Adult ADHD - Some Ah-ha moments

I have never been able to retain information. I just recently found out it is because of my executive function and ADHD. Those who know me, know I never used this as an excuse.I had strategies to help me. Until recently, I did not know they were strategies. I just thought, I was finding the combination to my learning because I have always love learning new things.

Retaining information can be particularly challenging for individuals with ADHD due to differences in how the brain processes and stores information. ADHD can affect working memory, which is the ability to hold and manipulate information in the short term, as well as long-term memory, which is where information is stored for future use.

Here are some strategies that helped me to retain information. I also share these strategies with my students.

• Break down information into smaller, more manageable pieces. This can make it easier to process and remember.
• Repetition is key for moving information from short-term to long-term memory. I learned my repetition number.
• Engage actively with the material. This might involve teaching it to someone else.

I am sure there are other strategies. However, this is what worked for me and made it easy to retain and recall information despite the challenges posed by ADHD.

"I've been successful in life because of my ADHD, not despite it"

A quote from the book ADHD for Smart Ass Women by Tracy Otsuka, JD, LLM, AACC

I agree with this state wholeheartedly. Especially since my diagnosis happened late in life - 56.

However, I have always known I was different but didn't care. My mom would always tell people, "She is going to always do it her way." I was taught to embrace myself growing up.

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