My ADHD Struggle: Dumb, Lazy, Annoying and Bad 

Cass, my father was a pediatrician in the 80s and I remember him talking about how ADD (then) was a MEDICAL problem that needed treatment so kids didn’t grow up thinking they were bad people. My brother took Ritalin and ended up being an ER doctor who does extreme kayaking and runs marathons. I was in tears listening and so happy for you now.

I know I already commented but i remembered an analogy that helped me. ADHD is like having two guys in your brain on an assembly line. The first guy is the guy who gathers the materials (information) and then sends it down the conveyor belt and the other guy sorts through it (executive function) . The first guy is super fast and enthusiastically throwing all the stuff onto the conveyor belt. The second guy is super tired and slow. The stimulants help the second guy keep up with the first guy. Us ADHDers intake more information from our environment than neurotypical people. We just struggle to sort between whats important and whats not.

I Can feel the pain Little Cassandra felt. Hug her. She deserves it.

“What’s wrong with me? Nothing at all.” Wow. I’m over here weeping. I wish I could hug you. And thank you. I watch/listen to you all the time. You make me laugh and you make me cry and you make me want to get rid of all the things. And I LOVE it. But more than that, I’m so glad that you finally see yourself the way you were always meant to. You may never see this comment, and that’s fine. But I just had to say it. Thank you for all you do. 🥰

Listened to this podcast on Spotify the other day. Wanted to leave a comment here. Just wanna give you a big Hug Cas. And also you are incredible and resilient. And one of the most amazing humans i have had the pleasure to know over the years. ( Even if it is just online) I am so proud of you and you are such a great person. I was tearing up listening to your story of your childhood/teens. I am so happy you have created this beautiful life and family and found the things that you are passionate about. And I know that growing up with ADHD and not being diagnosed creates a lot of issues. Especially for a lot of girls. I really love you. And all of you. You aren't annoying. You are exciting. I just wanna give that inner child Cas a big hug and let her see your future and all the amazing things you have done. You blow me away!!!! Seriously!!!!!! You are such a caring loving person. You are definitely in the perfect place to reach others with like minds and let us know that we also are great. Because we all are. ❤ Thank you so much for sharing your story and thank you so much for all the things you have created or shared over the years. And your past has led you to who you are as a person today. So it may not be pretty but you have used what you have experienced and turned it into something beautiful. So very proud of you Cas! 😊❤

Cas, I believe your willingness to share your story is literally going to save lives. THANK YOU & HUGE HUGS! A study found that almost 1 in 4 girls with ADHD had attempted suicide by age 20. It says so much about the HARM of being misjudged and shamed for one's innate self that being homeless for years as a teenage girl and going hungry was preferable to home and school. I'm SO glad you made it to the other side! ❤

Diagnosed at 63, I’ve explored many talks and books about ADHD. Yet your sharing helped me appreciate things about myself that I hadn’t thought about. Thank you for your humble, honest, and un-self-pitying talk. You are a blessing.

When you have adhd, you can’t say you were smart or not smart in school. If there wasn’t dopamine in it, you simply didn’t learn it. But the things you are interested in, Cas, where there is an endless flow of dopamine, you are Brilliant and you thrive. You’re a very thorough thinker, when something is worth the thought for you.

Cas, thank you for sharing your story! You are not alone! I am 62 (OLD! ha) and just learned 1 year ago I am ADHD! All these years wondering what was wrong with me. Now, my mom also knows she wasn't a "bad" mother. None of this was our fault. We've been reading many books on the subject, watching videos, etc. and are learning what's been going on, and more importantly, how to deal with it. You are helping many people with your story. Thank you for your courage and all your videos and podcasts. You are AMAZING!

This breaks my heart for you. I'm a little older than you (52), but I know they didn't understand as much as they do now about ADHD when I was young. It really makes me sad that you were so singled out and failed by your teachers. You have such a bright light and I always enjoy watching you for your fun, bubbly personality. It's so hard to be different in this world. Thank you for sharing your story. It is so helpful to me and I'm sure so many others. My son is neurodivergent and he is the light of my life. Sending you hugs. ❤ Please be proud of the person you are, who made her own way. Your story is so incredible and inspiring.

This is a real example of a self fulfilling prophecy. When you label kids negative things, eventually they embrace them because it feels like they can't overcome these labels.

Thank you Cass for sharing such a personal story. I had a nephew with ADHD, but at the time, my sister didn't want to give him the medication. He had a completely different life. He too ended up on drugs that he couldn't seem to shake. He got hit by a car & died when he was only 28. I'm so happy you are here helping thousands of people instead of being trapped..

Cas, you don't have to apologize for getting emotional. You are such a beautiful, talented, and gifted lady who is helping so many people to declutter our homes and our thoughts, and now, by sharing your story, you are helping people with their health. You are an inspiration ❤

I think every parent needs to watch this podcast! It would help so many children around the world! Thanks Cas for sharing your story ❤️ & hugs to you!

