I am sorry to disagree with you two on this. I was diagnosed with ADD, but as an adult back in the early 1990’s. I was in my mid 30’s at the time. I was a straight-A student and not a problem in the classroom other than I raised my hand quite a bit (fervently), and swung my legs under my desk a lot when a child in the earliest grades. I eventually learned to sit on them to keep from swinging them all the time. I became class president my senior year in HS and was class valedictorian. I was awarded a full scholarship to a private top-25 college.
However, when not in a structured routine (at home) I had much more difficulty. I was spanked frequently, and often didn’t understand why I got them when I perceived my behaviors to be the same as my siblings. I thought everyone spoke out loud what they were thinking at the time. Little did I realize that others thought about that slap seconds more quickly than I did, in time enough to not open their mouths to avert said slap or spanking.
I am still easily distracted, but also have many learned lessons the hard way. It is something I struggle with every day. I have tried medication, but that only helped a bit. It also made me anxious. That wasn’t helpful. I don’t think medication is a good option, but to each his own. I try to avoid situations (when possible) that make my distractibility an issue. Sometimes it can be beneficial.
Oh, neither I nor anyone in my family gets any government assistance. I don’t believe in that kind of thing. I think it breeds dependence and sloth, and that is completely against my grain.
I think you just identified the problem. You didn't conform to others expectations of behavior. It was their problem, nothing to do with you. Some people are that way, and others are not. There is a fully range of behavior that has nothing to do with intelligence, ability to learn, creativity, etc. Personally, I am highly visual, tactile and active. If this stuff was around when I was a kid, I am positive I would be on some kind of meds.
You might want to read post 30. Seriously my legs were always moving as a kid and still as an adult. I’m curious. Are you scared of high places?