Stolen Memories

I recently attended my first meeting of the NS ADHD Action Group held at the NSCC nearest me. I walked in a little nervous, wondering if I had made the right decision or if I was too old. Once the meeting started and other had joined I realized that I was very much in the right place. As I listen to the other and the wonder leader I discovered just how Not alone I was.

Right off the bat we were shown a You Tube video. 30 Essential Ideas you should know about ADHD. We would watch only part 3A - "The Five Executive Functions".

Here is the link. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Illf_Hsy570 Dr. Russell A Barkley is speaking to a group of parents about the ADHD children but it applies to the ADHD Adult as well. If you have or think you have ADD or ADHD or if your child had it then watch all of this series.

As the video proceeded and we went through the Five Executive Functions we got to the part about Foresight and Hindsight. Something snapped in my brain. Memories ... people with ADD very often does not have perfect recollection of their past. For me that is so true. I know so many different people who can recall with exacting detail memories of their childhood. They can tell long stories about their birthday parties and those memorable events in their lives. For me that is not possible. I have weak memories of my past including memories from months ago. I know I attended these events but the details are stretchy.

I imagine anyone who does not have this issue wonders how we ADD-ers survive? For me it takes a great deal of bluffing and detective work. I ask questions or make notes. In order to survive on the job I make lots of notes. How to notebooks litter my life. If it hard but it works. But there is good news. There is lots I can do and now I have a group who understands me. Over the next few months I expect that those evenings will bring a great deal of insight to my life and who I am.