That moment when the meds hit the first time.......and you don't have to fight 3 times harder to do 1/3 as well at the task........ It's like you have been dragging chains trying to run....and someone took them off.....

Wowzer! I’m totally in awe of your journey. I’m trying to figure out if I’m a bee or a butterfly and you’re out there setting the world on fire! I’m grateful for the human you have become and at the same time sad for the child that had such experiences. You’re WINNING girl and we’re all so grateful that you’re sharing your wisdom with us. ❤❤❤

❤ as someone that's been told "you talk too much", "you don't focus", "you're just being lazy", in school, this really hit home. I don't have ADHD, but I have several learning disabilities and still I was able to graduate high school and college. All of that to say, I made it to the other side of despite the fact that I had so many things going on at once in my brain. Your ADHD doesn't define you. You define you. Thank you so much for opening up and sharing your story. You never know who your story will touch and how deep of an impact your story will have on someone. Thank you for being so open and vulnerable and real. Please never apologize for crying on your podcast or ever. You are allowed to feel however you please. If that happens to make someone else uncomfortable, they can kick rocks with open-toe shoes. That's a "them" problem, not a "you" problem. Keep being your fun and bubbly self and those that are meant to be in your life will support you up close and personal or even from a distance. Keep up the great work. Shine on. I send you and little, inner Cas a big hug. 🤗❤️ oh my!! 🤦🏻‍♀️ this just turned into a novel. Ok. I'm shutting up now.xoxo

Cas, your story is very inspirational. I believe you are helping people, even telling your story. Exactly what you are meant to do. ❤

Cass, thank you. I am 45 and have a nearly identical story growing up in the 80’s. I was diagnosed with ADHD in my twenties but since have always been embarrassed about my ADHD, and needing medication just to remember and process information. I have a 4 year old daughter who is just like me, and I am working hard to get her into a specialist for a diagnosis because I don’t want her to be labeled as the bad kid like I was in school. I appreciate you telling your story, but also that you support medication. So many kids could thrive if their parents supported medicating them when nothing else works. And I think that we need to work towards de stigmatizing ADHD medication so that more kids can thrive.

I’m only 4 minutes into your video. I have always been called a motor mouth and a wiggle worm by my mother. I’m the middle of 3 girls. I am a visual association person. As a small child I liked to perform repetitive tasks, cutting paper into small bits, magnetic letters following each other in a train pattern, and Etch A Sketch, that my older sister wouldn’t let me play with. I always wanted to leave home. Being at school was my sanctuary. I was a sneak for anything sweet, eating lumps of brown sugar. I still don’t understand what other people understand . I just don’t get it about many things. I have had a very successful life through my frugality, but it has been a struggle. I have found that knitting helps me to be still. 💙

I really loved how at the end you took the ideas to the next level and asked the audience to think differently about the people in their lives and maybe even about themselves. My sister struggles with ADHD and other things as well but she hasn't yet been able to break free from all those lies everyone tells her about herself and I just want that for her so badly! I want her to see herself the way you see yourself. Thanks for encouraging me to help her find her passion. 💙 And never give up trying helping her see that she can still has a place in this neurotypical world.

The more I listen to stories like these, the better I understand myself, and the better I understand some of the children I serve each Sunday at my church. I’m working hard to REMEMBER to make an appointment with my GP for a referral to an ADHD specialist so I can start to get some answers and real, meaningful help. I’m 47, and my struggles have cost myself and my family SO MUCH. Thank you for sharing about your struggles and victories. You’re making a difference in my life, both through organizing/decluttering, and with my health. Imma stop now, soI don’t cry. Thank you, Cas.

Also, little Cassie sounds like an strong, smart, determined girl with a big beautiful spirit and a whole to offer all the people around her. I wish she could have been embraced and loved for exactly who she was!

Cas, have followed your channel for years and years and I want to thank you for bringing light into the mental health. The importance of having doctors that treat not just ADHD . My husband had a bad mental reaction to quit-smoking medication and lost his job , had to be on 24 hr monitoring for about 3 years ( therefore I had to work less and take time off work on and off ) lost friends who made up other stories in their head about what was happening ( 15 plus year friends) all because of ignorance and lack of support. We became homeless and had no prospects of getting on housing lists because we were NOT DRUG ADDICTS .. you saw that right . Hundreds of apartments were available to drug addicts before someone living with a mental health incident. My son went through the school system with an individual program with extra support ( because off the charts adhd ) thank fully we found medicine that worked fantastic for him. But even then, we would hear from really stupid new teachers who told us what your teachers told your parents : that we just had to hit him more. 😑 like wtf ? So talking and having the stigma of medication gone is key in overcoming mental health struggles.

This podcast may have been the 1st life-changing moment for me and 1 of my children who I'm struggling to figure out why she's the way she is. Thank you for being vulnerable and well-spoken and share your amazing story, Cas!

