Growing up in the 70s, no one was diagnosed with ADD or ADHD. Instead we were labeled disruptive, excitable, loud, and annoying. Teachers complained that we shouted out in class and couldn’t sit still. Our parents called us moody and useless. We probably had something more like ADLBD (Attention Deficit Lazy Butt Disorder). Now, the spectrum for ADD includes adults. Here are the 4 signs I may have Adult Attention Deficit Disorder (AADD). You be the judge.
#1 Difficulty Getting Organized
If clutter on your desk is an indication of being disorganized, I’m guilty as charged. At this point, it’s necessary to push aside desk debris in order to reach the keyboard. I may have AADD.
STUFF ON MY DESK
· A corporate office-sized three holed punch
· 5 zip drives
· Blogging For Dummies
· WordPress For Dummies
· Four pairs of reading glasses ranging from 1.25 to 1.75
· Hand sanitizer
· Russian Nesting doll of Mikhail Gorbachev with mini vodka
#2 Reckless Driving and Traffic Accidents
I considered myself a decent driver until I took a closer look at my past driving record. I have totaled two cars but in my defense one was caused by ice on the road in the Midwest, unpreventable, and the other due to momnesia. I may have even sideswiped a car in a parking lot, torn down a garage door, and "gently nudged" my husband's car, but who's counting? I may have AADD.
#3 Extreme Distractibility/Poor Listening Skills
A phone call or email can sideline me from a task. As I prepared dinner, the doorbell rang. On the way to the front door, I answered the phone, changed the channel on the TV, opened mail, and ran a load of laundry. I spied the FedEx guy jumping into this truck, “Did you ring the door?” “Squirrel!” I may have AADD.
#4 You’re a Thrill Seeker
I chopped vegetables using the sharpest knives, all without the help of a cutting board. I've schlepped seven loud teenagers in my car, two kids double buckled. I’ve mastered drinking and driving with hot Starbuck’s coffee. I've sat in the passenger seat with a 15-year-old driver without screaming every time he hit a curb and/or trashcans on his way out of our cul-du-sac. I may have AADD.
Final Verdict: Yes, I have AADD.
Stacey Gustafson has a humor column called “Are You Kidding Me?” based on her suburban family and everyday life. Her stories have appeared in Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Magic of Mothers and Daughters and Not Your Mother’s Book…On Being a Woman and On Travel. Check out her blog www.staceygustafson.com and Twitter at staceygustafson.com@mepaint.
Do you think you have AADD? Leave me a comment.
