Let me be me #970541

It took me years to gather the courage and life experience necessary to share my story. As a "goody two-shoes" in Jerusalem, I learned to please others rather than voice my own needs. I felt submissive, shy, and frustrated.

At school, I was humiliated and labeled lazy, stupid, and “different.” I internalized those judgments and those labels crushed my confidence.

Only later did I understand the real reason for my struggles: I have ADHD. Finding the strength to reclaim my life is a journey I share in Let Me Be Me—a memoir combined with a practical guide for parents. It is full of the tools and coaching models I use with my own children, who share this "gift."

ADHD is genetic, and coaching begins at home. Encourage your child, at any age, not to avert their gaze or feel “different.” With courage, they can acknowledge, understand, and learn about the disorder—and, most importantly, love themselves exactly as they are. They deserve nothing less.

There is no wisdom like that of life experience.

Zehava Maimon Assouline, M.Ed., is a Senior Coach and Certified Coaching Supervisor, a member of the Israel Coaches Association, and an ADHD specialist. She is the founder of a private clinic where she trains coaches, educators, and parents to coach children in general—and children with ADHD in particular. She is the creator of the coaching card deck “Enlighten Our Eyes” and serves as a pedagogical instructor and supervisor for early childhood education mentors.