I'm a writer and consider myself to be at least somewhat articulate, but I can't find the words to say how impactful this video is. And you aren't just fabulous at what you do... you're obviously a gifted speaker. I usually listen to RU-vid while I do other things, but this one had me stopped in my tracks doing nothing else but listening and feeling sorry for little Cassandra and so excited for grown Cassandra. Love that you allowed yourself to share this even though you think it was weird. It's not weird at all! (And you are NOT old! Because if you are, I'm ancient!) :)

Oh Cassandra, this is a heart breaking story 😢 i am so sorry this happened to you. It is a miracle you got yourself out. You are amazing!

Thanks for sharing, I am being assessed for ADHD in 2 weeks and I am 53! This feels like the most important thing to me as it may or may not explain my life. I am pretty terrified. Probably more frightened that I am sent away saying I don't have as then I have no explanation! Wish me luck! Ps, I am so pleased you found peace with who you are x

I feel this way about the Phentermine I take for weight loss. It doesn't make me hyper or have more energy (which it does for a lot of people). It stops the voices in my head (so to speak), the ones that constantly nag me to focus on food. "Is it time to eat yet? How about now? How about now? When can we eat next. Stop doing that stupid thing and eat!!!" They are almost completely quieted. And when a thought does come into my head, I can put it aside and continue to focus on what I'm doing. I can even be hungry and ignore it. I am so grateful for it.

That was wonderful!! It will absolutely help others. Thank you Cas for sharing your story. When i found your channel a few years ago, you made me realize that the reason that my daughter’s room was always a mess and that she always kept her closet doors open is , that she is a visual which is the opposite of me.

I’m autistic and adhd and I need this podcast because I want to clean my stuff but I fight battles with the devil and angel that is my neurodivergence brain.

OMG Cas!!! . . . Thanks so much for telling your story!! I watch all your videos. You were my first entry to RU-vid years ago. You helped me to declutter, tidy, and organize my house... including my OFFICE. Which is my struggle room. Your honesty, vulnerability, and willingness to share and connect with your Clutterbug community are such a gift. It's clear you have found your calling. I'm grateful to be able to tag on with you on your journey. You have a long-time fan and follower in me. 🙏🏽

Thank you so SO SO much for sharing. You mentioned so many things in this video that make such a difference. I am 34 years old and have two kids, one is 6-1/2 yr old boy who does the "annoying" things and my husband and I struggle at times to hold back from saying "stop being annoying!", when infact he is, in that moment. He is GREATLY seeking attention and doing "annoying" things to get it from his younger, 3 yr old sister, myself or my husband. Your explanation of your childhood broke my heart... Always being told you were annoying... It truly hurts my heart to know that; However, a positive thing that will come from sharing your experience, is a great reminder to refrain from calling our child annoying and instead try to provide that extra attention needed or talk to him and explain that he is likely seeking attention and how we can help get out his excited "jitters". I will be so much more thoughtful and refrain from saying "annoying" and causing that shame. On another note, I didn't discover I VERY likely have ADHD until I had children and my world was upside down trying to manage another schedule beside my own. All of the excessive items that come along with babies and children, my house was/is (getting SO much better) in absolute chaos. My brain was lacking (and still is..) so much sleep, the new items all needed a place to go, the new schedules, appointments, foods, toys, devices, etc. etc. My once tidy home was an absolute disaster and I could no longer make decisions. I had guilt about everything... Why did i buy that? I can't get rid of it... we spent so much. I'll take pics and post of facebook marketplace, offer up, let go -- I'll try to make back some of the money from all the spending. Only to be [typically] left with SO much more effort put out than I received back from a buyer. I am rambling lol.... Long story short -- THANK you SO much Cas for all you do! You have and are currently changing my life (as well as my family's life). I love you and appreciate everything you do. You changed the lives of myself, my husband and my children. It may sound dramatic, but it's true. I have let go of so many things I had guilt for, I realized my organizing style and therefor my house has been cleaner, more time with my family and less stress/guilt due to the mess/chaos. Love from Oregon, Kayla

Great Storytime. My son and hubby both have ADHD and I love hearing stories like this of successful people who have gone through the struggles but still have been able to accomplish goals.💙

Dude….First of all Cas….dont ever apologize for being emotional!!❤ A Great big hug to you for your vulnerability & for such a hard time you had with this!!! God has out you here for a reason, yes to help people with their homes but today….more importantly to have compassion for their selves or others in their lives who are struggling!! ❤❤❤ that’s huge!! I was also an unmedicated “ADHD’r”. I struggled in school also. I was finally diagnosed with ADHD when I took my daughter to a paediatrician who specialized in mood therapy. He recognized within a 15 minute conversation that I had ADHD. That label helped me so much. I know that I have watched you for years And identified with you so so many times. Whew so many emotions this stirred up😭. Thank you once again for -yes an emotional roller coaster ride - but most of all helping me today. The struggle is real. Now seeing my daughter go through this 😭. This video helps so much. In ways I don’t even know yet! It took me 4 days to get through this podcast!! Thank you!!!!! Cas for being amazing!! ❤❤❤

