Living and Teaching with ADHD - Karla’s Story

Hi! I’m Karla - teacher, mum, storyteller, and proud member of the ADHD community.

Ever walk into a room and forget why? Or leave your coffee in the microwave... again?! Yep, that’s me. Welcome to the daily adventures of an ADHD teacher mum. My mind’s always buzzing, like a classroom full of ideas, chaos, and laughter all at once. So, buckle up - I’m spillin’ the tea on what it’s really like living and teaching with ADHD, both in the classroom and at home with my kids.

If you’re a parent, teacher, or just someone curious about neurodiverse learning, this story’s for you. At Jo’s Dreamland, we believe in supporting neurodiversity through creativity, imagination, and beautiful educational bedding that inspires learning. 

My Journey with ADHD: From Childhood to the Classroom

Growing up, I had no idea my brain worked differently.

Let’s rewind to 1998... I was a bright-eyed second grader with energy to spare. My mum, also a teacher, could spot learning differences in other kids a mile away. But her own daughter? Let’s just say I slipped under the radar!

Then came the infamous choir concert. Picture this: I’m standing quietly with the altos. My mum’s in the audience, proud as ever. Suddenly, I vanish, and reappear with the sopranos, belting out high notes like I’m auditioning for a musical. Then I’m back with the altos. Then the sopranos again. Musical whack-a-mole, live on stage.

That’s when Mum realised this might be more than “just spirited energy.” After a trip to the educational psychologist, the puzzle pieces clicked into place: ADHD.

High School, Exams, and the Rollercoaster Brain

Fast forward to high school. I studied for Geography like my life depended on it. Walked into the exam room feeling confident, turned the paper over and… nothing. Blank. Not a single plate tectonic in sight. I might have muttered a few colourful words on my way out.

That’s when we explored ADHD medication. My first day on meds? I burst into tears in the middle of lunch. No reason. Just full dramatic meltdown. (If you know, you know!) Eventually, we found the right balance, but as an adult, I decided to go med-free for a while.

Adulting with ADHD means adapting. I learned to embrace my quirks. I tell “Karla stories” that zigzag all over the place. I regularly find yesterday’s coffee in the microwave. And I’ve made peace with the fact that I’ll always have five tabs open - in my brain and on my laptop.

Teaching with ADHD: My Superpower in the Classroom

Now, as a teacher, my ADHD brain is both my challenge and my secret weapon.

I totally get my wiggly, fidgety, can’t-sit-still kids - because I am them! My classroom is full of movement, curiosity, and creativity. I use my ADHD strengths - energy, empathy, and imagination - to build connections with my students and create a learning space that celebrates every mind.

Teaching with ADHD isn’t about fitting into a system, it’s about adapting the system to fit us. And that’s something I bring into every part of my life, including my work with Jo’s Dreamland, a brand that truly believes in supporting neurodiverse learners through creativity and connection.

Pregnancy, Parenthood, and ADHD Mum Life

Then came pregnancy… and oh boy, “pregnancy brain” + ADHD = pure chaos. You can’t take ADHD meds during pregnancy, so I had to navigate full throttle ADHD mode while growing a tiny human. Imagine trying to plan lessons, remember appointments, and find your car keys - all while your brain is doing parkour!

Now, as a mum of two little dreamers, I embrace my ADHD parenting style. Our house is loud, loving, and full of imagination. I jump on couches, chase laughter, and see the world the way my kids do - through bright, curious eyes.

After breastfeeding both my kids into toddlerhood, I eventually went back on medication. It helped me find balance again, but I’ve never lost the spark that comes from my wonderfully wired brain.

Why ADHD Is My Superpower

Sure, ADHD has its challenges, impulsivity, distraction, chaos, but it’s also the reason I think differently, create differently, and teach differently.

It helps me connect deeply with neurodiverse kids who just need someone to “get it.” I see their potential because I am them - grown-up and caffeinated.

That’s why I love what Jo’s Dreamland stands for: imagination, inclusion, and the belief that every child learns best when they feel safe, inspired, and supported. From our educational bedding to our creative booklets, every product is designed to nurture learning through play and celebrate neurodiversity in a gentle, joyful way.

So here’s to every ADHD teacher, ADHD mum, and wonderfully wired dreamer out there. Your brain isn’t broken - it’s just beautifully different.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where I’ll share how I spot early signs of learning differences in the classroom and how we can better support neurodiverse learners together.

💛 Karla

At Jo's Dreamland we incorporate learning activities into all our designs, whether that is in the design of our bedding or in the accompanying educational booklet to inspire learning around the theme.