Joel
Joel
Be happy and look at the bright side
Joel is a high school junior who plays smothering defense on the basketball court, helps care for younger kids in an after-school program, and adores animals. He also has attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
He understands that ADHD presents hurdles, but only ones that can be overcome.
The hardest thing about ADHD is the focusing part, but you can find a way to improve that. There are people who can help you.
His father, Paul, who adopted Joel as an infant, is one of his biggest supporters. Paul noticed the signs of ADHD in Joel right away, and eventually, Paul himself was diagnosed with ADHD.
Joel thinks that having a father with ADHD is a blessing. Together, they thrive.
We both understand that it’s hard for us, but we both know that we can do it, we can get past our ADHD.
My dad didn’t know until he had me, and I wouldn’t have known if he didn’t adopt me.
I would be stuck somewhere else, and I wouldn’t even know. I’d be struggling. I’m just grateful to have my dad.
Aside from the symptoms of ADHD, another hurdle that Joel and others with his condition contest with is the public’s lack of understanding about ADHD, which can lead to negative messaging.
According to Joel, this has been more of an issue with adults, not his peers.
I think adults need to learn a lot about it. These people who have disabilities are people too.
It’s not like they’re an alien from outer space. It’s just that they struggle harder than people without ADHD or other disabilities.
Joel, with the help of his father, himself, and others, manages his condition through a combination of medication, professional consultation, education, and working hard to focus on his strengths.
He also finds that simply doing things that make you happy—focusing on the positives of life instead of the difficulties that ADHD or anything else can present—is one of the best ways to care for yourself.
You have to get used to it. You have to deal with it. Be happy and look at the bright side. Do stuff that helps your emotions. Make yourself more happy.
Stuff that makes you happy can help you with difficult things.
One such source of happiness is his cat, Barnaby.
He’s very playful. He’s just a loving cat. He makes me and my dad happy.
I feel like that’s what a lot of people need in this world.
