My own ADHD story started before I was 10, but I was not officially diagnosed until my 50’s. When I was finally diagnosed, I was upset, depressed, relieved and comforted. I understood why I had done so many things and made the choices I made up to that point in my life.

I always knew there was something different about me. As a child I was described as high-strung, over-sensitive, bold, dramatic, and independent. At age 9, I started dancing, swimming, and playing the piano. In eighth grade I created cheer routines and was captain of the cheerleading squad. That year I also failed my silent reading test—that got my mother’s attention! How strange that I could spell, write and speak, yet failed at reading comprehension. Here lies the first clue to my future struggles with college exams, math problems, and remembering sequences of steps in dance combinations. (I never understood why I couldn’t do these things that others seemed to achieve with such ease!)

Fast forward to my teaching career when I discovered that my learning style is kinesthetic/visual—I learn best by moving; it helps me to think, process information, and teach. After earning my MA in Dance & Dance Education, I started teaching Aerobics, Jazz, Stretch & Strength classes to adults who worked 9-5 in NYC and who did not fit the stereotypical images of the early 80’s.

In addition, I began training professional women, 1:1, in their homes. (personal training before it officially existed!) At that time, I realized my own strength in working 1:1 with individuals. I developed a relationship with my clients in which they trusted me to improve their health and fitness, and I kept their confidentiality.

In 1999 I started coaching from my home so I could be a ‘stay-at-home’ mom. After a few years, I realized that teaching exercise classes was an outlet for my physical energy; it was stimulating & sociable—and I was able to focus on tasks for several hours afterwards without distraction. I started teaching classes for older adults: “Fabulous 50’s”.

I also added exercise as a family activity. As a parent, I added short exercise breaks into homework time. Still, I needed to know more for my own family because we definitely learned differently! This led me to ADDCA (ADD Coach Academy). I soon became an ADDCA Associate Coach, AAC; specially trained for ADHD coaching.

As a result of my own awakening and efforts to help my family, I now coach clients with ADHD and ASD, incorporating movement, both mentally and physically, as partial treatment for the symptoms of ADHD. Having been diagnosed late in life, I encourage others to find out more about themselves, especially if they are wondering if they have ADHD, and might identify with many of the symptoms which characterize ADHD.