas, but they relate to the situations I lived through, my actions and my reactions and the actions and reactions of those around me who were affected by my ADD (odd) behaviors. Behaviors, which are all too common in those of us who have ADD or ADHD!

In other words I have found that, like me, a lot of other people are discovering themselves through a series of notes about a person’s life that were put together to form something of a book, but it isn’t really a book at all. And, if it is not actually a book, what is it then?

It is me and perhaps, in a chapter or more, or a few pages, or a few sentences, it is you too?

I am humbled and honored for the consideration, but I ask you: Do you think One Boy’s Struggle is a cult classic? I guess time will tell and you will be part of that telling.

I have decided to go back and write a new afterward for One Boy’s Struggle, called: 4 years later. I had also considered rewriting the book itself, a bit, to add some things people have asked me over the last few years, but after some serious consideration I have decided to allow One Boy’s Struggle to be what it is without any modifications. Besides, the rest of my story continues to be written in the books that follow and online here on ADDerWorld.com.

Thank you, dear reader, for reading my writings and being a part of my self-restoration, and perhaps yours, your partner’s or your child’s as well. I was seriously worried when I published One Boy’s Struggle that I would be cut down, criticised and further ridiculed, and to a lesser degree that has happened, but for the most part feedback has been out of this world better than I ever could have dreamed of!! THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!!

Bryan

Have you answered… ADDer World ADHD Network update July 8 2010

Bryan Hutchinson — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 08:47:49 +0000

We have quite a few new members over on our ADDer World ADHD Social Network. Welcome! Here’s a great forum topic to get started:

How old was everyone when they found out they had ADD/ADHD?

Connie has this question for you:

Who do you talk to about your ADD/ADHD?

For the next few months these signed books will be offered to members in our drawings:

August: Eileen Bailey & Don Haupt MD - Complete Idiot’s Guide to Adult ADHD

September: The Gift of ADHD Activity Book by Dr. Lara Honos-Webb (correction in the order from email sent to members)

October: Life at Full Throttle: Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Adults by Dr. Catherine Avery

November: ADHD Medication Rules: Paying Attention To The Meds For Paying Attention by Dr. Charles Parker (not signed because digital ebook)

If you are not a member of our ADDer World Social Network, join here.

Have a wonderful and delighful week, you deserve it!! If you haven’t gotten your inspirational fix yet, read this: With Acceptance We Can Overcome and Achieve

~Bryan

With Acceptance We Can Overcome and Achieve

Bryan Hutchinson — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 08:01:33 +0000

It’s true that with acceptance for who we are, and all which that encompasses, can we learn, overcome and thrive to achieve whatever kind of wonderful is for us. Far too often I read or hear people with ADHD berating themselves, putting themselves down and cursing ADHD, which is as much a part of who they are as anything else. Now, I am not saying ADHD doesn’t give us reasons to be ticked off, upset and feel dejected. Oh, it clearly does! But, you know what? No amount of self-deprecation will take ADHD away or force one’s self to be better or different or, heaven forbid, normal. It’s somewhat along the lines of a teacher scolding a child with ADHD with the intent that he can make the child realize that she is just lazy and, if she wants to enough, she can be normal and function in normal ‘accepted’ ways.

The most important thing I have learned through years of therapy is that anger, resentment and self-deprecation are ways we deal with our situations, thinking that somehow if we get upset enough that we will finally break the invisible barrier. However, in reality these behaviors and beliefs simply draw one deeper into a void. It’s not intentional; it is just the way the brain acts in a normal way in self-defense for survival. We also know that stimulation works wonders for the way our minds work and anger is very stimulating, but ultimately is also very damaging.

I have noticed that people who find good and acceptance within themselves, ALL of themselves, even the ADHD part (which let’s face it; ADHD is a part of everything we do), those people seem to thrive more and live happier lives. It’s a choice, but an extremely difficult choice to accept and allow in. Why? I think when we consider opening up and accepting ourselves as we are, it seems as though we are giving up, that we will lose some kind of vital invisible control that we think we have. It’s quite deceptive really. My personal understanding and accepting of the deception first, was also the key to unlocking my mind from the grip of anger, resentment and finally, guilt.

