ADHD

       My whole life, I felt I was simply too stupid amongst my peers. Not so much academically, but I sucked at reading social cues, not interrupting others while they speak, and getting my tasks done on time. So, whenever I thought about representation of those similar to me in the media, I would look to characters portrayed as less intelligent than others because, “I guess stupid characters are only really the ones like me.” This entire time I wasn’t aware of the fact that I had ADHD until I was finally diagnosed my freshman year of high school. Never once did I see a character equally bad at certain social situations like me. Never once did I see a character who couldn’t wait for others to finish their conversation before jumping in. Never once did I see a character procrastinating their assignments until the end, even though they really wanted to get them done. All I saw were super hyperactive, jumpy character who couldn’t sit still for more than 5 seconds. I would see this and think to myself, “There’s no way I have ADHD, I’m barely hyperactive.” 

     You see, people with ADHD aren’t always hyperactive even though it is formally defined as “Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder.” They can simply just be bad at paying attention, struggling with executive dysfunction (basically paralyzed whenever they wish to do a task), and not the best with large groups of people. I didn’t realize there was a possibility of me having ADHD until I spoke to those around me who struggled with the disorder. Then when I realized how many of our experiences were similar, I approached my parents so they could possibly get me a diagnosis. When I finally got diagnosed and got put on medication, it was like putting on glasses and seeing the world in clarity for the first time in my life. 

    Television, specifically, largely fails to portray this disorder in a way that is relatable to most of us who have it. And even when they do show characters with ADHD, they make it the character’s entire personality rather than showing nuanced representations of individuals navigating life with ADHD. Due to this, many people have only seen stereotyped versions of this disorder and when I tell them I have ADHD, they automatically make tons of assumptions about me. In fact, many have even told me, “You can’t have ADHD! You’re not even energetic all the time!” The best way to incorporate more representation of not only those with ADHD, but any mental disorder is to conference with those people. Directors should ask them what it’s like struggling with their disorder and how to best portray it in the media. This way, it’s easier to show them as real people not just characters shoved into shows to show some sort of variety. So, next time you meet someone who has ADHD, go beyond what you’ve seen on TV. Don’t assume what they would behave like but instead, ask them what it’s like living with their disorder and most importantly, see them as a real person beyond their disorder.