The ADHD Brain: Differences Not Deficits
ADHD is a medical diagnosis and viewing it through this lens is useful in that people can be prescribed medication to address the symptoms. There is an argument however that ADHD medications are highly overprescribed, and that there is a large potential for abuse/misuse especially with stimulants such as Adderall. ADHD has been included in the category of a disability with appropriate allowances made in schools for the challenges associated with the symptoms. The problem with thinking of ADHD as a disability is that it elicits negative connotations and frequently highlights the challenges of living with a neurodivergent brain. Are drugs effective for some people struggling with the dx? Sure, however not all people with ADHD need or want medication to manage the symptoms of their brain working differently.
The term neurodiversity has become a buzzword, although it’s been thrown around since the late 1990’s. Besides referring to ADHD, neurodiversity commonly refers to people with dyslexia, autism spectrum disorder, dyspraxia, and other learning disabilities. The term disability is associated with impairment whereas neurodivergent focuses on differences. And yes, there are definitely differences in the way an ADHD brain works. Symptoms including time blindness, zoning out, impulsivity and a hard time with organizational tasks are a part of it. ADHD is executive function dysregulation disorder, which means individuals may have difficulties managing their thoughts, attention, behaviors, and emotions. They might have outsized reactions emotionally to situations especially where there is perceived rejection. All this might sound terrible, but in reality most individuals with ADHD learn over the years how to manage their symptoms which makes them very resilient. And therapy can be a useful tool to help identify better ways of navigating symptoms as well as emotions that impact social/ interpersonal relationships.
People with ADHD are often great problem solvers, conversationalists (although they might jump frequently between unrelated topics), fun, spontaneous, creative, funny, empathetic and intellectually gifted. Since they’ve had to learn how to manage symptoms as well as navigate social situations (more challenging for them then for people with a neurotypical brain), they also are more self aware and self reliant. Two key strengths are hyper focus and risk tolerance, let’s look at how both of those can play out positively. Hyper focus refers to the ability to laser focus on something of interest, think of Albert Einstein with his attention to science (he was believed to have ADHD) or a computer programmer designing new software. Someone with a neurotypical brain might be able to stay focused on a task for an extended time, but someone with ADHD will far outpace them in energy and stamina. As far as risk tolerance, many people with ADHD have their own successful businesses because they have been able to tolerate the risk of failing and move impulsively to invest in their future. ADHD traits might lead entrepreneurs to focus more intently on tasks they are passionate about and have the creative freedom to build. The best way someone with ADHD can optimize their skills is to make sure they are in an environment where they can use their skills to thrive, and be supported by others that can see their value. Additionally, using behavioral tactics such as checklists, time limits, exercise and relaxation techniques can help minimize challenges that come up.
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