Being an ADD/ADHD youth worker #8: I have to have more than one stimulus going at all times.

This is one of those things that people without ADD really have a hard time understanding.

• My mother was always on my case about having my record player going while I studied. She could not concentrate when something else was going on, so how could I?
• What she didn't understand is that I cannot concentrate without something else going on.
• As much as I love the contents of libraries they are deadly to me.
• I simply must have 2-3 things going on at the same time.
• My ideal study habit in college and seminary was:
  • rocking vigorously in a rocking chair,
  • eating and drinking
  • listening to music
  • plowing through a stack of books – 15 minutes at a time.
  • I could go for hours like that.
  • This is basically how I write sermons...
• My nephew, who does not share my love and appreciation of music, without prompting, also said he had to have music on at all times when he was trying to concentrate.
• What do I do when I am trying to make music-- practicing guitar? TV (Crash and burn movies or sports. Something without a plot)