Reimagine ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodivergent condition that affects approximately 5 percent of boys, girls, men, and women. It is often misunderstood as a set of deficiencies that hinder achievement and academic progress. Some of the commonly recognized characteristics of ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behaviors. In addition, people with ADHD typically exhibit an interest-driven focus, emotional hyperarousal, and Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD). All of these create challenges for motivation, time management, attainment of goals, and management of emotions. Broadly, these challenges can be described as a struggle with executive function.

Alterna

tively, we can reimagine the traits of ADHD as providing great potential and capacity. For example, inattention is also a sign of curiosity and disdain for boredom. Hyperactivity and impulsivity are signs of an energetic person willing to take risks and explore new experiences. Interest-driven focus enables one to hyper focus on a topic or activity of great interest and a large capacity for learning and mastering new subjects. Emotional hyperarousal and RSD are signs of someone who is passionate, cares deeply for what they do and for others around them and wants to achieve and contribute. This combination of traits describes people who are not lazy or underachievers but who have the potential to become thought leaders, artists, innovators, or entrepreneurs.

I work with individuals who want to understand ADHD to unlock the creativity and productivity of those with ADHD, help them succeed professionally, and share lessons in productivity with everyone. I emphasize the need to seek assistance and develop understanding and to externalize functions where needed through my motto, "Don’t ADHD Alone."