Adult ADHD - an Asset or Affliction?

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Is ADHD an Affliction or an Asset?
By Dana Rayburn, Adult ADD Coach

ADDed Success is ADD Coach Dana Rayburn's monthly newsletter about living successfully with Attention Deficit Disorder.

Welcome to ADDed Success!
The ADDA conference in St. Louis was fantastic. The best yet. In fact, Dr. Edward Hallowell's keynote speech inspired me to write this issue's article, 'Is ADHD an Affliction or an Asset?'

One of the things I like best about ADDA conferences is spending four days surrounded by other people with ADHD. It's very entertaining, plus comforting to be in an 'ADHD-Friendly Zone.' Everyone understands if you're late or a tad impulsive. Imagine if the whole world were ADHD-friendly!

Okay, on to the good stuff....

Is ADHD is an affliction or an asset? What do you think?

Some people think of ADHD as an affliction, "the cause of continued pain of body or mind." Others believe ADHD is an asset, "a useful or valuable quality."

I'm on the asset side. I believe with good treatment, ADHD makes life more rich and interesting.

I do understand the affliction folks viewpoint. Even with good treatment, when you have ADHD you can't be organized like other people. You can't finish projects like other people. You say what you think. You can't remember details.

But being organized, finishing projects and remembering details don't make life more rich and interesting.

I'm not saying living with ADHD is a cakewalk. Of course it can be frustrating and challenging. But don't ADHD's gifts outweigh the challenges? Think about it. Would you rather be lively and creative or be able to complete a project on time?

That's why I found Dr. Edward Hallowell's keynote speech at the 2004 ADDA Conference so inspiring. Here are some notes I scribbled as he spoke. These aren't direct quotes, but close enough, I hope, to convey his message.

Focus on your strengths and joy; not on your issues or difficulties, and you'll find yourself in a joyful place.

Frame ADD with positive energy. The negative energy pathology model is what breaks people down.

You have a race car brain. It's a wonderful machine. You just have to put the breaks on it a little bit.

Celebrate who you are. Get rid of the shame and fear - those are what hold people back. Not ADD. All the fancy interventions pale beside the strength of creating a warmth-filled, love-filled, fear-free, shame-free environment.

Dr. Hallowell sounds like an ADHD is an asset guy doesn't he!

How do you view ADHD? Is it an affliction or an asset? If you see it as an affliction, are you getting the treatment you need? If you're not, what are you going to do about it?

If you are getting good treatment and you still see ADHD as an affliction, perhaps it's time to change your attitude. Time to get rid of the shame and fear and focus on your strengths. Wanna play?

The Last Word
For a few years I've been toying with the notion that life with ADHD can be effortless. When you play to your strengths, increase your awareness and set up your world to support you - many of ADHD's challenges melt away. When that happens the positive parts of your ADHD can really work for you.

Then last spring, in a flash of clarity, I realized how deeply important it is to me to help people create a life of Effortless ADHD. That, for whatever reason, I am here to help people discover their strengths and live more easily with ADHD.

Yet I've been afraid to announce my belief. So many people with ADHD struggle. I've worried I'd be seen as insensitive or unrealistic. Hearing Dr. Hallowell speak helped me realize I can't keep quiet any longer.

So here I go. Proclaiming loudly for all the world to hear my belief that ADHD is a gift! A gift you need to unwrap carefully and treat gently. But it is a gift to be celebrated.

To Your ADDed Success,

Dana

PS. - Trouble Staying Organized? No Problem! Reserve your copy of 'Organized for Life' at the special 'early-bird' price.

Unleash Your Power
Through ADD coaching, my clients improve their productivity, increase their profits, and take control of their life. Learn more about ADD coaching for business people and other high-functioning adults with ADHD.

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