ADHD Aha!

Masking ADHD symptoms (René Brooks’ story)

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Apr 18, 2023
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ANECDOTE

Early Diagnosis Met With Skepticism

  • René was first identified with ADHD at age seven by a perceptive new teacher but faced parental and medical skepticism instead of support.
  • That response led René to perform and mask her struggles, creating a punitive home and school environment that hurt her self-worth.
ANECDOTE

Middle School Struggles, Parental Refusal

  • At 11 René again showed classic executive function struggles at school, but her mother resisted medical treatment out of fear and lack of education.
  • Those missed interventions compounded into adult depression and led René to seek help only at 25.
ANECDOTE

Accidental Disclosure Led To Diagnosis

  • While being treated for depression at 25, René accidentally mentioned past ADHD concerns to her therapist and was referred to an ADHD specialist.
  • After evaluation and starting stimulant medication, she regained functioning and returned to work within weeks.
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