I need some advice about self educating myself.

I am quiet confident that I am ADHD and OCD and I really have a hard time staying focused as my mind wonders off or gets stuck on a subject while I am trying to read something or even when talking to someone.

As a result of this it takes me forever to read something as well as I seem to have trouble comprehending or grasping some things. I have to read really slowly and read every word usually several times over to really understand what I am reading. As an example, in an averaged size page or book, it takes me about an hour to read three pages. It's insanity. In conversation with someone, my mind will get stuck on a subject and while the other person is continuing the conversation, I am still thinking on the one subject and when I "snap out of it" I have no idea what they are talking about. I don't know if people can see this on my face or not when this happens but no one has ever mentioned it.

This happened to me in school a lot and happens all of the time even when I really try and concentrate and pay attention. It happened at the convention as well. It happens during phone conversations. I am also very repetitive in conversation.

I have been trying to read some on economics, which is really confusing to me right now and is going to take me a long time. I have trouble retaining information as well.

I took a note pad with me to the convention so as to take notes but, as was the case in school, it does me no good. I can't right fast enough to keep up and if I just jot down basics then, when I go to look at my notes I have no clue what I am looking at.

I am hoping that there is a simple solution, or some kind of solution, besides a bullet, for this problem. I would really like to be able to understand things better and read faster but I don't like the idea of skimming. Any suggestions you might have?

When you are listening to a speaker (like at a convention) try issuing a digital recorder. They are small enough to fit in your pocket.

Many times, professional speakers will prohibit recording because they don't want it re-sold. However, you "should" be able to get permission for personal use as a reasonable accommodation for a disability. (My daughter had this accommodation for school) If not, like I said - it can fit in your front shirt pocket. Sit up front.

Then you can replay it as many times as you want.

Of course, that should be "try using"

What you're describing is something I have noticed in very intelligent people also. Their minds are always analyzing things that are coming in (inputs) as well as other things happening around them and also options regarding all this. Processing it all leads to overlap and shifts of attention.

Here's a possible way to work around this , in my opinion.

Create a list system, or bullet points type system to organize and process the info. Go out and buy spiral notebooks. Get at least 20. No BS. At least 20.

One is for general incoming info. Use a separate page or pages for each subject. (House, ideas for improvements, remodeling ideas, contractors to use, etc. Also general stuff --vehicle, to do list, clothes, other people, meetings, tools,bills to pay, incoming money, and so on.

Figure on using at least one general book each month.

Each day,or more often (at lunch, after dinner, in the morning,etc) transfer the main points of each different thing into a separate book in a bullet point format, highlighting only the main points.

This will organize your thoughts and to do's onto books that you can prioritize as needed. There's no need to get detailed in each book because doing that will throw your mind into overdrive. Just do an outline in bullet points and when you look later the details will fill themselves in (as well as more stuff).

But at least there will be some organization which will allow you to prioritize things. One of the problems I see with people like you describe is their mind does not prioritize things and thus everything has the same priority or "value" and thus becomes jumbled.

Doing it like this allows your mind to work on fewer things at a time and gives more order.

If things move too fast, like when you're driving a car and can't write the ideas/things down as fast as you need, I think those small voice recorders are a good deal because you can drive and just speak into them as needed.

It might tke a month or two to get the dicipline to do this. Just don;t take 5 or 10 books with you everywhere. Use the main book and transfer the different stuff to the appropriate secondary book later.

First thing you know, you'll have LOTS of secondary books in your office area. At the beginning of the day. update as necessary, sort them into what you decide to work on that day and only take those books with you,

keboard no working well so I will do #he bes# I can. Is English second language for u? If so u are processing language on #he righ# side of ur brain which is veree hard #o con#roll. If English is no# 2nd language u could be a bi# deaf on ur lef# or righ# side. Are u lef# handed? We are cross wired so lef# side of brain, logical side is con#rolled bi righ# side of bodie and are righ# hand dominan#. Primaree language cen#er for na#ive speaker is on lef# logical side so easier #o unders#and.

