Through some twist of fate or perhaps design, my son, my partner, my stepdaughter and I all have ADHD. My son is not biologically related to my partner, and I'm obviously not related to my stepdaughter, so it's unusual that it turned out this way. Despite our dysfunctions, we are a generally happy, healthy family unit. One thing I find most interesting is that while we share the same disorder, it manifests itself in vastly different ways.

Stepdaughter, 8 years old, ADHD-PH, unmedicated: Conduct issues, including oppositional defiance, bordering on pathological. Has extreme bursts of creative stream of consciousness, sometimes followed by frustration when her endeavours don't turn out how she wants. Boundless energy. Absolutely cannot sit still when watching movies or TV. Has difficulty managing her emotions. Is nonetheless a largely traditional student and thrives with routine and a traditional academic structure (I.e. explicit teacher instruction and positive peer group work). No apparent memory deficit. ADHD superpower: Super-creativity and enthusiasm.

Son, 10 years old, ADHD-PI, unmedicated: Interrupts people a lot, talks a LOT, to the point of not noticing when people are just not into it or are too busy. Fixates on things, often learning everything he can about a subject he is excited about, then moves on just as quickly as he found it. He is a student that benefits from a lot of flexibility- his IEP allows for him to take plenty of breaks and his teachers have been great at accommodating his bursts of passionate interests in the general curriculum. Is reluctant to engage in and frustrated by new tasks and concepts that he doesn't find immediately interesting. Used to have a huge problem speaking out of turn or at inappropriate times in class, but that has improved greatly. No conduct issues. Mild memory issues. ADHD Superpower: Acclimated self-control. He's the kind of kid that will deny himself candy because he had ice cream earlier, and who sets alarms so he won't forget to take a shower.

Spouse, 28 year old male, ADHD-PI, medicated- vyvanse: Is easily distressed by new developments. Everytime I inform him of something unpleasant that must be done, I can feel him lock up with stress. Can get lost in a video game wormhole for 6-10 hours. Terrible at remembering what chores must be done and needs to be reminded regularly of most of those responsibilities. Thrives with a routine, breaks down at deviations from said routine- thus making him an excellent worker. Also a traditional learner- apparently thrived in school when he was able to just listen to lectures, take notes and tests- independent projects and hands-on tasks were another story. Has zero sense of organization. Finds music with lyrics less appealing than instrumental compositions alone. Moderate memory issues. ADHD Superpower: Hyper-responsibility and reliability.

Myself, 28 year old female, ADHD-PI, medicated-dexedrine: Severely impeded moderation and regulation- I'm either doing everything I can in a day or sitting on my ass doing absolutely nothing. A very non-traditional learner, usually unable to meet traditional academic standards and was better off with a modified curriculum and student support. Terrible at foreseeing or caring about the consequences of my actions in the moment. Prone to hyper focusing on the 'wrong' things while trying to prep for something productive or rewarding. Habitually late. Majorly disordered sleeping, to the point of taking medication every single night. Probably would thrive with a routine but find it hard to find/stick to one. Very much prone to sticking my foot in my mouth. Fairly clean and organized, head of household in that regard. ADHD Superpower: Excellent/eidetic memory