"Naturally Distracted" is a Creative Writing Workshop designed to clarify and destigmatize Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). People with ADHD often face emotional, social, and academic challenges. Staying calm, focused, and productive can be difficult, particularly while trying to minimize frustration for friends, family, and oneself. Participating students explore ADHD as it relates to their own experiences and those of their peers, gaining insight into why certain activities, such as creative writing, can encourage hyper-focus, while others may feel tedious or overwhelming. It is the vision of "Naturally Distracted" to empower all students, at any age, to embrace and live in their own uniqueness without the judgment of others or carrying the shame they might put on themselves.

*Contact Rob for further info.

Testimonials:

Rob's presentation was inspiring for my students--and me!  It is refreshing to hear people talk about the two sides to ADHD --that what is sometimes called a "disability"  can also be your source of strength.  Many students are aware that they or their peers have an ADHD diagnosis, and they are still figuring out what this means, exactly. Rob takes the stigma out of having a "different" kind of mind (as all of us do, but some are more conducive to conforming to the culture of schools). Developmentally, students are beginning to compare themselves to others, but they don't necessarily understand that they are not the only ones who struggle. To see a successful, happy, creative human being sharing his struggles honestly, but with humor (SQUIRREL!) and optimism is something that will stay with them as a model for how they, too, can be. All of us have parts of ourselves that may not "fit" with the world around us at one time or another.  But Rob is living proof that it can get easier; that you can build your own world to work for your unique quirks, challenges and strengths! - Karen Newman, Classroom Teacher, Grades 3 and 4 

Rob was a wonderful speaker. His soft, kind delivery had the students hanging on every word. Many of the students saw themselves in Rob's experiences with writing and ADHD. They related to his struggles and were inspired by his successes. Rob ended the presentations with a writing prompt, followed by sharing. The students loved this part of the presentation. They wrote for the full time allotted and then jumped at the chance to share with their peers. Rob's presentation had the students with him from beginning to end. - Eric Brunvand, Classroom Teacher, Grade 5