Whenever I wondered whether it was worth it or right to medicate my youngest son, I would look at two coloring book pictures he did - I kept them side by side in a notebook.

On one, it was like a two-year old did it (he was 7 or 8.) All scribbles and scrabbles. Then we gave him Ritalin. After it took effect, he colored another picture. Perfectly done.

Believe me we didn't medicate him because we wanted perfect pictures. But because HE was so discouraged by the scribble scrabbles.

Meds made a huge difference to him. He did eventually give them up but sometimes wishes he hadn't.

Whenever I wondered whether it was worth it or right to medicate my youngest son, I would look at two coloring book pictures he did - I kept them side by side in a notebook.

On one, it was like a two-year old did it (he was 7 or 8.) All scribbles and scrabbles. Then we gave him Ritalin. After it took effect, he colored another picture. Perfectly done.

Believe me we didn't medicate him because we wanted perfect pictures. But because HE was so discouraged by the scribble scrabbles.

Meds made a huge difference to him. He did eventually give them up but sometimes wishes he hadn't.

Thank you all for the ideas, please keep them coming.

Richard, although I do not consider myself intelligent by any means, I think you sort of hit on something. I am constantly thinking of everything and anything and it even causes me not to be able to sleep sometimes. And as you mention, things happening around me grab my attention even if I am in conversation.

What do you mean by outline in bullet points?

Still Learning, I have wondered the same about audio books. I accidentally discovered that there is an audible reader, or whatever it is called, that I can use on the computer to read to me what is on the screen. When I tried it, it seemed no different then listening to a speaker in class and, although it was faster at reading then me, I still had to pause too many times but it did help a little. One problem with it is that it read every punctuation and symbol but I would imagine that an audible book would be different. When I watch videos I have to pause them as well but I am trying to learn a new subject or learn it better(is that proper English?).

I am apposed to medication as I know that all medication has side effects. It took me forever, like months, to read through a psychiatry college text book which tells about medications and that all have side effects and it even gives some examples for each case. This is were I self diagnosed myself. There were many diagnosis's but I will keep some to myself. Grins....

AllyM, English is my only language, well, maybe some French on occasion, but I could do better at it. There are definitely moments when I have to wonder if some parts of my brain are working correctly. I am unsure about diagnosing myself with autism but I ultimately don't think so. I would have to go back and look at the book again.

Larry and WMH, I appreciate your input and I do believe that they may help but I just don't like the idea of taking medications of any kind. Even the ones that are generally considered safe have side effects. And then you end up getting treated for those symptoms and the next thing you know you are taking 20 pills a day or more and still falling apart.

6 x 6 where does the French come from? Also do not expect to remember everything u read. I# goes in and s#ays there for when you need it. Since I am psichic I get a lot of thoughts coming in as I try to sleep sometimes. Sometimes there are faces looking a# me. #hose are dead people. U can'# expec# #o remember everee word from a conven#ion. Jus# #rus# i's in #here and i# will show up when u need i#.

6 x 6 where does the French come from? Also do not expect to remember everything u read. I# goes in and s#ays there for when you need it. Since I am psichic I get a lot of thoughts coming in as I try to sleep sometimes. Sometimes there are faces looking a# me. #hose are dead people. U can'# expec# #o remember everee word from a conven#ion. Jus# #rus# i's in #here and i# will show up when u need i#.

As a licensed contractor of 6 "trades" and having other professional credentials, it is my responsibility to keep up with new codes, building techniques and laws. This involves lots of reading. I also get magazines put out by the trades and need to read constantly.

So I've learned a few tricks along the way. I will read an article from start to finish and circle any "word" or "term" I don't know, understand or comprehend. Then I will make up a master Cheat Sheet with the definitions of those words. Then I will re-read the article and refer to my cheat sheet. The second time is the charm. Now I "Know" what I didn't "know" before AND can study it, make notes and then "STOP"!

