I have first read about ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) in late 1990s or was it early 2000 through a Reader’s Digest magazine. It was my first encounter for such medical diagnosis.
It was nothing to me then. Until I had Nat.
One in nine children nowadays has ADHD. Let that sink in. Worldwide, there are 366 million people with ADHD.
During our Psychological evaluation, our Psychometrician mention on the result that Nat is showing ADHD symptoms. He cannot sit still for even 30 seconds.
I knew this when he was 4 years old. His movements were different. I knew in my heart that his ways are not that of a typical child. I just don’t have the formal and final diagnosis from a professional to give it a name.
Words that would be used to these kinds: LANGAS, DI MAKAPUYO, WALAY FOCUS (sa butang nga dili sila interesado), SHORT ATTENTION SPAN, KARAW.
Why am I sharing this? For many they might think I’m shaming Nat. It is never my intention.
In fact, I’d rather that I will share it, talk about it so we are aware, we will respond with compassion than judgement. Being in denial will never help, and doing so will deprive our children of interventions and help from institutions that will assist so they can live the best life ahead of them, given their conditions.
ADHD has different level/spectrum and severity. Nat still needs further tests to really confirm it since he is showing the symptoms.
Is ADHD a death sentence to a child? My answer is NO!
In fact, many people have conquered and managed their condition in order to live successfully.
Steven Bartlett – is a British podcaster, with 38M followers was diagnosed at 30
Paris Hilton – admitted to being traumatized after being placed in a boarding school, came up with a song “ADHD” because of her experience and use her condition as her superpower to never stop creating businesses.
Elon Musk, Bill Gates, Richard Branson, Adam Levine, Michael Phelps, Simone Biles, Terry Bradshaw, Emma Watson, Greta Gerwig, Will Smith, Jim Carrey, Channing Tatum and Justin Timberlake admitted to belong to neurodivergents, admitted to mostly being diagnosed with the condition.
May KNOWING make us more understanding.
ADHD brains are genuinely wired differently. It is real and it is neurological.
ADHD can be a child’s weakness, or it can be his superpower.
October 2026 marks ADHD Awareness Month worldwide. May we become more understanding, patient, and compassionate parents as we learn more about ADHD. Now that we know better, may we do better in understanding, supporting, and raising our children with love and acceptance.
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