I haven't officially tried XP on the job; our management remains unenlightened. However I HAVE managed to sneak in some XP/Agile opportunities, with very good results, personally.
I'm ADD and your story is a parallel to mine. Except, I work in a big IS shop for a retail grocery chain. 17 years there and all of it in fear that they'd find out that I'm a screw-up.
The most recent XP situation actually involved Requirements/Analysis under pressure. I enjoyed the experience and it really pulled our butts out of the fire. I felt envigorated and that I was actually accomplishing something. It also served to remind me that I'm not an idiot. The other person, a more seasoned, Senior Analyst, actually called me a genius. That meant a lot.
I'm convinced that XP and the Agile methodologies, are the way to go for me.
A small, rag-tag band of "Agile Agitators" are trying to work more of this in as we find the opportunities. Biding our time...
I'm a 38yo Systems Analyst and was diagnosed about 2 years ago. ADD without Hyperactivity. Primary Inattentive Type. Creative, ingenious, innovative, disorganized, highly distracted, no sense of time scale.
Working in groups hasn't been a problem, though I have 'disclosed' the ADD to select team members. The jury is still out on this though, especially on whether you tell your boss or not. I told mine, but I'm not sure it was the best move. Stigma is a crazy thing.
My work situation has changed; mainly in that I'm trying not to rely on the old tricks and cover-ups, and I'm trying to apply some of that easy-to-spout advice that is in no short supply. Right now, it's tough, but I feel more successful. I'm trying to steer myself into work tasks that fit my strengths. It's still touch and go.
I haven't tried any supplements or natural treatments. I just haven't had time to read up on any supporting evidence.
Advice:
1) Keep your skeptic's hat on when reading ads, 'professional' journals, books touting solutions, and anything else ADD-related in the media. Research their sources and funding. There's a ton of money being spent by pharmaceutical companies, people with axes to grind, and well-meaning people. No, I'm not suggesting ADD is bunk; it is very real. You just have to sift through a lot of noise to find credible, helpful information.
2) As another poster suggested: if you're not self-employed, read up on FMLA to protect your legal rights in the workplace.
3) If things are continually tough with organizing, lack of focus, hyper-focus, and such, then consider hiring a Coach. It's hard to find a good match and they can be expensive; but the good ones are worth it. Someone who's really good at teaching organization skills is not necessarily a good ADD coach.
________________________________________________
Recommended Web Sites:
_ADDitude Magazine_
http://www.additudemag.com/
-- A relatively new magazine, good balance between Adults / Kids info. Some of their stuff is right on target. Other articles are too dumb'ed down. Still, the subscription is worth the price.
_Attention Deficit Disorder Association_
http://add.org/
"...disorder association? Huh?" A great site with lots of info.
_C.H.A.D.D. - Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder_
http://www.chadd.org/
Another reputable organization and advocacy group. The focus is still more toward children and parents-of. Adult info seems to be growing.
_My 2 cents worth_
It's definitely a real condition; but you already knew that. I remember the first time I took my Rx of Adderall; it was like "Flowers for Algernon"... My mind's gyroscope kicked in and I was finally able to listen to conversation without my mind spinning off in a different direction every other word. I can read a paragraph just once now, rather than 20 times while zoned.
The beneficial effects, as the story goes, didn't last. The "normal" pills lasted about a week gradually fading, until I was back in "everywhere". A modification (up) in my Rx has been beneficial, but its still only about 50% better than none at all.
Good luck!
I'm ADD. 38 years old. Had it all my life, but only recently diagnosed. Taking Adderall. Research is happening at a fantastic pace. Keep yourself and your daughter informed.
Slashdot Mirror
I haven't officially tried XP on the job; our management remains unenlightened. However I HAVE managed to sneak in some XP/Agile opportunities, with very good results, personally.
I'm ADD and your story is a parallel to mine. Except, I work in a big IS shop for a retail grocery chain. 17 years there and all of it in fear that they'd find out that I'm a screw-up.
The most recent XP situation actually involved Requirements/Analysis under pressure. I enjoyed the experience and it really pulled our butts out of the fire. I felt envigorated and that I was actually accomplishing something. It also served to remind me that I'm not an idiot. The other person, a more seasoned, Senior Analyst, actually called me a genius. That meant a lot.
I'm convinced that XP and the Agile methodologies, are the way to go for me.
A small, rag-tag band of "Agile Agitators" are trying to work more of this in as we find the opportunities. Biding our time...
Patisserie
I'm a 38yo Systems Analyst and was diagnosed about 2 years ago. ADD without Hyperactivity. Primary Inattentive Type. Creative, ingenious, innovative, disorganized, highly distracted, no sense of time scale. Working in groups hasn't been a problem, though I have 'disclosed' the ADD to select team members. The jury is still out on this though, especially on whether you tell your boss or not. I told mine, but I'm not sure it was the best move. Stigma is a crazy thing. My work situation has changed; mainly in that I'm trying not to rely on the old tricks and cover-ups, and I'm trying to apply some of that easy-to-spout advice that is in no short supply. Right now, it's tough, but I feel more successful. I'm trying to steer myself into work tasks that fit my strengths. It's still touch and go. I haven't tried any supplements or natural treatments. I just haven't had time to read up on any supporting evidence. Advice: 1) Keep your skeptic's hat on when reading ads, 'professional' journals, books touting solutions, and anything else ADD-related in the media. Research their sources and funding. There's a ton of money being spent by pharmaceutical companies, people with axes to grind, and well-meaning people. No, I'm not suggesting ADD is bunk; it is very real. You just have to sift through a lot of noise to find credible, helpful information. 2) As another poster suggested: if you're not self-employed, read up on FMLA to protect your legal rights in the workplace. 3) If things are continually tough with organizing, lack of focus, hyper-focus, and such, then consider hiring a Coach. It's hard to find a good match and they can be expensive; but the good ones are worth it. Someone who's really good at teaching organization skills is not necessarily a good ADD coach. ________________________________________________ Recommended Web Sites: _ADDitude Magazine_ http://www.additudemag.com/ -- A relatively new magazine, good balance between Adults / Kids info. Some of their stuff is right on target. Other articles are too dumb'ed down. Still, the subscription is worth the price. _Attention Deficit Disorder Association_ http://add.org/ "...disorder association? Huh?" A great site with lots of info. _C.H.A.D.D. - Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder_ http://www.chadd.org/ Another reputable organization and advocacy group. The focus is still more toward children and parents-of. Adult info seems to be growing. _My 2 cents worth_ It's definitely a real condition; but you already knew that. I remember the first time I took my Rx of Adderall; it was like "Flowers for Algernon"... My mind's gyroscope kicked in and I was finally able to listen to conversation without my mind spinning off in a different direction every other word. I can read a paragraph just once now, rather than 20 times while zoned. The beneficial effects, as the story goes, didn't last. The "normal" pills lasted about a week gradually fading, until I was back in "everywhere". A modification (up) in my Rx has been beneficial, but its still only about 50% better than none at all. Good luck!
C.H.A.D.D.
ADD.org
Good Luck! --Patrick