Ohh Cas 😢😢 I am 7 mins into this & I'm already sobbing 😭 what u are relating is heartbreaking & all I want to do is give a u great big hug 🫂 I am a 70+ yo grandmother to 5 granddaughters & 3 possibly 4 are on the Spectrum. The littlest one is the only one diagnosed (ADHD & Autism) & what u r describing so far is her to a T 😮😢 love'n'hugs sweetheart ♥️😘🫂💕 JQ 🇬🇧

This broke my heart and made me cry, but you also CRACKED ME UP with that segue at :33 to the jail thumbnail! 🤣Classic Cas creativity & humor! 😄👏👏Meeting more friends with ADHD helped me realize I actually PREFER our filterless, endless conversational style. lol I try to remember, "I may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I'm somebody's double shot of whiskey." 🤩 "Get in where you fit in, go on and shine." 🌈🌱🌿💐🍀💖

Thanks for sharing this, Cas, such an important message that shame so often hides. Your ADHD is helping so many people, me included. Diagnosed with ADHD as an adult too. 50 and still trying to figure out how not to suck at organizing and taking care of my home and life. Its why I came across your channel.

Hi Cass, I, too, was born in 1979 and didn't get diagnosed til a few years ago, also! You're not alone. Thank you for being so vulnerable ❤

I love your testimony I can resonate a lot with your story I got semi emotional with you. My middle child is very hyper active and videos like this gives me hope for him in his future. Thank you for people bringing more awareness to this. Keep doing what you are doing you are encouraging a lot of souls! You are more than enough! I’m sending a virtual hug to small Cassandra.

There's another RU-vidr I'm subbed to who has ADHD, well, quite a few actually, but this gal in particular, Emily D Baker, she calls her ADHD her Superpower. That's what you have, Cas. A Superpower. Like all Superpowers, you had to learn how to harness it and put it to work for you, and you've done it. It sucks that you went through your life without understanding it, and without your family understanding. But look how far you've come. Love you, Cas. Edited to add : Lol, just after I finished my comment, you referred to it as a Superpower as well, love it.

At 63, I'm beginning to realize the likelihood that I have ADHD. Cas, you gave me the courage to ask for an ADHD assessment. Thank you for your true grit.

As a former Special Ed teacher, I am so sorry you didn’t get the help in school you deserved. I have four children (two homegrown and 2 adopted) and after I quit teaching to be a stay at home mom, I fought like crazy for my ADHD son (youngest and adopted). I always told him his ADHD was a super power. He could do anything he put his mind to except school work. Luckily he had older sisters that helped him and when he got older he always had smart girlfriends that helped him. Today at age 25, he has a wife, two kids and his own trucking company. I still think he has super powers. He can hyper focus on things that matter to him and has unlimited energy to accomplish what he desires. My whole goal as a teacher was to find the way each kid learned best and point out their super powers. My class was fun and the so called “normal” kids begged to come to my class. I wish I had you as my student. You are a real success story now and I’m glad I found your channel.

Your story reminds me of a 2nd grader I had as a teacher in 1972 and it makes me smile. I figured out he was still learning something as he sat, kneeled, layed, curled under his desk and stood beside it or did headstands on the carpet, moving all the time, talking fairly quietly to himself. I took him out of the front group so others weren't distracted by him and just let him do his thing. He was diagnosed with ADHD and given ritalin, but, like you, that didn't stop everything, mostly his bombarded brain. His dad asked if I would keep him one more year because he lost a lot while we were figuring everything out. I loved him. He was so sweet and always wanted to do the right thing. The second year he caught up, I haven't seen him since, but often hoped he would get love and understanding along the way.

Thank you Cas, you are helping so many people that you will never meet or even know. ❤

When you mentioned the 9 times table I had to comment again. (I’m the former spec Ed teacher). Here’s a trick..9x a number will be that number minus 1 and another number that equals 9. For example 9x6 has to start with a 5 (one less than 6) and 5 plus a number to equal 9. So 5+4 =9. So 9x6=54 9x7 answer starts with one less than 7. Which is 6. Now what plus six equals 9? That would be a 3. So the answer to 9x7=63. Some times I write it all down in columns. Do you see the patterns? Do you see the column that goes 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8? Do you see the second column in the answer that goes 9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1,0? You’ll never forget the 9 times tables again. And for 9x1 it’s just 9, for 9x10 just add a zero. 90 and for 9x 11 just the 9 twice or 99. For 9x12 just add 9 to 99 or add 10 to 99 and minus 1 for an answer of 108. Hope this helps your kids. Good luck. 9x1=09 9x2=18 9x3=27 9x4=36 9x5=45 9x6=54 9x7= 63 9x8=72 9x9=81 9x10=90 9x11=99 9x12=108