Then the next day or hours later I will read the article a third time, understanding everything.

I tried this method with a tenant of mine, a college professor and chair of the philosophy department. He has written several books. In his latest book there were some pages I understood, written in English. And other pages I didn't understand over 50% or the print. Even though the professor is Japanese, I though that maybe this page was written in Japanese and that was my problem, but it wasn't. I didn't think like a philosopher nor like a 30 year college professor. So no matter how many times I'd read that page and tried to understand things I was still left with not understanding the meaning, the words I got. So I asked my tenant if he wanted to me ship his next rent raise and explain some things about his book. Over 30 minutes on one page of the book and he explained everything.... I asked his wife, who has a master's in philosophy is she got it... She said, nope! It was just one of those pages put in his book for students going for their PhD's to ponder....and not understand...So don't feel bad....No one will get everything or subject.. I didn't...

6, try going television free for 30 days and see if that helps. Getting aclamated to quiet is a foundation piece of controlling your thought life.

6x6,

Bullit points are like this:

* Address of property

*Repairs needed

*Roof - shingles or metal

*roof size

* One story or two.

* Exterior Walls:

* Siding type / color

* Square feet

and so on.

It's an abbreviated way to keep topics and ideas somewhat organized without needing page after page of random info that has to be reread and sorted.

Thank you all for the replies.

AllyM, I am right handed.

Ray, CDO? I remember someone mentioning that on here before but I don't remember what it was.

Robert J, I will have to try that.

Sisco, I actually don't watch much TV at all but I do watch some news to mainly catch the weather.

I read your post and then went and sat in the pool to let it simmer.

By all objective metrics anyone would say you are a success. Everything single step you have done in live has brought you right to where you are today.

In life there are only 2 things - NEEDS and WANTS - you may want to study books but do you NEED to do so.

Have you seen the Grand Canyon from the top ...and bottom? Have you done scuba on glorious reefs? Have you skied all the greatest mountains? Have you been to the top of the Toronto Space needle, Willis ( old Sears ) tower or Empire State Building? Have you see the Buffalo roam in Yellowstone or the Dakotas.....etc etc. Have you built a ship in a bottle? A Maribe Biologist scientist I know travels the earth to be in the perfect spot for a 100% solar eclipse - that's his hobby. I say....If you have seen 1 you have seen them all. Each to his own.

You are obviously a person that learns things visually not through conversation or books. To date you have become wildly successful in your endeavors . Stop beating yourself up. Your perfect just the way you are.

Go out and venture the world - Those specific visual experiences will be with you forever and I am sure better conversation than "supply side economic theory"

there is an old saying that goes something like this.....accept the things you cannot change and change the things you can and hope for the wisdom to know the difference

nhsailmaker, thank you for your reply a kind words.

That must be a heated pool.

I haven't really seen much of anything other then from the cab of a truck once, I saw the golden arches from the interstate. I have always felt the need to save money as that was my way out.

I am a visual and hands on learner for sure. I have never been good with books and that made it tough in school.

I watched my cousin start college and it got me thinking and feeling like that I was always watching people pass me up in life and that I was so far behind everyone else. I decided to go to a local book store where they had a free book bin outside where they put books they could not sell. A lot of the books were college text books, they were older ones though, but it didn't matter to me. I don't remember most of it but bits and pieces. It was a tough read starting out but got easier as I went. I certainly don't regret it as I learned how to read better and I believe write better. It also made me realize that I had a lot of mis-perceptions about things and I believe it helped me mature a little as well, I hope. It has actually gotten me to were I wan't to read more but I need to improve the process. It has been so many years without "seeing the world" that I am used to it and it doesn't interest me. My hope is to get more educated and hopefully mature more as I feel I need it.

