Hi Michelle. I can relate to a lot of your school history and symptoms. I didn't suspect ADD in myself until my daughter was diganosed with it and I realised how similar we are.

I dropped out of high school after having been expelled from several schools. I am gifted, but could never do the work (like you I never handed in assignments or did homework, but always aced tests and exams). I found the courage to try university as an adult student many years later, but it was SO HARD. I did very well, but the procrastination and lack of focus, organization and time management caused me MAJOR MAJOR stress. I can not begin to tell you how hard it was (but maybe you know?). It was only after graduation that I began to start the testing process for ADD. How much easier my study would have been if I had known sooner!

I went to my family doctor and requested a referral for testing for ADD. I was sent to a psychiatrist who administered comprehensive psych / IQ / attention testing. I chose NOT to disclose my previous diagnoses, and trusted the tests to pick up whatever was currently relevant.

Like you I attributed many of my symptoms to a previous diagnosis, but now I realise they are the result of my ADD. It still saddens me how much my life was affected by this undiagnosed condition. What has helped me the most about getting diagnosed was knowing that I am not the way I am because I am a failure as a human being. I now hate myself much less and forgive myself more. I know my limitations and do my best to arrange my life so I don't constantly butt up against them.

I suggest you go get tested. As soon as you can. The worst that can happen is that it turns out you don't have it. The best is that it could change your whole perception of yourself, and lead you to new insights, understanding and coping strategies.