Today we have Brian R. King on The SHAIR Podcast. He grew up with undiagnosed ADHD and Dyslexia, struggled with obesity, lived through cancer, became the father of 3 sons who also have Asperger’s and ADHD, and is now coping with Multiple Sclerosis.
ADHD, Recovery, and Addiction with Brian R. King – The Shair Podcast Episode 248
How can we be resilient in the face of addiction, physical issues, and mental challenges when it feels impossible to get out?
How do we keep a positive mindset when time after time, life throws us crises?
If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t know if can do this … I don’t know if I can get through this … I don’t know if I can overcome …” this interview is for you.
Today we have Brian R. King on The SHAIR Podcast. He grew up with undiagnosed ADHD and Dyslexia, struggled with obesity, lived through cancer, became the father of 3 sons who also have Asperger’s and ADHD, and is now coping with Multiple Sclerosis.
Anyone would understand if Brian felt sorry for himself, but instead, he’s living life to the fullest. Brian is a true inspiration to anyone undergoing extreme adversity. Listen to what it means to live fully regardless of your challenges.
Brian’s Story
Brian R. King, MSW grew up with undiagnosed ADHD and Dyslexia. Being mercilessly bullied by peers and some teachers, he grew up believing he was worthless.
It wasn’t until high school that Brian discovered his sense of humor and a small group of friends to see him through those years. The ride was about to become far more complicated.
Brian’s graduation present from high school was Stage 3 testicular cancer.
He spent the summer in chemotherapy fighting for his life and his sanity as he lived in virtual isolation trying to make sense of what was happening.
After learning his cancer was in remission, Brian declared that he would live a life of purpose. A life where he wasn’t ruled by anger, helplessness and bitterness. But one of conscience, compassion and social responsibility.
Brian got married, earned his Master’s Degree in Social Work and became the father of three sons. Sons who subsequently were diagnosed with Asperger’s and ADHD. Brian received his own diagnoses of ADHD and Dyslexia not long after.
Brian realized he needed to become the father his sons required him to be. So he committed to learning all he could to understand his own challenges and the challenges of his sons. He knew he needed to model the very skills his sons would need to succeed in this world. He wanted to make sure they were prepared to live as fully as possible.
One day, his wife, the mother of his children decided to leave. For a time, Brian was a single father to three special needs sons. With the help of family he was able to relocate and help his sons move forward. He remarried and started a new life.
In wasn’t long after that a series of unexplained symptoms began cropping up that resulted in pain, fatigue, increased difficulty walking and a host of other issues.
Brian finally received an answer with a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. After coming to terms with this reality, Brian remembered his commitment to modeling for his sons what it means to live fully regardless of your challenges.
Brian says frequently, “My boys are watching me live my life. I don’t want them to see helplessness and hear excuses. I want them to see positivity, resilience and resourcefulness.”
You’d be hard pressed to meet someone who can teach you so much about what it means to be human, with a generous spirit, no matter what life brings.
Brian has managed to write 5 books and give dozens of presentations throughout the world on the topics of Parenting and Educating children with ADHD, parenting and mindset.
His present focus is on teaching women with ADHD how to live life on their own terms for the benefit of every life they will go on to touch.