articles

Famous people with ADD or related disorders

Based on information given to Steven Ledingham, 1995

Albert Einstein

Had great difficulty in school and was educated mainly by his mother at home.

Thomas Edison

Was well know for creating problems due to his impulsiveness. Extremely creative and one of America's most well know inventors.

Thomas Jefferson

Reported to have many learning difficulties.

Cher (actress, singer)

Found out when daughter was diagnosed with dyslexia. Described as the "Class Clown" because she could not read, write or do math-outstanding in the arts.
"If you are not able to work in one area, then something else usually kicks in. You have to find the place that you can shine, if you don't fit in with what everybody else is doing."

Tom Cruise (actor)

Learned best through experiential education.

Bruce Jenner (Olympic decathlon champ)

Excellent coordination and skills in sports (dyslexic)

"I just barely got through school (sports gave him better self-esteem) I found sports and I could hold my head up with all my friends and feel good about myself."

Harry Andersen (TV actor)

(Judge Stone on Night Court) Conned and charmed his way through school and had extraordinary memory and could remember anything at 16. Valedictorian but he could barely read to rehearse.

Greg Louganis (Olympic diver)

"You have to have a strong belief in yourself to overcome a lot of obstacles"

Henry Winkler (actor, director, producer)

As a child called stupid and lazy in the classroom. Bottom 3% in country in math. "It is not easy to compete when you have LD, but it is possible."

Tracy Gold (actress)

"You have to fight harder to succeed" "I never though of myself as disabled or inferior in anyway."

Magic Johnson (basketball player)

(reading problem) "It's a bad feeling, a lonely feeling" "You've got to take whatever means are necessary to enhance your skills. Then once you've conquered it, once you have met the challenge, teach back and help the next guy, because that is what it is all about"

Dexter Manley (Washington Redskins football player)

(early talent in sports-had such football talent) He was passed from one grade to another without learning any academic skills, no one knew he couldn't read. "I have to overcome all the negative things I heard because now I can feel good about who I am" (his openness helped many people find courage to seek similar help)

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