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When we talk about ADHD, we often focus on the struggles that folks with ADHD experience, discussing their barriers to success and day to day challenges. However, having ADHD comes with several gifts that are worth celebrating. Although ADHD has its challenges, when ADHDers can learn to take advantage of their strengths and appreciate them as gifts, they will find both success and a sense of satisfaction. This blog post outlines some of the gifts that folks with ADHD have to be thankful for.
Folks with ADHD are often extremely creative thinkers and out-of-the-box problem solvers. Their unique way of thinking allows them to approach work and situations in their life from a different point of view, coming up with solutions to problems that neurotypical thinkers wouldn’t consider. This skillset also allows ADHDers to thrive in creative environments and create new art, products, and ideas that are truly unique.
When most neurotypical people think about ADHD, they often think about scattered thoughts and difficulty focusing on the task at hand. While it can be difficult to focus on certain types of tasks, folks with ADHD also have the gift of hyperfocus when they are working on a task of interest or importance. ADHDers have a unique ability to truly get lost in a task, giving it all of their energy and attention until the task is complete. This gift allows them to be incredibly productive, create high-quality work, and explore problems and ideas in an exceptional level of depth, which can help them become experts in a variety of fields.
One of the greatest assets to having ADHD is the boundless energy which seems to accompany it. Folks with ADHD are always moving, often feeling restless and needing to keep busy. This abundance of energy allows them to get lots of things done, explore many passions and interests, and learn about a variety of topics. As a result, folks with ADHD are often productivity powerhouses, able to work tirelessly until everything they need to do and want to do is done.
People with ADHD tend to be incredibly passionate and curious individuals who view themselves as lifelong learners. The combination of these strengths with the energy that often accompanies ADHD allows ADHDers to spend long periods of time exploring a wide variety of topics, becoming incredibly multifaceted and engaging individuals. In the same conversation with a person of ADHD, you might be able to have an in-depth philosophical debate, followed by a spirited discussion about the history of your favorite sports team, until they are eventually teaching you about the inner workings of the methods of composing a symphony. As a result of their passion and curiosity, folks with ADHD tend to be extremely interesting individuals to be around and wonderful conversationalists.
ADHDers tend to be extremely empathetic and compassionate individuals who care deeply about the people in their lives. While social skills can develop more slowly in folks with ADHD, they make up for this development with the sheer amount that they care about their relationships and the people around them. As a result, folks with ADHD tend to make incredible friends and partners who are devoted to doing right by the people in their lives and showing love to everyone around them.
In addition to their passion, curiosity, and kindness, folks with ADHD tend to also be extremely fun individuals. Folks with ADHD often have a high tolerance for taking risks and are quite adventurous, always willing to try new things and have new experiences. This attitude combined with their energy often creates a zest for life that is unmatched by their neurotypical peers. When you spend time with an ADHDer, it is very likely you will have countless new experiences and will never be bored.
One of the greatest strengths that folks with ADHD possess is their perseverance and resilience. Folks with ADHD face many challenges in their lives, sometimes struggling with tasks and ideas that seem simple to their neurotypical peers. However, these challenges often result in folks with ADHD working hard to develop strategies that will allow them to be successful. When folks with ADHD are faced with a challenge, they will persevere, refusing to give up until they meet their goal. Similarly, when they are faced with a failure or setback, they will meet the challenge with energy and enthusiasm, picking themselves up, learning from their mistakes, and trying again. This quality is one of the most important ones for long-term success, and folks with ADHD are wonderful models of this ability.
Teenagers and young adults with ADHD have so many wonderful qualities to celebrate, but they have their fair share of challenges as well. In order to fully appreciate and utilize their strengths, they need the tools and strategies to help them manage their struggles and find success. Success Coaching is a unique service that helps folks with ADHD develop strategies to support their unique needs, focusing on utilizing their strengths and interests to figure out what works for them. YA Success Coach believes strongly in a strengths-based approach that focuses on building confidence and supporting the whole child to ensure long-term success, not only in academics, but in life. Contact us today to learn more about what we do and find out if Success Coaching is a good fit for your child.
Having a conversation is the first step to helping your child realize their full potential and set them up for success!