Favorite video I've seen of yours. I'm new here. I've only been watching your videos for about a week now. I'm preparing to be a SAHM (still pregnant) so I've been decluttering and cleaning like a crazy person. I stumbled upon your videos and my first thought was "wow she is so hyper crazy" and I really liked the calmer videos I had been watching. Well, I kept hearing people talk about how amazing you are and since I don't believe in judging people by first impressions, I'd watch a few more of your videos. At first what annoyed me the most was how even though you were so wild, you made more sense than most of the other youtubers. I'm an ISTJ so I really appreciate some good ol' logic. (And yes, I am a cricket. Big surprise there.) But what is very fun about you is that the more videos I'd watch, the less wild you seem. Something I highly respect about you is that you know who you are and that is who you want to be. You aren't trying to change to fit in a normal box, but rather you are trying to change to become a better you. I think we all have something that makes us abnormal so we feel like we stick out in a crowd. I am dyslexic and I also had to work super super hard in school because I didn't want my friends to think I was stupid. On the outside, I looked normal and even my teachers thought I was very smart. They didn't know that I'd go home and cry because my brain wasn't connecting the dots and how many hours I'd study until I finally got it because on the inside my brain was screwing up letters and numbers and colors and I might as well forget about rhyming. I also turned out to be a high school dropout due to the stress of taking tests and feeling stupid. Anyways, I just wanted to say that you're very inspiring and I can see God working through you in amazing ways. Never apologize for being yourself and when people judge you for being wild and crazy hyper, just know that they are the ones missing out because they didn't take the time to see who you really are. I know I'm glad I did. Wish you the best and thanks for posting your videos so I don't feel alone as I am cleaning and going about my day. ❤

27:42 What I'm hearing is, "hurt people HELP people" when they put in the hard work. I love that so much more than "hurt people, hurt people"

Omg ❤I wish I could reach through the internet and give you a big hug. You are truly amazing 🤩

Thank you Cass. ❤. My entire 40 something year career as an occupational therapist was working with neurodivergent people. My favorite was treating behavioral children or teens. Your story was a gift to all indeed.

Oh my sweet, sweet girl! My heart broke hearing your story. As a former school teacher, I pray that I never handled any of my undiagnosed students the way you were treated. You were so brave to share your journey. You are right. Someone will hear your story and find they walked the same path. We are called to uplift one another. As a former teacher, and as someone who just loves your personality, I just want to hug you and congratulate you on your success. You're wonderful! I am proud of you! Thank you for all your organizing skills that you have taught me. I am currently watching your 5 step paper organizing videos and feeling hopeful! Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU! God bless you and your family🙏

This was a beautiful podcast, thank you so much. As a parent of five neurodiverse kids and being the same myself you made me so emotional. I have not yet managed to convince drs to assess for adhd, think it’s easier in us and Canada than the uk but all my kids have it. You speak so much truth and you sharing your story really does help other people because we then know that we are not alone, out behaviours are not just bad or weird. Thank you so much for sharing.

Thank You❣️for being so vulnerable and telling your story. You are a beautiful blessing to this world and we need more people like you ❣️ My husband and 4 kids have ADHD and I do not have ADHD. It has been so hard to keep a clean house because I have been trying to get them to do my detailed organizing. I’m finally getting it! I need to make the common areas for a ladybug/butterfly not the cricket/bee that I am.

YOU ARE A WONDERFUL HUMAN BEING ❤❤❤ pls never think anything else about yourself!

Thank you so much, Cas! I am double trouble, because trauma responses covered up many of my adhd symptoms. The more I work through the trauma, the more apparent the adhd becomes. Haven't been diagnosed because this is really hard to achieve in Germany as an adult. I feel like there is a lot wrong with me, but watching you helps. So thank you ❤

Cas. Wow. You had hinted at some of your past difficulties, but I had no idea how extreme. I'm SO glad you shared your story with us. Your determination to succeed, your ability to reframe negatives into positives, and your constant (successful!) efforts at self-development are truly inspirational. ❤

Thank you for verbalizing and normalizing how I’ve felt my whole life. I’m undiagnosed, but I’m certain that I also have ADHD. The hardest part about it, that I heard you mention as well, is that it chips away at your self esteem starting at a super young age. I’ve been through a few tough bouts with depression and I started to spiral because I felt like I couldn’t do anything right, so I became paralyzed and didn’t do anything. It gives me hope to see someone with similar struggles share their story and use it to help others not feel that pain. I love watching your content and this was my favorite video yet. Thank you for having the courage to share the hard parts!

Thank you for sharing this about yourself. My daughter has ADHD, is 14 and does take medication but we still struggle at times, especially in these teen years. Your podcast helped me still, as sometimes I am not patient enough or kind enough. Thank you for sharing and thank you for the tips. Also, you are doing amazing things!

I so appreciate you sharing your ADHD story. The thought of you hoping we won't judge you brings tears to my eyes. We all just love you. I also have ADHD and the struggle is real! perfectionism paralysis is especially bad with me.

