Celebrating ADD / ADHD

The Gifts of ADHD

What are the gifts of ADHD?

So often the diagnosis of ADHD is viewed as negative, as a shortcoming, a defect. Its own name uses the term “disorder”- attention deficit “disorder.” The truth is some of the most creative and innovative people are speculated of having ADHD. Among the list of those are comedians Jim Carrey and Robin Williams, athletes Michael Jordan and Pete Rose, inventors Alexander Graham Bell and Thomas Edison, physicist Albert Einstein and composer Wolfgang Mozart. So if you have ADHD, you are in great company!

It may be time we change our perception of ADHD. Research has shown that the brains of children with ADHD function differently than others. Different can be good. Why not turn those problems into strengths? Why not view the difference as a gift?

Creativity:
Many people with ADHD are extremely creative and imaginative. They are often graced with tremendous originality and expressiveness. Their fresh, inventive imagination is a powerful tool!

Adventurousness:
What about the risk taking that sometimes comes along with ADHD? What if we change our perception by viewing this as adventurousness and daring, rather than in the negative sense? Some of the most prominent people in business moved up in the business world because of their willingness to take risks.

Looking at the Big Picture:
People with ADHD are often criticized for missing details and losing focus, yet they are often magnificent at looking at the whole picture. They are often very perceptive and can look at all sides to a situation, rather than keeping a narrow, one sided view. They are drawn to abstract ideas.

Thinking Outside the Box:
Thinking outside the box is a common thread among people with ADHD. They may think differently. They are nonconformists and they can generate powerfully imaginative ideas because they do think outside the boundaries that impede most of us.

Comfortable with Change and Chaos:
Individuals with ADHD live with chaos and confusion! Yet with specific coping strategies they adapt well. They are able to thrive under pressure.

Lots of Energy:
Being “on the go” can be good. People with ADHD may have lots of energy. They are gung ho and ready for action. They often have outgoing, spontaneous, passionate personalities.
Our perceptions can have a powerful affect on people. Turning these often debilitating symptoms around and seeing them in a positive light can be helpful. It provides us with more insight about how we may best teach to these strengths, how we can value and embrace these differences, and how it is possible to celebrate ADHD.