Throughout October and in the spirit of ADHD awareness month, we’ve hoped to shed light on experiences and challenges faced by individuals and families in our team who are dealing with ADHD.

This week, we bring you the journey Angel has been on. A parent who, along with her daughter, has navigated the rollercoaster of ADHD for the two of them. In this final blog, we’ll understand more about Angel’s personal story and how she’s changed her perspective from disability to superpower.

Angel’s story is a testament to the transformative power of understanding, support and self-acceptance.

Read it in her own words as she shares experiences, strategies and advice:

Can you briefly explain what ADHD means to you and how it impacts your daily life?

Having ADHD is not a disability, it is a superpower. Most people who have ADHD, especially people who are undiagnosed, don't know how to control that superpower. I am one of them. My daily life is chaotic. I want to learn to control my powers so that one day, I can use them to the best of my advantage.

Balancing work and ADHD can be challenging. Can you describe some strategies or techniques you've developed to manage and stay productive in your job?

When I’ve been given a task to do, I try to split them up into smaller tasks. One of the symptoms of ADHD is that it is hard to focus. Working on small tasks one at a time enables me to concentrate easier and be more efficient.

Are there any misconceptions or stereotypes about ADHD that you've encountered in your personal or professional life that you'd like to address or dispel?

My daughter was diagnosed with ADHD two years ago. Before that, I knew nothing about the condition and always thought that she was being naughty. After learning about ADHD, I realised that she wasn’t being naughty, she has no control over her powers and it’s not her fault. I think more people need to understand that.

Many people with ADHD struggle with organisation and time management. Can you talk about the tools or routines you use to stay organised and meet deadlines effectively?

I find it easier to have everything in one place. At home, I put everything in my calendar on my phone. Shopping lists, meals, after-school activities, school events and appointments. When I wake up in the morning, I just check my calendar to see what things are happening that day. At work, it’s easier because everything goes to Google Calendar.

As we observe ADHD Awareness Month, what message or advice would you like to share with others who are either living with ADHD or supporting someone who is?

Be kind. Not everyone with ADHD can control their superpowers. Love them for who they are. They will find it easier to accept and control their powers if they have family and friends supporting them.

To hear more stories during ADHD Awareness Month, read Michael’s story on living with undiagnosed ADHD while he waits for an assessment and Kat’s story as she learns how to stay productive post-diagnosis.