Vancouver Island Adult ADHD Association is a peer-to-peer, grassroots support group for adults with – or who think they may have, ADHD. We are self-financed and, as a group, offer emotional, social, and informational support and understanding to the ADHD community. Peer support is founded on the principles of respect, shared responsibility, and mutual understanding, and we offer the unique support you can only get with others who share similar experiences.

“Finally, I understand my life” was – like so many others – my reaction to my diagnosis of ADHD.  I was 72.  

Then, of course, the next question: “How would my life have been different if I’d been diagnosed earlier?” And after that:  “Would I have traded my life for one without ADHD?” Answer – no!

My partner Heather and I have made documentary films for five decades – and my career has been helped by the positive aspects of ADHD: creativity, being able to hyper-focus, empathy, and being able to think outside the box. I was fortunate to land a career that allowed the good parts of ADHD to thrive without too many negatives.  Just as important as having a work and life partner without ADHD was crucial!

As a child with a severe stutter, I learned early the value of being in a group of people with the same challenges: you were no longer ‘different’; you could just be who you were. A six-week speech therapy camp was a life changer. So when I was diagnosed with ADHD as an older adult, I went looking for a support group – I found one in Vancouver.  After a few meetings, I said to the organizer, “I wish there were a group like this on The Island.”  He said, “Well, start one,” and gave me some information on starting a group.  

Val and I connected, and we put together the first online meeting and the website.  Reg joined us, organizing and hosting, and now Jason with his bundle of skills. And here we are, three years later, with a supportive community. 

Valerie McIntyre-Baird

Co-Founder, Board Director

Many adults discover their own ADHD while seeking a diagnosis for their children. When my son was diagnosed with ADHD, my life suddenly made sense. At age 48, I discovered the missing piece that helped me truly understand and appreciate myself for the first time - I discovered that I had ADHD too.

Balancing my successful career and personal life with undiagnosed ADHD took a toll on me. The success on the outside didn't reveal the war and burnout I felt inside.

With an ADHD diagnosis, seeing the history of my life through a completely different lens was a rollercoaster. I felt everything from relief, elation, grief, anger, regret, motivation… I realized my struggles weren't due to a lack of effort but because no matter how hard I tried, my brain’s Executive Function wasn’t always responsive.

Today, I see my ADHD as a strength, allowing me to hyper-focus and quickly find solutions to complex problems. While my brain may operate a bit differently than what’s considered “neurotypical,” - I now love what makes it different.

Looking back, the only thing I wish I could change is: I wish I had known sooner. Long ago, I would have purposefully found coping strategies and mentors, I’d have confidently pursued what came naturally to me, and I would have been much kinder to myself.

I co-founded an ADHD support group to provide info, resources, and a community for navigating diagnosis, emotions, and strategies. My goals are to increase diverse representation, educate girls/women of all races, and ensure equal education, testing, and affordable treatment.