In this conversation, Jared Robson, a stay-at-home dad and college student with a 4.0 GPA, shares his rollercoaster journey with ADHD. He talks about feeling defeated by failure in school, shifting between high schools, and how socioeconomic status played a role in his education. Jared reflects on his transition to online learning during the pandemic and the importance of finding stillness in his life. He also discusses shifting perceptions of success and the significance of community and self-acceptance in navigating ADHD challenges.
Jared Robson's journey highlights the critical importance of understanding ADHD as a different learning style rather than a curse, fostering self-acceptance and advocacy.
The transition to online learning during the pandemic significantly enhanced Jared's focus and motivation, leading him to achieve academic success for the first time.
Deep dives
Struggles with School and Expectations
Growing up, the individual frequently received feedback indicating great potential but also highlighting consistent challenges related to behavior and task completion. They experienced a significant disconnect between their capabilities and the output expected of them, leading to feelings of disappointment and frustration both from self and authority figures. Notable instances included a strong ability to read and engage in discussions but an overwhelming struggle to produce written work, highlighting the gap between verbal skills and writing performance. This imbalance led to a pattern of escalating stress as school expectations grew, contributing to the journey of understanding and coping with ADHD.
Navigating Diagnosis and Understanding ADHD
The individual reflected on their early diagnosis of ADHD in third grade, a time when knowledge and resources related to ADHD were limited. Initially, they faced medication without comprehensive strategies for managing symptoms, leaving them feeling isolated and misunderstood. This lack of understanding extended within educational settings, where teachers struggled to accommodate learning differences, leading to a sense of failure and frustration. The realization that ADHD was not a curse but a different way of learning marked a pivotal moment in their understanding of personal capabilities and challenges.
Impact of Community and Acknowledgment
A key turning point for the individual came from recognizing the value of community and shared experiences with others who had similar struggles. Participating in group activities at a learning disabilities school allowed them to connect with peers, reinforcing the idea that they were not alone in their experiences. This sense of belonging and acknowledgment from others helped them to embrace their ADHD as part of their identity rather than a flaw. Through these interactions, they learned to advocate for themselves, focusing on strengths while accommodating their challenges.
Transformative Educational Experiences
The shift to online learning during the pandemic played a crucial role in the individual’s academic success, enabling them to focus without the distractions present in traditional classroom settings. They discovered a newfound motivation and engagement in their studies, ultimately achieving a high GPA for the first time in their educational career. Incorporating accommodations and time management strategies allowed them to excel, illustrating how tailored approaches can enhance learning for individuals with ADHD. The combination of understanding their neurodiversity and adapting educational settings reflected a broader awareness of effective learning environments.
Growing up, Jared Robson got so sick of failing that he decided, “trying isn’t for me.” Jared got into trouble all the time and bounced around different high schools. He eventually graduated high school but admits that that might not have happened if his family weren’t so well-off.
Now, Jared’s a stay-at-home dad and thriving as a college student taking courses online (He has a 4.0 GPA!). Jared and Laura talk about the “hyperactive little boy” stereotype. Listen as he describes his quest to find stillness and how he thinks of the ADHD failure cycle today.
Want to share your “aha” moment? We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at ADHDAha@understood.org.
Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give
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