Santa Clarita resident Nicolas Storch published a children’s book based on his own experience with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) called “The Boy Who Could: My Journey with ADD.”
Prompted by the COVID-19 shutdown, Storch began the book he had been wanting to write since the 4th grade. It helped to distract him from the loss of his senior year, as distance learning was implemented.
“I was just so busy throughout the years, and when the shutdown happened, I thought, I can just do this now. I began writing every day for two months, doing a bunch of revisions,” said Storch.
The book revolves around Storch’s personal struggles with ADD as a child. It also chronicles the progression of his diagnosis and the different solution attempts.
The process required research and reflection, as Storch revisited his journals from when he was struggling with ADD and being diagnosed. His parents served as a source of perspective as well: “I asked them their experience and perspective on when I was being diagnosed to see how it affects parents. One of my main goals is being able to show parents that ADD is not a bad thing.”
Storch also debated how he would approach writing about solutions in a way that was relatable and informative for others. For him, the way he best coped with ADD was through medication, though in his book he acknowledges that medication may not be for everyone. “There were talks with doctors and surveys. My parents were originally against medication, but they realized that if I needed it, they shouldn’t hesitate.”
When writing, Storch sought the help of his friend, Shaina Sharma to create illustrations. “I was so honored. I’ve always wanted to illustrate a book, but I never thought I would get to. I was glad I was able to contribute to it,” she said
Sharma created each illustration by hand, starting with sketching and then painting, before moving to a digital drawing software. “Nick would let me know what he wanted for each page, I would sketch out an idea and send it to him,” said Sharma.
According to Sharma, the illustrations work to contribute to the book’s message: ‘I think it gives it more depth, and people can see the visual aspect of ADD.”
Storch hopes that his book reaches those struggling with ADHD personally, or knows someone who is. He aims for it to be informational, based on his own experience.
“I thought there was something wrong with me and that I was a bad kid but that was simply not true. Unfortunately, a lot of kids are seeing therapists and doctors without addressing or knowing the real problem,” said Storch. “Having a learning disability, whatever it may be, doesn’t make them bad. I see it as a challenge and everybody is able to overcome their own personal challenges.”
Storch hopes to write about and explore other issues relating to mental health and disabilities, particularly in children. “I don’t see a lot of children’s books that address common social problems. I think it’s important that there are books out there that come from firsthand experience.”
The book is self-published and available on Amazon here.
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