In "I'm Not Like Other Children" Growing Up with ADHD with Rachael Harper", we uncover the early experiences that shaped Rachael's understanding of herself in a world that often didn't quite fit.
Join us as Rachael shares her poignant childhood revelation at just four years old, a moment when she instinctively knew, "I'm not like other children". This early awareness became the foundation of her journey with what would later be diagnosed as ADHD.
This episode explores:
Rachael's recollections of being a child who felt different even before her diagnosis at the age of 10 in 1998. A time when there wasn't a lot of information known about ADHD, and it was largely considered a "boys condition".
How her early presentation of ADHD, which she describes as more typical of a boy – being loud and disruptive – may have been a factor in her diagnosis at that time.
The challenges of navigating primary school as a child who felt different, including both nurturing teacher support and instances of misunderstanding and accusations of "inappropriate behaviour," such as hugging a play therapist.
The stark contrast of entering high school and naively sharing her ADHD diagnosis in year seven, which unfortunately led to bullying and being called names like "psycho" due to a lack of understanding from her peers.
Her resilience as a child, finding solace and a means of expression through writing poetry to cope with bullying.
Listen to Rachael's compelling firsthand account of growing up with undiagnosed and later diagnosed ADHD in a world that didn't always understand neurodivergence.
Gain a deeper appreciation for the early signs, the impact of limited awareness, and the personal journey of a child coming to terms with being different.
This episode offers valuable insights for anyone interested in understanding the childhood experiences of individuals with ADHD.
Share this post