Previous Event: Optimize & Take Charge of Your ADHD

As seen in the Chicago Daily Herald 9/5/2019

District 214 Community Education Section

Getting organized can be a challenge for many people and those with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD face additional challenges when it comes to organizing.

District 214 Community Education offered a one-day class to help people with ADHD organize, optimize and take charge of their ADHD. It was held on Wednesday, Sept. 11 from 7 to 9 p.m. at John Hersey High School, 1900 E. Thomas St. in Arlington Heights, in Room 101.

Cheryl Susman, an ADHD coach, explored what makes organizing so difficult for people with ADHD. Those with ADHD or those living with kids or a spouse with ADHD were encouraged to attend the program and learn ways to reduce stress, increase confidence and become organized.

Susman said often times people with ADHD think, "How am I ever going to get this done?" and feel overwhelmed with the task that lies ahead. Susman said sometimes they have a harsh internal dialogue and start to criticize themselves.

In her program, Susman said they looked at what internally is getting in their way of starting the organizational process. Then, they explored strategies and structures they can put into place to organize more efficiently.

"People with ADHD live with a lot of emotional intensity that can get in their way of organizing," said Susman. After they explored how to get prepared mentally before starting the process, she discussed specific strategies of organization that would be helpful with someone with ADHD.

"It's a great way for people to see they are not the only ones struggling or that have these issues," said Susman. "It's really normalizing for people to see that other people have these issues."

Susman said she created the program to help community members living with the challenges associated with ADHD. Sometimes parents with ADHD have children with ADHD and there are organizing hacks that address families that have children with ADHD.

"It's highly genetic," said Susman, about ADHD. She said people are not defined by their ADHD. "It's not a curse. There are many strengths that people with ADHD have."

Susman specializes in ADHD parent coaching, ADHD adult coaching and ADHD emerging adult coaching. She has three children with similar challenges and her own personal experiences and challenges inspired her to become an ADHD coach.