About ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurobiological disorder which affects 3-10% of school-age children. It was once diagnosed only in children, but we now know that it persists into adulthood for many. Although the symptoms seem benign, they can cause severe problems in social, academic, and work settings. Early identification and treatment are extremely important, as they help many people with ADHD to become very successful in life.
Positive Aspects of ADHD
- Creativity - can display flexible thinking and creativity associated with the arts.
- Abstract thinking - an ability to come up with novel ideas.
- Sense of humour - a fresh twist is placed on familiar topics and a sense of humour is a great coping skill.
- Lack of inhibition - trying new experiences and being spontaneous.
- High-level energy - when focused, this energy can move mountains and leave others exhausted in their wake.
- Ability to hyperfocus - the ability to be involved in something, probably of great interest, to the exclusion of everything else.
- Willingness to take risks - new endeavours always involve an element of risk-taking.
- Other strengths - it is suggested by some clinicians that those with ADHD have the ability to see through a facade and to quickly and accurately assess the true motivation of others.
If these strengths are not being tapped into and utilised, then there is an under-use of what has the potential to be a valuable resource.