ADHD is neurobiological, it’s not on the sidelines as a wart is and also, unlike a wart, it cannot be removed with surgery or any other remedy. So what are the options? Give in to it and allow it to rule our lives? Or come to accept it and rule over it without fighting it, learning enough about it to use it as much as a tool as we use our emotions and feelings, or as we use our eyesight and sense of smell. When we accept who we are, all parts of who we are, the scars too, and even if it is a part called ADD or ADHD we can finally move forward and love all of ourselves in a healthy affirmative manner. And then, and only then, can we thrive in happiness and love.

An accepting, positive, self-affirming mindset isn’t going to cure ADHD, but the alternative can, and does a heck of a lot worse. One of the problems of having grown up with ADHD is that we learn to wait for the other shoe to drop. We stand on guard day and night, constantly worried that if we release our control for even a second we will fall down and get hurt, or, worse. The truth, though, is that this constant sense of distress is far more damaging and even more so, it doesn’t help. It’s a mind trick, deception of the most intimate and lasting kind. Being aware of it, accepting this truth and we gain the chance to free ourselves from it.

What I am trying to say is that YOU are AWESOME and BRILLIANT, yes, even with ADHD! Now, you discover that, if you haven’t already, and watch the world change before you.

If you have ADHD or ADD, please know that you are more than any label, but also know that without your ADHD or ADD, you would not be who you are. That’s a simple fact we tend to overlook when searching forevermore for a cure, or, cursing it. Because when we curse it, we in affect, curse ourselves. Acceptance is about as close to any cure as any of us will find and let me tell you, from my own experiences, acceptance is the most powerful antidote in existence.

Remember, you are absolutely, unconditionally awesome!

Yes, indeed, you are! Believe it.

(you can download this article in a nicely formated PDF <- Right click and save target as.)

~Bryan

Latest ADDer World ADHD Network Update 1 July 09

Bryan Hutchinson — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 23:28:26 +0000

She shared her deeply moving video about life with ADD with us and now, for the very first time she shares her story too. Ashley, thank you… I guess we could call this an exclusive?

Sharing my story for the first time

Today is the last day to enter our referral contest for a free copy of my new book Adult ADHD can be Sexy! Don’t miss out on it, it is sooo easy to enter, just invite people you think would enjoy our site and have them use your name when they sign up: Since I am ending this contest, you realize what this means right…? I can guarantee you have never read a book about ADHD like this before!

Here are some other posts to check out:

Sharing your ADHD diagnosis with family and friends

DO YOU EXPERIENCE REBOUND EFFECT ON MEDS?

And Charles Parker is releasing his ground breaking new book about ADHD medication:

New Book – The Patient’s Guide for ADHD Medication Rules by Dr. Charles Parker

Have a wonderful and safe weekend and be sure to stop by and ’see’ us on ADDer World ADDer World isn’t the same without YOU!

~Bryan

New Book – The Patient’s Guide for ADHD Medication Rules by Dr. Charles Parker

Bryan Hutchinson — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 10:03:52 +0000

I receive literally thousands of press releases every year. I publish very few of them for your reading pleasure. Instead, I ask authors if they would like to give away a free signed copy on our ADDer World social network. Some take up that offer and some don’t. This press release is a bit different because it is critically important for the ADHD population worldwide and it is published in ebook format, so there isn’t yet an autographed printed copy available.

Over the last 3 years of so, Dr. Parker has become a trusted partner in helping raise awareness about ADHD and he has also become a valued friend. He’s also a member of our ADDer World ADHD Social Network. I am very proud and pleased to present his press release about his new book. His new book is going to change a lot of treatment strategies out there for ADHD by explaining in detail what ADHD medication does and doesn’t do, how it should be used and prescribed – you know what, let me just post the press release so you can read the details for yourself… enjoy:

ADHD Medication Rules Need A Drastic Upgrade: The Process Is Almost Paleolithic

Brain science is talking, but few are listening. From functional brain imaging to neurotransmitter precursors, from breakfast protein to sleep, from brain injury to bipolar disorder and depression, the vast sea of ADHD treatment confusion is based upon superficial thinking, inadequate labels, and denial of specific hormonal and immune challenges. Understanding basic brain and body science will change the treatment process.