"If we can share our story with someone who responds with empathy and understanding, shame can’t survive." - Dr. Brene Brown Keep sharing your story, Cas!!!! You bring light to others through your courage and vulnerability!! ❤

Cass, this was such a great video. I was that little girl too who never was allowed to go to recess. Singled out and out of place. I’m 62 and finally in my mid 50’s realize that I was born to stand out. I started watching you 8 years ago and you have completely changed my life. From cluttered and overwhelmed to a place for everything and so much decluttered. I’m now In TYHB course and I’ve come even farther. I’m going to share this link with my husband so he can see how hard things can be for me. And understand why my forgetting is not on purpose, I’m not trying to make his life hard. Thank you for putting this out there. A dear declutter friend of mine attended the conference you mentioned and spoke to you. She told me how inspiring the talk was and wonderful you are in person. I’m glad now I got to here it personally! Hugs and Thanks!

Thank you for sharing the real you, all the time. I'm in the midst of getting diagnosed, and it feels so damned good knowing that awesome women like you have been there, done that, bought the t-shirt and want to help others ease into their own discovery journey. THANK YOU!

Cass you are very brave telling your whole story. I just want to give you a hug. How hard it must have been for you and your parents.

I sat at my front office desk and cried as you gave us your backgrou.d story because it completely parallels mine down to the sugar allergy!!! My heart aches for all of us who were treated so poorly for the underlying undiagnosed add/adhd!!! Thank you for sharing!!!!

Oh Cass!!! A fellow girl with ADD --diagnosised as an adult like you. This is so brave..... Bigs hugs - I think we are kindred spirits ❤

You're not alone. Silently suffering is a way of life for many of us.

Most ADHD people are so creative. They think outside the box. Not a bad thing My son , now 45 was diagnosed with ADHD when he was young. The doctor prescribed him Ritalin. A medication he hated He struggled in school. But as an adult and finding his passion in the construction field, gave him a reason to feel good about himself. He can do ANYTHING. His son was diagnosed with it. Now because of the medication advancement his son is on medication and has no side effects. Truth be known, I have ADHD. All of my repot cards said I was a great student BUT I talked too much. So, I found a job that pays me to talk to people. So, we are 3 generations that have ADHD I have always loved your channel, Now I love it more. You are a blessing. Never be ashamed of how you got to where you are. Such an uplifting story!! Keep up the wonderful work

Cassie, Thank you so much for your story. I am 65 and have had some issues like you. And never thought that could be my problem. And some family members I see those symptoms. Your story inspires me. Made me cry, laugh. Love you, God bless you and your family. Grace🌹

Oh, I can SO relate. Annoying, critical, lazy, dumb, bad - and don’t forget, talks too much !

You just told the majority of my life experience. I don't know my times tables. I don't count change. I have dyscalculia, auditory processing dysfunction, learning disabilities. I'm 66. I learned about these things aboutb15 years ago. I fantasize about doing what you do. Maybe someday.

Thank you for speaking your truths . Opening your past is not easy . Your steps are so monumental for others to hear and feel with our hearts. Showing emotion is healing .

This is so heartbreaking… Thank you so much for sharing, that has to be so tough. This is why I don’t say “Good girl/boy, bad girl/boy!” to my kids. My husband is a textbook ADHD kid/adult and he has horror stories about being the ‘hyper’ kid or the ‘ADHD’ kid both in school and at medical provider’s offices. It’s wild how adults have such an impact on kids with their words.

Cas, you're an incredible person and have taught me so much on how to declutter and organize! Thank you for being so vulnerable and sharing your adhd story. I'm mid 40's now and was dx adhd in my early 30's after having my 2nd child and getting completely overwhelmed with life, work, parenting, marriage, all the things. Finding out I wasn't broken and just made differently was life changing. Then I created my personal toolbox on what worked for me to function in different areas of my life. Your story will help so many. Keep sharing!! Love you and your work.

Thank you again for sharing everything you have gone through and being open about it all, and tricks and tips that you have found helpful! This video spoke so much to me about everything my 7yo daughter went through and makes my heart hurt so bad knowing how the previous schools and other kids have treated her and shes only in 2nd grade! it was hard getting her diagnosed because she wasn't displaying your "typical" adhd symptoms and was very close on the spectrum. Knowing what I know now, her type of adhd is actually common for little girls but much harder to diagnose. We tried homopathic routes, that didn't work, behavioral services, 1 medication which epically failed and finally found the right one that helps her. she has even told us how much better she feels on it and that everything isnt so "noisy" to her (her words!) ive been going down rabbit holes learning everything i can to potentially help her, trying new systems when one doesnt work, switching them up etc. she's been doing great using the clipboard system from Jordan Page. I modified it and we've seen such improvements already.

I was diagnosed last year at 60, after going to a psychiatrist to be tested for poss early onset dementia or Alzheimer’s. It answers so many questions I have had throughout my life. Your journey, your story is so heartbreaking, but then so uplifting and full of HOPE. I’ve shared it. Thank you for sharing, Cass❤. God bless you and your beautiful family.

