Something Lost Parent said made me think of this. I agree with her statement that there are some positive aspects to adhd. We all focus on the problems but maybe we could share the other side of the coin. For me, I do believe I have it though I wouldn’t have said that a year ago. Only in learning about my children am I recognizing myself. I have to admit that I do not have nearly as many complications as my youngest daughter who struggles with learning and anxiety. For me, math and some other things (like I still can’t tell my left from my right) have been major issues. Memory is also a factor but not in everything.
However, I am very artistic and I have always felt that I approach things differently from most people. I tend to see multiple solutions (lateral thinking) which is definitely a creative plus. I usually can tackle many projects at a time because my mind can go in a million directions at once. Sometimes it’s overwhelming and I do need a break but other times it’s fine. One of my girls and I are very visual and we actually think in pictures (part of the math problem for both of us) but it’s a great thing to have in language arts and fine arts! My memory can be almost photographic at times.
The big one that is a plus for me and my kids is the hyperfocusing! I think I mentioned to in a thread earlier that it got me through art school! For my kids when they get involved in projects it keeps them interested for a long time! It’s part of the reason that I (and I’m sure others) at first thought there was no way my kid could have adhd! I mean, look how well she can focus!
ADHD/Gifted
My son tells me he LIKES having ADHD!! Although it impacts him severely
in memorization, he likes the fact that he can hyperfocus on a problem
and come up with a creative solution that a lot of people wouldn’t even
think about. Socialization hasn’t been a problem yet (12yr) but I feel later
on it may be. I worked for a Dr. that was just like him. He couldn’t keep
up with anything but was a great dr. because he could hyperfocus and
come up with Dx. that other drs. missed. By the way, my son thinks in
pictures too. Jan
Great thread Jen. We have a couple older people in our family that have ADHD. They are both women. With all this energy they are very active and therefore very fit. One is still working as an Optician and she is in her 70’s but looks like she is in her 50’s.