Virginia Beach, VA (PRWEB) June 8, 2010 — ADHD Medication Treatment Strategies Often Don’t Pay Attention to Brain Science – Parker’s New Book Covers Those Details – Launch July 4th.

ADHD Med Rules – Dr Charles Parker

ADHD treatment targets are superficial and almost entirely descriptive, ignoring brain function, and, by default, leave both doctors and patients to conjecture about clear treatment objectives. “Hyperactive, Inattentive and Combined” not only provide vague, superficial targets, but also fail to address important variables of context, feelings, and thinking. Current diagnostic targets almost always overlook the personal experience of those suffering with ADHD.

Not only are we not paying attention to paying attention, we aren’t thinking about thinking!

The truth is, current stimulant treatment strategies typically make little operational sense to patients and many professionals. Translating ADHD medication theory into effective what-you-do-in-the-office step-by-step guidelines has been challenging – and we are the purported thought leaders in the world! Even the expert observer recognizes that no basic rulebook exists that sets clear treatment options, clear objectives.

No wonder the ADHD treatment process appears unscientific – it is!

ADHD Medication Rules need significant, more precise revisions. In his new book of rules for ADHD medications Dr Parker provides explicit detail to help improve the medication delivery process, and pays more effective attention to the living circumstances, the real life context of those suffering with ADHD.

No, it’s not the fault of the doctors, not the fault of the pharmaceutical companies, and not the fault of the medications – it’s the failure to keep up with functional brain science. We are fast asleep with limited labels and cookie cutter recipes encouraged by the lingering idea that biology doesn’t work for psychology – that we don’t need technology to make the diagnosis or assess contributory cellular physiology.

Dr Parker sets out to improve the process for both patients and physicians with specific action plans, specific measurement and inquiry guidelines useful in everyday office conversations.

Note: Sign up for the 1 week (July 4 to midnight July 11) launch discount for Dr Parker’s eBook at this link: The Patient’s Guide for ADHD Medication Rules: Paying Attention to The Meds For Paying Attention.

Interviews: Parker is experienced with television and radio interviews, had his own cable television program, has spoken nationally to medical colleagues since the early 90’s, and has won several blogging awards at CorePsych Blog. He builds his case on many years of clinical experience and advanced training in brain and body neurophysiology. His first book, Deep Recovery (‘92) outlined the challenges with ineffective labels in any recovery process. His perspective brings a fresh face to an abundance of missed diagnoses and imprecise treatment strategies.

The End of having a Best Friend?

Bryan Hutchinson — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 08:19:24 +0000

I found this pic, it may be a little too far off base, but I thought it was funny and relates. It’s all fun and games, until…

Someone recently shared with me an article from the New York Times about the end of having a best friend. My first thought about this was “Are they crazy?” and my final thoughts on this subject are: “Are they absolutely, ridiculously, out of their minds?!?”

I mean c’mon, have we come so far that we are back to burning supposed Witches at the stake? ‘But Jamie doesn’t have a best friend and her older sister does’… And the point is? Jamie will eventually find a best friend and confidant, no reason to try and equalize everything in the world to the point we are just being categorically controlling, manipulating and restrictive to natural growth. Kids can’t even go out to play as we did back in, oh, the 80’s and countless centuries before then. We complain about kids being on their computers too much and yet, one of the main things that keep kids still going outside we want to take away from them too? In the effort to over-protect, we are creating situations far worse. Supreme control is not the answer, history has proved it time and time again.

I fully understand having sympathy for the child who has difficulty making friends and worrying about bad influences. I was one of those lonely kids for a long while, but eventually I found some very special friends, best friends that helped me overcome, and become a better person – the person I am today, as a matter of fact. I wouldn’t be writing this blog today if I had not had my best friends through my life. If you’ve read One Boy’s Struggle you know the vital roles certain special friends had and most importantly, Phil. I can’t imagine a world growing up without their roles in my life. It is just horrifying to imagine such a world and what could’ve been otherwise.

