Seriously, though, there are a number of positive things associated with ADHD. People with ADHD have high IQs, they are very creative, and many times those with ADHD are funny and romantic. ADDers are able to do many things at once: Multitasking, as it is now called in the corporate world, is a piece of cake. We think differently, but some of our ideas have turned into some of the greatest inventions, creations, and art work of modern times. (Edison, da Vinci, and Hemingway all had ADHD traits.)
So much has been said about ADHD being negative in our society, that we've forgotten the positives. When you have a child with ADHD, sometimes you forget the positives in the exhaustion of keeping up with the child, but the positive traits are there and need to be nurtured. We have to stop thinking of ADHD as "abnormal", but as "different". Only then can we begin to focus on what is good about ADHD.
"In my opinion, the ADD brain structure is not truly an abnormality. In fact, I believe a very good case can be made that it is not only normal, though in the minority, but may well be a superior brain structure. However, the talents of the person with the ADD brain structure are not those rewarded by our society at its current stage of development. In other words, the problems of the person with ADD are caused as much by the way we have our society, educational system, and business methods organized as by other factors more directly related to the ADD itself." - Paul Elliott, M.D.
We really need to embrace ADHD as a gift. -We are so used to thinking of it in negative terms that we aren't grateful for that part of having ADHD that makes us special. We think about our inability to get organized or remember things and don't think about the things that we do that contribute to our society and families.
While in the midst of writing this article, I decided to take an account of my own positives. I, too think about all the times I was late, the fact that my house is a lot less organized than I'd like and that I don't complete everything I start, but if I am to look at ADHD in a positive light, I need to look at myself differently. I lead the choir in our church - a very creative task with our choir! I homeschool our children. This takes intelligence as well as creativity. I make people laugh on a regular basis, -sometimes without even meaning to. I am a very good cook and enjoy entertaining. I write these articles. And the list could go on and on. Make your own list today. You are contributing some vital things in your community, your family and in your own life. - What are they? Think about them and feel good about yourself. Until next time....
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