Written by: Ansa Lange, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
In a world where conformity often reigns, embracing our uniqueness can be a transformative experience. Join me on a totally unexpected journey as I explore the complexities of neurodivergence, with a specific focus on ADHD. I've spent a significant part of my life unaware of my neurodivergent qualities, thinking my struggles were just the norm. However, at the age of 54, things changed, leading me to understand the power of a diagnosis and how it can reshape one's life. In this article, I invite you to delve into the intricacies of neurodivergence, the positive impact of ADHD treatment, and the fascinating history and stereotypes surrounding this condition. Together, we'll embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, embracing the unique way our minds spark differently and some challenging common misconceptions.
1. Navigating my neurodivergent journey
In the realm of neurodivergence, I've recently found myself joining the ranks of ADHDers at the age of 54. The duration of my neurodivergent experience remains uncertain, but as a high-functioning ADHDer, I've navigated many of life's challenges for the past 40 or so years. thinking it was normal for life to be so tough. Imagine my relief, and surprise, when I discovered that I too could live a less exhausting life.
I am still processing what my life may have been like had I been diagnosed correctly years ago. I am, however, excited to learn how to embrace my brain. It is simply wired differently than neurotypical individuals.
2. The revelation that changed everything for me at age 54
The epiphany of realizing that ADHD is woven into the fabric of my existence has led to an incredible revelation. Pieces of my life’s puzzle have fallen perfectly into place, providing clarity about past challenges, labels, behaviours, and experiences. I am busy realizing how exhausting it was to mask certain symptoms to appear “normal”. I am finally starting to understand the signs of ADHD and how it affected my school career and years at boarding school.
As a life coach, parenting specialist, and trauma counselor, I invite you to explore the intricate tapestry of neurodivergence, particularly ADHD, with me in this article. Join me as we unravel the history and debunk some myths like:
ADHD is a learning disability and not a real medical condition.
People with ADHD just need to try harder or are just lazy.
Only boys have ADHD and all kids with ADHD are hyperactive.
3. How ADHD treatment impacted my life
Realizing that lots of my difficulties and challenges were a result of my untreated ADHD, brought about much self-compassion, self-forgiveness, self-understanding, and a calmness I have not experienced before. Trying to explain this new feeling to individuals brought me to an analogy of rowing on the river of life. We are all rowing, enjoying the beauty and weathering the adversities, doing what we have to do and going where we have to go. What changed for me since my ADHD treatment, is I still row on this very same river of life, nothing has changed, none of the adversities or the beauty but it feels like I have been handed ores to row with. I never knew I was trying to keep up rowing with broomsticks! Rowing with oars now, I am moving with so much more ease, clarity, focus, and calmness.
4. The transformative power of a diagnosis
My diagnosis has provided a remarkable explanation for overwhelming moments, heightened reactivity, anxiety, extreme exhaustion, and times of hopelessness. This newfound awareness has illuminated my path of self-discovery. I am embarking on a newfound journey of understanding how ADHD medication can support my Neurodivergent brain and how I can help other individuals through my experience.
5. Redefining ADHD: Differences in brain wiring
Delving into the complexities of this often misunderstood stereotypical condition, mostly with a negative label, made me realize that in my practice, I want to call ADHDers something else. Something illustrating the uniqueness, validating the challenges but highlighting the positives – our minds simply spark differently to neurotypical individuals.
Recent research has shed light on the ADHD brain, revealing insights into LOWER DOPAMINE LEVELS and differences in BRAIN WIRING, therefore, I like to refer to myself as part of the Mindsparks Tribe. Who is with me here?
Mindsparks, for me, represent the unique and creative sparks that the ADHDer’s mind generates as a result of the different wiring in the brain. It emphasizes the innovative and creative nature of neurodivergent thinkers while celebrating their diverse perspectives and ideas. This intricate condition deserves a name that captures its essence. The cells in our brain communicate with each other through a process called “neuronal firing. Calling it "Mindsparks" captures the uniquely vibrant neural pathways firing differently to others.
6. From moral defects to modern insights – A complex history of ADHD
Let’s delve into the captivating history of ADHD, marked by both fascination and misunderstanding. Over the years, a surge in diagnoses has led to misjudgments due to misconceptions surrounding the condition. I often hear questions like “Aren't we all, to some extent, on the spectrum?” I truly hope research can bring more clarity in years to come.
The earliest mention of ADHD in medical literature was in 1798 by physician Alexander Crichton, he documented children's fidgety and forgetful behavior.
In the early 1900s, British pediatrician Sir George Stil observed children who were INTELLIGENT but struggled to control their behavior, which he called“an ABNORMAL DEFECT of MORAL CONTROL in CHILDREN.”
ADHD has a fascinating history, but it has also been misunderstood and stigmatized causing lots of shame, damage, and trauma to individuals and relationships.
7. Navigating today's ADHD landscape
Almost a hundred years later research has thankfully changed this label and will keep refining it. Although it is now widely accepted that genetics may play a pivotal role, I believe that the overwhelm caused by childhood trauma, a lack of skills, and our modern lifestyle, greatly impact the triggering of genes.
According to a study published by PubMedCentral, Genetics of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, rare cases are linked to a single genetic defect that may lead to ADHD.
Research is still unclear on how many of these rare variants exist or if these variants are triggered by one’s environment for ADHD to emerge. They also agree that no common DNA variants are necessary to cause ADHD. Therefore, we can assume that a lot more research will be done to figure out how our brain is wired and supposed to fire.
8. Empowering lives: The importance of medication, lifestyle changes, dietary supplements, and social support
In the meantime finding the correct medication, dietary supplements, lifestyle – and dietary changes, and acquiring skills to manage the challenges of impaired executive functioning and compassion is important to help support children and adults whose brains spark differently. It is our own responsibility to take intentional action to look for resources and join initiatives like Action for Happiness to ensure we support and empower ourselves.
9. Are you ready to unleash your mindsparks
Embracing a mind that sparks differently is a journey that transforms lives, yours, and those around you. Ready to embark on your journey of self-discovery and empowerment? Learn more about how I can guide you toward embracing neurodivergence and unleashing your “Mindsparks” with proven tools and strategies.
10. A future of hope for mindsparks
While substantial progress has been made in understanding ADHD since the late 1700s, so much still remains unknown. I am happy to leave the researchers to unravel more in order to offer better insight and support. I am doing my bit to help create awareness and destigmatize ADHD with all its labels. The superpowers, like creativity, of the Mindsparks tribe are also well known. I would like to focus on developing those instead of focusing on what we cannot do, start here with your free copy of Ignite Your Soul and discover the five steps to live your life joyfully and get it all done.
It is a journey to transform your life, develop healthy habits, and connect in a joyful way. Grab your free copy of Ignite Your Soul for five easy steps to start your transformation today.
Disclaimer
Please note that the insights shared in this article are based on my personal experiences and opinions. They are not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis.
For more information, follow Ansa Lange on Facebook and Instagram and visit her website for more info!
Ansa Lange, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Ansa Lange is a life coach, parenting specialist, and trauma counselor. She is a pioneer in integrating her knowledge and personal experience of the last two decades. Ansa makes use of unique strategies to help others navigate life for positive personal growth, healing from trauma, and parenting with confidence. She helps others discover how positive change and connection create a meaningful life with a clear purpose, whether neurodivergent or neurotypical. She believes that any chaos can be turned into calm. “He who has a WHY to live for can bear almost any HOW.” Friedrich Nietzsche
