In his latest book release titled “Flip Your Life: How to Find Opportunity in Distress — in Real Estate, Business and Life,” unveiled in February 2024, Tarek El Moussa, renowned HGTV personality, lays bare his tumultuous journey, shedding light on his battles with profound challenges from substance abuse to confronting two types of cancer, alongside the tumult of a turbulent divorce from former “Flip or Flop” co-star Christina Hall.
Reflecting on his past, El Moussa recognizes that a significant catalyst for many of his trials was his undiagnosed ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), a condition that silently plagued him through childhood and posed persistent challenges in his adulthood. Despite being diagnosed with “severe ADHD” at 17, El Moussa ceased medication at 18, a decision that eventually led him down a path of addiction, as revealed in a recent Instagram post.
However, he shares that after discovering the appropriate medication and dosage “several years ago,” as he disclosed to Heavy in early February, El Moussa expresses a newfound sense of stability and centeredness, describing it as the most profound sensation he has experienced in his life.
Now fully aware of how significantly his ADHD influenced his tendencies towards impulsiveness, distractibility, and feeling overwhelmed, El Moussa is fervently dedicated to advocating for parents and educators to recognize the seriousness of the disorder, as he emphasized in an interview with Heavy.
“It’s crucial for them to acknowledge and understand that ADHD is a genuine challenge,” he asserted.
This advocacy holds particular weight for the “Flipping El Moussas” star now that he finds himself navigating parenthood with a child who also grapples with ADHD. El Moussa recently disclosed to E! News that his eight-year-old son Brayden, whom he co-parents with Hall, shares the condition.
Tarek El Moussa Doesn’t Want His Son Brayden to Experience the Same Things He Did as a Kid With ADHD
In his book “Flip Your Life,” El Moussa reflects on the swift and consistent labeling he endured from teachers, often branded as a distraction and troublemaker, relegated to sit outside their classrooms.
Recalling the ordeal, he writes of the agony in having to remain still, stifled from movement and expression, recounting a particularly distressing encounter where his sixth-grade teacher’s frustration culminated in physical aggression, slamming him against a wall. Additionally, he vividly recalls the isolation enforced by his kindergarten teacher, who positioned him behind a cardboard box, separating him from his peers and intensifying his sense of loneliness at just five years old.
Despite not receiving a diagnosis until later in life, El Moussa eventually recognized some benefits to ADHD, such as the capacity for hyper-focus on topics of passion. In high school, sports became his refuge and fixation, a trend that continued into adulthood with his fervor for real estate investments and sharing knowledge with others.
Reflecting on his journey, he remarks on the importance of channeling ADHD energy into areas of passion, noting that finding such pursuits can mitigate anxiety and overwhelm. He encourages individuals with ADHD to seek out their passions, emphasizing the transformative power of obsession in driving relentless pursuit of knowledge and skill.
This approach is one El Moussa has already begun implementing with his son, Brayden, whom he affectionately refers to as his “mini-me.” Acknowledging Brayden’s ADHD tendencies, El Moussa shares their enjoyment in focusing on sports together, including jujitsu, soccer, and basketball, fostering a shared enthusiasm and bonding experience.
Tarek El Moussa Asks Parents & Teachers to ‘Be Understanding’ of Kids With ADHD
El Moussa, who shares his life with daughter Taylor, 13, from his previous marriage with Hall, and one-year-old son, Tristan, with his current wife, Heather, emphasizes to Heavy that while uncovering and embracing one’s passions can be a powerful strategy for individuals with ADHD, it’s often a daunting challenge to take that initial step.
Speaking from personal experience, he articulates, “When you have ADHD, simply taking that first step can feel overwhelming, leaving you paralyzed and unable to move forward.”
Elaborating further, El Moussa stresses the critical role of schools, medical professionals, and parents in identifying and addressing the common traits associated with ADHD in young individuals.
Citing the American Psychiatric Association, El Moussa underscores ADHD as a chronic and debilitating disorder with far-reaching impacts across various facets of life, including academics, career pursuits, interpersonal relationships, and daily functioning. Characterized by symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, ADHD necessitates comprehensive support and understanding.
El Moussa emphasizes the paramount importance of empathy and acceptance from parents and educators, urging them to recognize that the behaviors exhibited by children with ADHD stem from an inability to control impulses rather than intentional misconduct. He advocates for an approach centered on understanding, acknowledging, and accepting the challenges faced by individuals with ADHD, fostering an environment conducive to their growth and well-being.