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What would you change about your non-ADHD partner?
Subscriber Webinar: Listen to Picture perfect: Kelsey and son
a top entrepreneur explain how ADHD lead to his success in the digital issue: ADDitudeMag. com/digital
Kelsey MacLean, founder of the Kelsey MacLean apparel company In Their Words
RighT: Benjamin A. Peterson/mother image/fuse
I
ADDers sound off on family, work, and life
was diagnosed with dyslexia in 1979, just before entering first
grade. I was unable to read until I was 10, and my family was told I would “never be able to fill out a job application.” Not knowing what to do, they sent me to various schools, where I was labeled “lazy,” “stupid,” and “hyperactive.” For most of my life, I tried to hide my faults from everyone. In my mid-30s, I was diagnosed with severe ADHD, and things started to make sense. I saw the right doctors and educated myself about my conditions. It made a big difference. Never did I think I’d own my own business. After having my son, late in life, I was inspired to start a children’s clothing line. I have no training in design, so I hired someone to do that, had my product made in Peru, and embroidered the clothing with logos, such as the one for The Ritz Carlton, as well as those of golf and country clubs. I’ve learned a lot about myself as a woman entrepreneur with ADHD and dyslexia. My biggest strength is determination, the laser focus to accomplish my goals. My biggest weakness is disorganization. I am open with my friends and colleagues about my conditions. I don’t try to cover up my weaknesses any longer, and that has taken a big weight off my shoulders.
25% 35% 17%
Understand ADHD symptoms better
11%
Loosen up a little and enjoy the benefits of my sense of humor
5%
Forgive me when I forget something Don’t take my impulsive words personally
Don’t treat me like a child when I make a mistake
TIP Praise Pointers
Notice your child doing something positive; name what you have noticed and the value you see in it; nourish your kid with a hug or comment. For instance, “You have tried a few different ways to mix the color you want to create. I see you are very patient.”