I discussed this with my wife last night. She has been teaching special education in elementary school for 20+ years. She said that your description of yourself is a classic definition of ADHD. She strongly suggests that you talk to your doctor about this, and get on some medications. I saw your post above about concerns for side effects. While I cannot speak to side effects of ADHD medications, I have the same philosophy. I do not take meds unless I feel I have no other options. But from what you describe, this has been a lifelong impediment to performing your best. Imagine how much more productive you could be if you could read a tax book or landlording guide 5 or 10x faster, and probably comprehend it better. Your life could literally be changed. You should give it some consideration. At least talk to your doctor about it. Maybe the Dr will have alternative treatments. Or could help you to not feel as apprehensive. As mentioned above, if you can stop the meds at any time, then you monitor the side effects and decide if the cost is worth the benefit.

It sounds like this is really impacting your life, and posting this here is a good first step. But it cannot take the place of sound medical advice. None of us here is as qualified as a Dr to give you counsel. I think - I am not aware of any doctors on the board.

Good luck. This could be a huge step for you.

Hi 6x. I too have had to battle with ADD/ADHD throughout my life. Perhaps not as bad as what you have described, but incredibly frustrating at times nonetheless.

I have not personally tried meditation and don't know if it could help to clear your mind before you tackle a book, etc. But perhaps it would be worth a try.

I also believe that medication worth experimenting with. After you try it, you would really be able to have a much better idea of whether or not you get more benefit from using it than not, considering any possible side effects.

And just remember you are not alone. Many of the most successful business people in the world have claimed to have learning disabilities and struggled in school. So just consider this whenever you may doubt yourself and your intelligence.

I hate the fact that I often have to read something multiple times to comprehend as my mind wanders, but most of the folks I know personally would trade places with me to have the financial success I have had. Some of my success is probably because of that struggle with ADD.

Thank you Martin and your wife for the suggestions and thank you for the description of how the special ed works. I have never been told how it works before.

There used to be a major stigma about a person who needed meds to cope with whatever was going on chemically in their body and brain. Thank heaven that has changed. I have a close family member who spent most of her first 30 years dealing with debilitating anxiety. When she in desperation sought medical help, it's exactly what she got! With some counseling and meds, she quickly became confident, calm, and able to plan ahead.

When it came to meds for my son, we thought of it like glasses. Would we withhold glasses and force him to focus on his own? Would we withhold diabetes meds if necessary?

Of course not. The ADD meds were equally necessary for him to lead a normal life and be happier with himself.

Thank you Wilma and Still Learning.

Still Learning,

funny you should mention that. I do notice a big difference in my concentration when I get enough sleep. In fact, I have toyed around with it and discovered that I need around 9 hours of sleep to function best. I also keep to myself a lot to keep the distractions down. I read out loud to my self as well and to my dog when she was around. If I did this then it helped me remember and take it all in better. I have to do that off to myself as well or people think I'm crazy, might be a little late for that, LOL.

I actually changed my diet several years ago. I now eat beans, cornmeal, nuts, fruit, berries, seeds, vegetables and very little processed foods and very little meat. In fact, I changed my diet 180 degrees and religion and stopped smoking all at once. It drove my wife crazy. I guess I'm an extremist? And I stay away from the doctors and meds as much as I can.

6, I heard an interview with LeBron James where he said he gets 9 or 10 hours of sleep each night, and removes anything with light or anything distracting from his bedroom. Based on results, getting enough sleep works out well for him.

I get much more done when I take my metadate.

My family thinks it is funny that I have an AS in Architectural Engineering but can’t count or do arithmetic in my head. (I skip and repeat numbers.) I think it is the ADD.

Don’t expect getting an Rx for ADD drugs to be easy. Many states have passed new laws tightening regulations significantly.. I have an annual drug test, and I have to sign a contract. I have to call the Dr. office for every refill. Until my last refill it could only be for 30 days. I also used to have to pick up the paper Rx at Dr. but now they can call it in.

Thank you Nellie.

Nellie, my OCD actually causes me to be a neat freak. I have to have things in a certain place and order. I am the one that cleans my house. Somebody shoot me.