Add My Voice

Chapter 1: The Conversation

Younger Adult:

“Did you know that adult people of your generation were not tested for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD )or Autism and that whenever they were, only males were tested? “

Older Adult:

“No, I didn’t know that. “

Younger Adult:

“Yes, so it’s quite possible that undiagnosed people are out there struggling in the world, doing their best to survive without knowing about the help available to overcome challenges.”

Older Adult

“Well, that would explain some cases of unhoused people living with the loneliness of life with no one because of sudden circumstances beyond control.”

Younger Adult:

“It would for some cases.”

Chapter 2: Attention Span is Fickle

Older Adult:

” I should ask you where you got your information to learn more about the topic, but as you know, the attention span is fickle. If someone says something that connects to other images and ideas, attention will follow the thought rather than focus on the speaker. Sometimes, when painting an oil painting, “attention” is super focused on the brush, paint, and surface while also expansive with ideas. “

Younger Adult:

“What? Did you think I was referring to you? I wasn’t, but it could apply. I don’t know, what do you think?”

Older Adult:

“My “attention,” says let’s follow that idea. Hmm. I’ve always been different.”

Chapter 3: Explain Yourself

Younger Adult

“You’ve been different my whole life.”

Older Adult:

“Unique, I know; I thought that too, honey; I attributed the unusual ideas and behavior to my life’s experiences.”

Younger Adult

“How so?”

Older Adult:

“Well, as a child, speaking a completely different language from all the other humans ( the faculty and students ) at the elementary school is one example. The unknown world to a child; guessing what’s being said- boosts imagination. In retrospect, it set up a pattern for an alternative way of thinking, problem-solving, and communicating.”

Chapter 4: Childhood

Older Adult:

“Then there’s moving and changing schools nine times from first grade to twelfth because the parents moved nine times. “

Younger Adult:

“It would add to the trauma.

Luckily, I did not have to experience that.”

Older Adult:

“People react differently to that kind of trauma. Some become outgoing, friendly individuals who meet and befriend others with ease. 

Some learn to prefer to work alone or in smaller groups like musicians, artists, scientists, and writers.”

Chapter 5: What Did We Learn

Younger Adult:

“I can see that.

I studied all courses in two languages while learning the languages in my elementary school from first grade through eighth.”

Older Adult:

“Yes, you did! Thanks to the progress of our educational system made by creative individuals, humans now endeavor to be more capable and knowledgeable.”

Younger Adult:

“And yet the homeless situation is still a problem.”

Older Adult:

“It is a problem that requires more people to attentively provide solutions than we currently have. “

Chapter 6: Self Reflect

Younger Adult:

“Oh, we can continue this chat another time. I have to go to teach my class.

Older Adult:

” And – It requires a specific personality type to focus on practicing and playing an instrument. Same with sports, too.:

Younger Adult:

“Okay, I’ll see you later tonight. Love you, bye.”

Older Adult:

“Love you, too, be safe!”

Chapter 7: Literal and Literally Paid Attention

Older Adult:

“People are paid to be attentive to tasks and customers when employed –  and free their minds and attention when not at work.

How do I share this thought to add to the discussion of undiagnosed conditions?

I can write out a sketch.-Completed. I can put conversation bubbles and add stick figures to slides. -Completed and Erased. Or, I can put the entire text in the text editor, correct the grammar, and publish it on the website. -In Progress. Yes, I think I’ll do it this way.”