ADHD Success Stories
By Dr. Mary Rooney, Ph.D.
In my previous post, I talked about the importance of taking a step back to look at the big picture when your child is going through a difficult time with their ADHD. Too often, it can feel as though your child’s behavior, academic performance, or motivation in the present moment is something that defines how successful they will be as adults. In reality, they may just be going through a rough patch, and with your help and support, they will eventually come out the other side.
In the videos and podcasts below, from sources like the Harvard Business Review, Understood.org, the Attention Deficit Disorder Association, and the Child Mind Institute, successful adults with ADHD talk about the challenges they faced growing up, and how as adults they have learned to use some of their ADHD traits to their advantage. All of these adults struggled at times, particularly when they were kids or teens, but they persevered and ultimately achieved success. Listening to these stories allows children and teens with ADHD and their parents to hear firsthand that the difficult times do in fact pass, and success is possible in the long run.
Podcast: Succeeding with ADHD
A military pilot, an entrepreneur, and a business professor discuss the professional struggles and strengths that come from their ADHD.
Video: Race Car Driver Dusty Davis on Growing Up with ADHD
Hear Dusty’s story (and his parents’, too) on the challenges of growing up with ADHD, the techniques they used to help him succeed, and how his ADHD continues to influence his daily life as an adult.
Video: The Journey From a Student With Dyslexia and ADHD to a Special Education Teacher
Anya, a special education teacher who was identified with dyslexia and ADHD in elementary school, talks about the support she received as a child that allowed her to become a teacher and advocate for kids with ADHD and learning disorders today.
Video: Celebrity Chef with ADHD Wants to Inspire Others
Chef Jennifer Herrera describes growing up with ADHD and her road to becoming a celebrity chef.
Video: My Younger Self Campaign
As part of the #MyYoungerSelf campaign, many prominent people have made videos sharing their personal experiences about growing up with mental health and learning disorders. The actors, athletes, and authors listed below all talk about growing up with ADHD.
- Zoe Saldana
- Mark Ruffalo
- Michael Phelps
- Katherine Ellison
- Jessica McCabe
- Ty Pennington
- Michelle Carter
- Chloe Bennet
ABOUT DR. MARY ROONEY
Mary Rooney, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California San Francisco. Dr Rooney is a researcher and clinician specializing in the evaluation and treatment of ADHD and co-occurring behavioral, anxiety, and mood disorders. A strong advocate for those with attention and behavior problems, Dr. Rooney is committed to developing and providing comprehensive, cutting edge treatments tailored to meet the unique needs of each child and adolescent. Dr. Rooney's clinical interventions and research avenues emphasize working closely with parents and teachers to create supportive, structured home and school environments that enable children and adolescents to reach their full potential. In addition, Dr. Rooney serves as a consultant and ADHD expert to Huntington Learning Centers.
ABOUT HUNTINGTON
Huntington Learning Center is the tutoring and test prep leader. Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students of all levels succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Founded in 1977, Huntington's mission is to give every student the best education possible. Call us today at 1.800.CAN LEARN to discuss how Huntington can help your child. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com.
This website does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The material on this site is provided for educational purposes only.