Author Janet Miranda promotes ADHD awareness while offering practical tools for kids (and families) dealing with it.
According to the CDC, about 6 million children between the ages of 3 and 17 have been diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a neurodevelopmental disorder commonly diagnosed in childhood.
ADHD is characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development. Inattention in ADHD manifests as difficulty in sustaining focus, failure to follow through on tasks, and disorganization.
Hyperactivity shows up as excessive fidgeting, restlessness, and an inability to stay seated or quiet when expected. Impulsivity might include hasty actions without forethought, a tendency to interrupt or intrude on others, and a lack of patience. These symptoms can vary in severity and may not be consistently present across all settings, such as home, school, and social interactions.
For the millions of kids facing ADHD, it significantly impacts their lives. It can affect academic performance, hinder social interactions, and wreak havoc on a child’s emotional well-being. It can be diagnosed young – but kids are often left wondering why. Why do I feel this way? Why can’t I control my actions? Is there something wrong with me?
Mother, grandmother, business leader, actress, and writer Janet Miranda believes that these kids need an advocate. She has written a groundbreaking children’s book, “Hyper Harley”, where the main character faces all these struggles and more.
Like many kids with ADHD, Harley struggles to maintain focus during school. She has a hard time with organization and completing tasks on time – which in kids with ADHD can lead to academic underachievement and frustration.
Harley struggles socially, like many of her real-world counterparts. The impulsivity and hyperactivity associated with ADHD can make it challenging for kids to form and maintain friendships, as they might be perceived as disruptive or intrusive. They often experience low self-esteem and emotional difficulties, such as feelings of inadequacy or frustration due to their symptoms.
Understanding and managing ADHD through various strategies, including behavioral interventions, educational support, and lifestyle changes can help mitigate these challenges and support the child’s development and quality of life.
“I like to tell kids that being super active is actually a super power when you channel it,” shares author Janet Miranda. “I tell them, ‘You don’t need to be better than anyone else; you just need to be better than who you used to be.’ There are things that can help kids with ADHD but the first step is awareness.”
She shares that there is always a stigma that surrounds a diagnosis of ADHD, as there is with any other disorder. “These kids feel different or wrong,” Janet says. “We need to educate them on why they’re having these experiences – and then take steps to help mitigate ADHD.”
“Hyper Harley” focuses on how important it is to make healthy choices, and to take care of yourself and your body – not for reasons of vanity, but to promote overall health and wellness. Pediatrician Dr. Lyudmila Sverkunova says, “Very thoughtful short-story portraying the effects of poor nutrition, causing shortness of attention span and lack of focus in young children. Highly recommend!”
The book points to the fact that in children with ADHD, sugar intake can exacerbate existing brain dysregulation, potentially intensifying their symptoms. Sugar can negatively affect gut health, which is particularly concerning as children with ADHD often experience gastrointestinal issues. Consuming sugar may worsen these digestive symptoms, further impacting the overall condition of children with ADHD by amplifying brain dysregulation and its associated symptoms.
That might be a lot for a child to take in and understand. But Janet’s engaging storybook, with its beautiful and colorful illustrations by Italian artist Angela Sciddurlo Rago, breaks it down so that any young reader can grasp the concepts of what they are dealing with in their own lives.
Janet Miranda herself is a multi-talented individual whose journey is a remarkable fusion of diverse roles and experiences. She’s the mother of two and a grandmother, and those roles are near and dear to her heart; they’ve influenced her and provided a wellspring of inspiration and motivation. Her personal experiences have shaped her family life and have also been the driving force behind her professional pursuits, particularly in the fields of writing and advocacy.
Janet is also a successful entrepreneur with diverse content on her Instagram account that highlights both her professional and personal life. In the business world, Janet is renowned as an esteemed leader, known for her innovative thinking, inventiveness, and enthusiasm for technology. As an entrepreneur, she has developed the ability to skillfully handle the business world and has enjoyed a series of successful ventures and impactful leadership roles. Her savvy business acumen is complemented by her creative endeavors as an actress, model, and writer, where she channels her creativity and passion.
Janet’s artistic talents are instruments of empathy and understanding. This is vividly demonstrated in “Hyper Harley,” a transformative tool that seeks to educate and enlighten its readers about ADHD.
“In telling this story, my goal was to help children face the complexities of ADHD and help them realize that they can make healthy choices to improve their lives,” says Janet. Her book sheds light on the challenges and victories associated with the condition, and her portrayal is deeply informed by her personal experiences as a parent and her intrinsic ability to empathize and resonate with her audience.
Janet’s commitment to raising ADHD awareness is a cornerstone of her advocacy work. She goes beyond the written word to actively engage with communities, educators, and healthcare professionals. Her efforts are focused on enlightening others about how ADHD impacts children’s education, social life, and overall well-being. She provides resources and support to those affected by ADHD, emphasizing the importance of understanding and managing this condition.
Janet Miranda is far more than an author; first, she is a business executive, but she also has a passion to help the world live their best life and shows it via her creativity and arts. Her artistic ventures include co-writing screenplays that delve into profound subjects such as the energy of the afterlife, showcased in her short film “Xmas Card,” available on YouTube. In collaboration with the African American Women in Cinema, Janet recently co-authored a narrative tackling the pressing issues of racism and anti-Semitism, with the project currently in the pipeline for its premiere. Additionally, her creative prowess led her to co-found and contribute to “Motivations,” a TV series that found its home on cable TV in New York City. These endeavors reflect Janet’s dedication to peace and healing as a humanitarian, intertwining her artistic expressions with her advocacy for understanding and reconciliation.
“Hyper Harley” is available for purchase as an e-book or physical copy at major retailers such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble. If you have a child or loved one affected by ADHD, this is the one book you can’t miss!
Learn more: https://hyperkidsclub.com/
Instagram: @AmazingActing