I listened to this today and I love you even more than I did before. I found out this year at 48, that I too, have ADHD. Please never change. You are amazeballs. ❤️

Oh my goodness, you are a miracle in my life! The only positive thing yt brought to me was you. I have learned I might have Parkinson's disease and while looking up videos to learn more (and yep, I do have lot of symptoms but I'm hoping they're from the other crap I've been diagnosed with throughout the years). I am going to be 45 (and no, we are not old ladies! I know you're joking:)) and I really don't need another disabling condition. So somehow, a video of yours came up and I clicked on it. For several days now, I have only been watching your videos! You are INCREDIBLE! I have learned so much and I'm not gonna stop. I will rewatch them all several times too. I have them saved to many playlists. Your sense of humor is amazing, your debth of knowledge and skills to help others (not only declutter, but actually stick with it?!), your compassion, your ability to make videos that are engaging the entire video (I always watch to the end) and packed with info, etc, there are so many other things but maybe I'll email you. My adult sister was diagnosed with ADHD a few years ago after one of her own kids was diagnosed with it. We have a ton of similar behaviors so I finally asked my NP to refer me to a psychiatrist and she did. At the end of our appointment, he told me he actually couldn't diagnose me, that I would need to go get tested, and that was it. Well. I can't afford the testing and my insurance won't pay for it so I am still undiagnosed. Because most of your videos have me chocked up for being truly seen and heard and advised and of my sister's diagnoses, I think the diagnosis for me is confirmed. All that to say: THANK YOU! (I will email you or send you a fb message some day soon!

NEVER APOLOGIZE for you or your story!!! ❤ I don’t have ADHD personally, but you have NO IDEA how your story has TRULY TOUCHED ME and helped my in ways that I don’t think you intended to do on purpose. YOU ARE GOALS CASS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And WE LOVE YOU!!!!! 😊 THANK YOU for being a personal inspiration of mine!!! 💛 PLEASE don’t EVER stop sharing your story!!! 🥰 And THANK YOU for ALL that you do!!!! 🙂

Finding out that I'm a butterfly has been so helpful. I do keep lids on long term storage but for items I use often, they either lay out or in bins with no lids. It has to be easy to put away or it won't be put away.

My heart goes out to you. I would like to hug that little girl who thought so low about herself. It's impossible, so I will hug my kids today 100 times. They are troubled not with ADHD, but something else and still they need my support.

Thank you Cass !!!! Such an amazing story and how sincerely you shared it. I am 37 and I am started to put dots together around “what’s wrong with me” realizing that I have some form of adhd…… finally feeling that I am not alone. I was hiding it all my life and suppressing it trying to be normal 😢

I have ADHD, so does my brother, granddaughter and daughter. I was 63 and diagnosed and its explained sooo much.

Thanks so much for sharing your story despite how scary that can be. You are so strong! I can relate to some of the things that you shared and wish that I could have had you as a friend when I was a kid! We are close to the same age and my story is unique and different from yours, but as a fellow person with ADHD so much of it hits home! I won’t share my story here, but please know that you gave comfort to my inner 10 year old that was remembering a very painful school experience. Hugs to you and your inner Cas girl!

This hits so hard, the part where you said you wanted so bad to be a good girl, but you were impulsive, lazy, dumb, and bad. I was the same. But it manifested as being too quiet, awkward, embarrassingly shy, because I can only think of the right thing to say when someone else is talking. So I was either interrupting or completely blank. I also have SPD (sensory processing disorder) so brushing my hair, I was screaming. My brother loved to hurt, poke me, overstimulate me til I screamed. And I was miserable. Because I was quiet, at school, and good, and tried hard, no one even considered it that I might be on the spectrum. But as an adult, as a sahm, I found out that I have autism and adhd both.

First off. I cried off and on along with you. My grandson is right on the autism spectrum. And he has adhd. Last year when he turned six he was finally only enough for adhd medicine. It was a struggle the first day to get him to take a pill. Then I day two I told him it was time for his pill. And you know what he told me. It make his head feel better. Talk about tears. Omg that poor baby. I love him so much. Thank you for sharing your story. Just know that you are lived by many! ❤❤❤

Oh my gosh Cass. This year I was diagnosed with ADHD and it has been life changing. I searched when I became a stay at home Mom for organization too and things never fully worked until I could understand how I worked and what style fit me best and now I am eager to set the world on fire with organization because it is lidechanging when suited to its circumstances. Thank You for being real and honest. I hope all people who see this have thier eyes opened to adhd not being bad, just different.

❤❤❤ hugs to you

Your candor made me feel your story at a deeper level. I loved it. Your candor was, actually, what kept me watching your videos and listening to you. Thank you for your podcast. It was nice to get to know you a little better and to find out more about ADHD... Thank you.

