I am quite sure that if I were growing up today in the first decade of the 21st century, I would have been given Ritalin or Adderall, the most commonly prescribed drugs for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder syndrome.

I am a kinesthetic learner. That means, in order to focus, I need to move around. When I have been forced to sit, as for instance in school or in staff meetings, I fidget, I change positions, I find excuses to stand up and walk around. That's what I need to do in order to focus and to concentrate.

At work I'm lucky. I have enough autonomy to do as I please, in this regard. When I have a major project to organize, I can pace the building while I am thinking, setting out research parameters in my head and assessing resources for allocation. Some question me, "May I help you?" but no one asks, "What are you doing?" They know me here.

I have not been drugged for this "condition", ever. For which I am deeply grateful, since this hyper activity is not a "problem" nor does it constitute an impediment to learning or productivity. I am not disordered. Quite the opposite: being able to move around enhances both for me.

I wonder how much the drugged ADHD children are losing out on, unable to utilize their key learning mode, because society says to sit and be still, read and listen, is the best--or only--modality for learning.