Sounds a lot my younger brother who had ADD as well. Somehow he got through high school before he was diagnosed and placed on Ritalin, and now take amphetamine salts which is the current prescription drug of choice.

You went through so much just because medicine hadn't really caught up with brain disorders. Too be honest I still think psychiatrists are still really just witch doctors trying to just muddle peoples minds into compliance (just my personal opinion). It's a good thing you got that Atari, I'm glad it helped you out! Sorry you had to go through all that crap!

I'm glad you found meditation, it's one of the few things that has helped me maintain my sanity over the years. I have an ex-wife who is a sociopath, she nearly drove me insane (and probably would have succeeded if it weren't for meditation. ) I'm glad you found your way. At least today school's recognize student's with ADD.