OMG! We have similar stories. I feel like you're my spirit twin 😂. I'll be 54 this month.Yikes! I got an official diagnosis in my mid-40's. I was also in trouble as a kid and teenager. I was told all the same things plus how I "would never amount to anything" from all the adults in my life. I ended up becoming a mom at 16. Life was hard but marriage was worse. After 2 bad marriages, I eventually just faked it enough to keep people off my back. I went back to school. It took me a long time because of all of my focus and forgetfulness issues along with total boredom of subjects that I wasn't interested in. I finally got a degree and started working in Social Services, public advocacy AND about 10 years ago I was also an activities director in a nursing home. My passion is also helping people. We understand how we felt and sadly how others made us feel. I think that gives us a deeper level of empathy for those of us that are just wired differently and I would venture to say, wired more creatively. I am now happily married, we have a loving home, I'm raising three of my grandkids, one has ADHD and one is on the spectrum and the oldest is in school band (desiring to be a rockstar!) and they are all 3 on the honor roll. That's some hard work but they're in a lot of therapy/ counseling and that's okay too. I kind of view it as it doesn't matter how we get there as long as we arrive. Thanks Cas for sharing your story and just to let you know, I did WAY worse things than you did girlfriend. You turned out pretty freakin' awesome! 💯💯

I am 67 going on 68.. I was that child that wanted or needed friends and I actually would give them money to like me.. I passed notes in class, I talked in class, I watched others to see what they were doing, I would daydream all the time.. I would get in trouble for chewing gum, talking in class, tapping my pencil, writing on the walls or desk.. I would be the one sent to another room or had to sit in the hallway, because I couldn't shut up.. There were plenty of times I had to write upwards of 200 to 500 sentences that I will not chew gum in class or not talk in class.. OMG, maybe, just maybe, I have ADHD or ADD.. Thank you for this video and for being honest with your viewers.. ❤❤❤

Don’t apologize for getting emotional, you’ve had quite a journey. Thank you for sharing, you helped me understand, my chronically messy home. Your stories and tips have really helped me to remain calm and carry on, and find systems that work for our family. Thank you.

After a very late in life diagnosis I’m still struggling with grief for what feels like a wasted life and weighed down by so many regrets. I can rarely make it through anything on YT that’s longer than 10 minutes, but listened for the whole hour. You have given me hope xx

Wow. My 11 year old daughter was diagnosed ADD last week. I cannot thank you enough for sharing and reminding me on what is important. And even though it can be challenging to raise kids with ADD, it can also lead to amazing potential. Keep up the amazing work and you have a forever fan now.

You’re Soooo Awesome!!! And I Love You!!! You made me cry talking about your testimony because it reminded me of my so much of my testimony. But won’t God make a way out of no way. He didn’t it for you because he Loves you. He showed you , you and what he can transform you into. Hallelujah and thank you Jesus.❤

I found your Clutter Bug RU-vid channel in June of 2023 because my 12 year old daughter was diagnosed with ADHD by our family doctor. As I sat in the doctor's office with my daughter and a list of concerns from the school. I told my doctor the school list and I mentioned to her that I had the exact same issues as my daughter does at age 12. I can relate to a lot of things that you've experienced in your life. Thank you for sharing your story. I listened to this on Monday on Amazon Music.

Thank you for sharing. It's hard listening to you. Our daughter, who is just a few years younger than you, was diagnosed with ADHD recently. Have learned that there are many different degrees of ADHD. Husband has this also. His parents had him medicated which he would not allow happen to our daughter.

As a teacher, I want to let you know that some teachers, some schools - maybe most nowadays - do try to work with all the kids who are different. We try to give them regular movement breaks. We try to help THEM learn how to control their bodies. We try to help them find their way to their own dreams and passions, while still giving them the basic knowledge they need. (I bet I could teach you the multiplication tables - I have tricks! that go beyond rote memorization) But yeah, a lot of them really need some medical help to calm down enough to take in information. And please, do not apologize for getting emotional. You should be an automaton? NO! Be YOU. Be real. Real hard work IS emotional, and you have earned it.

Holy smokes, Cas. Thank you so much for sharing your story. I’m learning so much about ADHD right now because my husband started teaching at a private (very progressive) high school and he has been given tons of resources and information so he can do a better job teaching kids with learning differences. Dr. Russell Barkley is our most helpful resource- he even has a RU-vid channel 😂- and hearing him speak about current research has led to my own diagnosis (by a Neuropsychologist) and treatment (by a psychiatrist). I wanted to share Dr. Barkley’s name for folks out there wondering about medication for kids. He has super interesting insight and explains long-term research I think parents of neurodiverse kids should hear. Just putting that out there- thanks again for your incredible story.❤

It takes balls to put yourself out there. Never apologize for being emotional, I cried with you. Giant hugs to you and your little self ❤ Love you Cas.

Oh God, I know exctly how you feel. I haven't been diagnosed yet, but I'm sure I have it too. I struggle at being a grown up so much. And now that I have kids and I'm trying to homeschool them and recognize all the simptoms of ADHD in them and catch my self telling them the same horrible things I was told... I want to run away from me. I'm trying to have them diagnosed by the universityy clinic, because I don't have the means to take them to a professional psicologist, but I don't know what am I going to do when it is coffirmed. I guess I will need to learn somehow to help them and I honestly don't feel that I can. I still have not found my porpuse yet, but you inspire me, you have no idea how much. Thank you for sharing, I love you!