ADHD: Documentary, Book (coming 2021)

I was diagnosed with ADHD by a doctor when I was eleven but there were signs earlier than that. I was dyslexic and took ESL classes, sometimes I’d forget to wear shoes to school, I was hyperactive and always in trouble for being disruptive, all my teachers said I was smart but I didn't “apply” myself. 

As an adult I always found myself getting great jobs because I was creative and laser focused on getting in the door but once I got into those positions I was often in trouble with my boss for not executing or following through. My procrastination was debilitating, I’ve pulled way more all nighters than a normal person should. It wasn’t until last year that I was diagnosed again as an adult and started to think about what that means and how it impacted my life both good and bad.

When I started the deep dive into understanding my ADHD, I found that most of the materials did not resonate with me. Films or shows were outdated, newsy or boring. Books were either too long or too academic and I couldn’t get through them. For something that impacts more than 10 million adults in the US alone, there should be better resources out there that people like me can absorb and can be entertained by. I also found little that portrayed ADD in the way my brain experiences it so I got the crazy idea to write a book and make a film at the same time because I always take on more than I can handle.

As I've been brainstorming for the film, the notes I’ve been taking feel like they could be molded into some kind of book or ADD user manual. Something that's short and punchy, easy to read, with lots of visual components that helps convey concepts and feelings through photographs, drawings, paintings, and memes. I also want short stories and anecdotes written by people all over the ADHD spectrum most importantly people of color and minorities who are severely underrepresented in the community. There will be simple tools to help people manage their ADHD and formatted in a way so you can jump in and out in any place of the book for it to work and make sense. Well, if I can stay focused, that's the plan anyway.