Unlocking ADHD writer Shreya Jolly describes the seven things to love about ADHD (note: this is a non-exhaustive list of ADHD strengths!)
Although ADHDers face many challenges, having ADHD can also be an advantage! Here are seven ADHD strengths that you can take advantage of:
1. Energy and Spontaneity
Many ADHDers have endless amounts of energy1. This can be extremely beneficial in careers such as sports. ADHDers also tend to be spontaneous. This trait not only makes them stand out at parties, but also makes them more likely to take calculated risks. This can be a blessing as it can enable ADHDers to overcome their fear of failure. step out of their comfort zones and embark on potentially rewarding career paths.
2. Hyper-focus
Many ADHDers can hyper-focus. This means that they have the ability to stay on a task for hours without a break in their concentration. Such an attribute can be particularly useful when they are given certain tasks. For example, when asked to finish an interesting homework assignment, participate in a sports competition or make a realistic drawing/painting, an ADHDer with the relevant skills can excel tremendously.
3. Persistence
ADHDers are also extremely persistent2. They are willing to fight long and hard for what they want. This – along with their high levels of resilience – allows ADHDers to chase their dreams.
4. Social skills
As ADHDers have faced many challenges, they have developed empathy. Furthermore, their sense of humour and persuasive skills enable them to be excellent public speakers and conversationalists.
5. Creativity
On top of all this, creativity, originality and innovation are traits that run through the veins of ADHDers. This can make them excel in fields such as acting and music. In fact, many celebrities have ADHD as well! Furthermore, ADHDers can be found in fields that value problem-solving (e.g. medicine, law, consultancy work)
Research suggests that ADHDers are more inventive and creative than others. A study found that ADHDers were able to come up with more interesting ideas than neurotypical individuals when provided with a belt, book, tin-can and towel3. Similarly, another study reported that individuals with ADHD have higher divergent thinking4 (ability to generate multiple ideas from a single starting point) and lower convergent thinking (coming up with a single answer to a problem).
6. Big-picture thinking
While ADHDers are often criticised for losing focus and missing details, they are magnificent when it comes to considering the big picture. This enables them to be excellent visionary leaders too!
7. Thriving under pressure
Finally, let’s not forget that ADHDers are comfortable with chaos. They can thrive under high pressure. Hence it is no surprise that ADHDers make excellent firefighters, trauma surgeons and so on.
In conclusion, it is safe to say that having ADHD has its advantages! Instead of viewing it as a disability, it is about time we start viewing it as an ability.
References
- Low, K. (2021, January 19). How people who with ADHD have a huge asset. Verywell Mind. Retrieved June 6, 2022, from https://www.verywellmind.com/the-strengths-of-adhd-20698
- Editors, A. D. D. (2022, April 4). Your free guide to all the best parts of ADHD. ADDitude. Retrieved June 6, 2022, from https://www.additudemag.com/download/benefits-of-adhd/
- Boot, N., Nevicka, B., & Baas, M. (2020). Creativity in ADHD: Goal-Directed Motivation and Domain Specificity. Journal of Attention Disorders, 24(13), 1857–1866. https://doi.org/10.1177/1087054717727352
- White, H. (2019, March 5). The creativity of ADHD. Scientific American. Retrieved June 6, 2022, from https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-creativity-of-adhd/
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