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A closer look at adults with ADHD

(WHAS11) - A local psychiatrist with precision like focus, a girl who’s poised to become a nurse, and man who is  making his mark in real estate—these three stories of what life is like with add, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Distractedness and impulsivity are just some of the issues adults with ADHD can deal with.

There’s also low self esteem, symptoms of anxiety or depression, and even substance abuse.

That’s why recognizing ADHD and treating it can change the course of a life.

A kindergarten teacher recognized Jason’s learning difference. Jason remembers, “She knew I was bright, but something was getting in the way.”

His parents then made the switch to the DePaul School that teaches new ways to learn and organize.

Taking a look at the books on his desk, you will find one entitled the power of focus.

Structure is huge for him. His color coded planner keeps him on track. Everything in his life is deliberate.

From the profession he chose, to the company Keller Williams that offers a coach to stay on task.

Jason says the coach helps offer time for personal growth, and creates a positive environment at work and at home.

In Emilie’s quest to become a nurse, she’s a quick study at treating patients.

But things weren’t so easy for her growing up.

The fact that Emilie is walking these halls is amazing all by itself. School never came easily to Emilie, and now she knows why.

As a young girl she was called hyper and flighty. It was during nursing school that a teacher said it may be ADHD—and it was.

Emilie explains, “I was just fidgeting all the time. I didn’t mean to be disrespectful, I was just distracted.

Medication now helps her focus, and new strategies help her cope:

“Everyday routines, consistency, the same thing every day.”

This is Dr. Allen walker’s routine: daily exercise and a love of golf.

It is part of a crucial balancing act.

It was his struggle with organization that led him to paint a picture in his mid 20’s.

When asked if the picture is a self-portrait, Dr. Walker replied, “Maybe it is…that’s a great question.”

Dr. Walker went to trinity, and then went on to become a psychiatrist. But it wasn’t overnight success.

Playing sports no problem, but in the classroom, no matter how hard he tried, he came up short.

He said, “For some reason I held onto the information. I was bright—brighter than my grades would indicate.

A few years later he was diagnosed with ADHD, started taking medication, and went to medical school.

“The medicine was like a good pair of glasses. The glasses don’t mean you’ll become a doctor, but with hard work you can.”

Dr. Walker did the hard work and is now a practicing psychiatrist, specializing with patients with ADHD.

He is helping people, like one patient named amber, find her success.

“Once you find out what’s going on and you recognize it—then you can excel,” he explains.

It was a success that may not have come easily and in the traditional sense for Jason, Emilie, and Dr. Walker. But it is a success that came with the core belief that they were gifted in a different way.

If you think ADHD could be an issue for you, there is a questionnaire you’ll want to fill out at dr. Walker’s website.

There is also a local group that can answer questions about ADHD and they have support groups for both children and adults. It’s called LDA, Learning Disabilities Association of Kentucky and it’s a complete resource for all kinds of learning differences.

Their phone number is 502-473-1256.

If you would like to submit questions to those experts, you can submit those questions here and we will get them to those who can help answer them at LDA. If you provide your email address, we will have one of the experts email you back.

Dr. Walker’s website

Learning Disabilities Association of Kentucky, Inc.