It’s difficult enough for kids in today’s pressure packed, extremely educational strategized world, but are we going too far by taking away the things that provide some kind of semblance of natural growth? Yes, I most certainly think we are. What about you? I fully agree that kids can get into the wrong crowd and some friends are destructive, but that’s what parents are for, to nurture and watch their child grow and help guide, especially when they are misled. Leave the parenting to parents, where it belongs, I say. When schools become substitute parenting centers, this is what happens. While we are at it, why not go back to slapping the hands of left handers for not using their right hand, and how about forcing kids with ADHD just not to have it – you know, they can do it, if they just apply themselves! Okay, I don’t want to get to heated, but these things get me riled up.

Get rid of best friends? Indeed, have they completely and utterly gone out of their minds?!? That’s the answer to a better society? Ha, wait and see, but don’t say I didn’t send out this warning: If this is the direction we go as a society, we are speeding towards something far more dangerous and disastrous than anything we have experienced so far and we’ve been experiencing some bad stuff.

So, how does this relate to ADHD? It doesn’t have to, but since I brought it up: ADHD is already stigmatized and in certain areas over diagnosed, because, kids are in situations that help mimic ADHD symptoms in their behavior. We might as well expect that type of misdiagnosis to be on the rise. At the same time we should also expect the rise of under diagnosis of those who truly have ADHD , but are left behind because sooner or later the line will become so blurred that no one will be able to tell the difference.

~Bryan

ADD is Real & Suprise Updates

Bryan Hutchinson — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 11:03:52 +0000

Remember the wonderful, helpful and sensitive video by a young lady talking about ADHD? Yes, that one! It captured our attention and exemplified for many of us, how we feel. The video is posted above, if you missed it. And if you enjoy the video, she’s joined us on our ADDer World ADHD Social Network, perhaps you would like to welcome her and/or comment on her video.

Okay, I think I am done tinkering with the logo and site colors for a while on our ADHD Social Network. I say that, but you know I have ADD, so don’t count on it. However, I do feel I have finally aced the logo. Again, remember, I have ADD. You can tell me what you think here.

New member, Jason, shares with us his very personal and revealing story. It’s touching and important, which is a good addition to uncovering ADD: Hi there! I’m Not An Alcoholic

My book The Brilliant Reality of ADHD was recently featured in ADDitude Magazine and I have received an incredible number of emails asking me for more information and many, many questions about my life. My life story is told in my first book One Boy’s Struggle: A Memoir. I am now considering writing about PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) specifically, which I think is rather all too common in the lives of people with ADHD, especially those undiagnosed for too long.

However, PTSD, for me, is quite difficult to write about and will take some time. I was already extremely revealing in One Boy’s Struggle, but I was also weary of going certain places. I also worry about touching other people’s triggers with my own. I will start soon and let you know how it progresses, if it progresses. My goal is to start by talking about the most difficult aspects of PTSD for me: Guilt and Loyalty.

Due to the interest in The Brilliant Reality of ADHD, my second book, I will soon start the next contest by giving away 2 signed copies, so stayed tuned. The referal contest for my new book Adult ADHD can be Sexy will officially end July 1st!!! Don’t miss out on it.

Look forward to ‘seeing’ you on our ADDer World Social Network! If you haven’t joined yet… well, what are you wating for???

Bryan

PDF Files of ADDer World ADD ADHD Articles

Bryan Hutchinson — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 20:53:50 +0000

Here are the latest of my ADDer World articles created into nice little PDF’s for your viewing pleasure. You may save a copy to your computer and if you like, you can also share them with friends or on other sites of interest.

If you haven’t checked out the first batch of downloadable PDF articles, you can do that here.

*The question of using my free ebooks and PDF files as ‘gifts’ on other sites has come up a few times, and the answer is YES that’s okay, but please remember that these are free, so I do ask that you not charge for them. Several of you emailed me about printing problems with the files from the last set, I fixed that problem, but in order to do that I had to reformat the files, so if you still have that problem, please download a new copy for the fix.

Enjoy,

Bryan

ADDER WORLD ADD ADHD Positive Thinking

Our Visit to Heidelberg Castle Germany

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