John Scrivin’s Response to His Vancouver Sun Adult ADHD Article

I received this from John Scrivin, its his response the the Vancouver Sun article that profiled him and Adult ADHD, I’m posting it in full. My apologies for misspelling your name before John.

The Article is now in 2 place on the Vancouver Sun’s website, different headlines but same article, both with many comments. Some denying ADHD exists or minimizing it’s impact and some real stories from people with ADHD, quite moving ones.

I guess John’s courage to tell his story inspired other adults with ADHD to do the same. More of those and maybe the BC politicians might take Adult ADHD, currently NONE of the BC political parties mention ADHD in their platform. Looks like they’re going to ignore the BC medical Association’s 8 ADHD policy recommendation’s unless enough ADDers convince em otherwise. I’d encourage everyone to read both of them.

B.C. lacks resources to treat, diagnose adults with ADHD

Man turns life around after ADHD diagnosis at age 55

Here’s John Scrivin’s response.

In response to the article in the Vancouver Sun, April 13 profiling my ADD issues, I would like to add the following.

I felt it was a bit unfortunate for the comments on ADDers being accident prone and the fact that I am a professional bus driver and have been for the last thirty some odd years. Several issues need to be brought up here. First, the medications ADDers take should

Several issues need to be brought up here. First, the medications ADDers take should to be very carefully chosen by the prescribing doctor. In my case, several medications were selected and tested out separately on minimal strengths until the best was selected. Each test took about six to eight weeks. After the best (for me) was chosen, the strength was increased to the appropriate level. In my case, they needed to provide focus and not easily and negate distraction when performing the task at hand.

First, the medications ADDers take should to be very carefully chosen by the prescribing doctor. In my case, several medications were selected and tested out separately on minimal strengths until the best was selected. Each test took about six to eight weeks. After the best (for me) was chosen, the strength was increased to the appropriate level. In my case, they needed to provide focus and not easily and negate distraction when performing the task at hand.

After the best (for me) was chosen, the strength was increased to the appropriate level. In my case, they needed to provide focus and not easily and negate distraction when performing the task at hand. However there was also a need not to hyperfocus either. A delicate balance.

I would suggest also that the selection of appropriate medications or other therapeutic interventions is critical for all ADDers. I have heard too often that ‘my meds don’t work’ or ‘I can’t handle the side effects’. Perhaps these are indications that the therapies need to be revisited and/or reassessed as to the validity for that particular ADDer.

What is true for all people, especially ADDers is to be in the right environment, occupationally, romantically and one’s other associations. We do not fit well in boxes designed by others and therefore often exhibit the well-known characteristics of the stereo-type ADDer that the world seems to know.

What is so missing are demonstrations of the positives of ADD. There are thousands of ADDers who have done wonderful things not in spite of their ADD, BUT BECAUSE OF IT.

Many entrepreneurs are ADDers who have followed their passion. Perhaps Leonardo da Vinci was the most prolific of all. Steve Jobs is another and I could go on and on. Perhaps we cannot totally emulate these high profile ADDers, but when our environments are right for us, we can soar.

ADD is a gift One really needs to enjoy what we do and who we associate with on a day to basis. What are the results? We are infinitely happier. ‘Anger Management courses’ are not required.

Our senses of humour are even sharper, others enjoy our company much more and unkind comments either by ourselves or others are minimal. We need not rely on illicit drugs or alcohol to make the world go away. We need not to be aggressive in a negative way.

Our physical health improves. Our job satisfaction and performance soars and our relationships are joyful. Need I go on? I remember many years ago an advertisement in a national magazine from an employer who said, “Send me someone who reads.”

I look forward to the day when the statement will be “Send me an ADDer.