People With ADHD Almost Always Do 14 Things Much Better Than Everyone Else, According To A Psychologist
GaudiLab | Shutterstock If you or someone you love has ADHD, you know it’s not always easy to deal with anxiety and executive function difficulties. Friends and family with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder want to do well, achieve, and succeed but struggle with challenges that can seem like insurmountable obstacles.
What if instead of seeing these as obstacles, we thought of them as talents? Rather than a negative stigma, we can, and should, embrace these facets of mental acuity and emotional intelligence that are, in many cases, enhanced by ADHD. ADHD is something you live with. You navigate the world a little differently and solve problems a little differently from others. When you accept your unique perspective and approach, you can set yourself up for success.
Unique talents people with ADHD excel at over everyone else:
1. They have more resilience in the face of challenges
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People with ADHD have the ability to persevere through challenges, as demonstrated by a study of resilience factors when growing up with ADHD published in the Journal of Attention Disorders.
Simply put, sometimes the things that make us struggle in life become our greatest strengths.
2. They are more creative
Nathalie Boot of the University of Amsterdam supports how ADHDers can see and appreciate originality. The quick thinking and impulsivity that is often viewed negatively actually allows them to embrace more creative ideas because they don't overanalyze the artistry and aren't inhibited by overthinking.
3. They are more perceptive
People with ADHD often have the ability to recognize nuance in relationships, which might help explain some of the unfair stigma described in research in SSM - Qualitative Research in Health Journal.
According to neuropsychologist Elizabeth Adams, PhD, LP, ABPP-CN, "Individuals with ADHD often perceive (intuitively) connections or flows that are not appreciated by others. They often enjoy taking a bird’s-eye view of things, and asking the what-if questions."
4. They are adaptable in almost every situation
People with an ADHD brain are comfortable going with the flow or, as it is sometimes described, entering a flow state. They are in the groove of whatever is going on around them without becoming too focused on a singular task.
5. They are comfortable expressing emotions
An ADHD superpower that isn't often talked about is their ability to let their happiness, sadness, anger, or other emotions breathe. A study in the Emotion Journal suggests this can be beneficial for managing stress in a relationship.
6. They can make quick decisions
The ability to act on instinct is often framed negatively for people with ADHD (and sometimes it can be). But being able to act on instinct and make quick decisions can also be a powerful asset. You are never paralyzed by indecision and can choose and move on.
7. They have an unabashed sense of humor
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The ADHD brain is incredibly adept at humor because, as comic Douglas Cootey noted, "Our busy ADHD brains can impulsively put random, seemingly unassociated items together in funny ways that entertain those around us."
8. They have a greater sense of empathy and compassion
A review in Brain Sciences Journal highlighted that people with ADHD can see the world through others' eyes and treat them with kindness. This heightened empathy and compassion comes naturally to them.
9. They are amazing multitaskers
The rapid-fire thoughts common with an ADHD brain make them amazing multitaskers. They can actually see connections in things that most people would assume have no ability to integrate and make them work.
10. They are much more spontaneous than the average person
People with ADHD have the ability to change plans on a dime. Similar to impulsivity, spontaneity can lead to distractibility, but at its best, it can be an incredible asset, allowing the person to adapt and change as needed, without too much stress.
11. They are driven and have passion
The ability to motivate yourself is one of the most powerful skills you can have, and people with ADHD have it in spades.
12. They are curious about everything
People with ADHD have the ability to see beyond the obvious. It's a gift that hints at the intelligence simmering below the surface of everything they do.
13. They have boundless enthusiasm
A person with ADHD has a zest for living and the ability to get fired up and excited no matter the circumstances. It can be contagious, and people are drawn to that energy.
14. They are authentic
People with ADHD can embrace the truth as a guiding principle. They are never afraid to be who they are, regardless of others' perceptions.
Here's why you can embrace your ADHD with self-acceptance:
1. Accepting your ADHD is the first step to empowering yourself
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It means you think a little differently, navigate the world a little differently, and solve problems a little differently from others. A study in the Journal of Psychiatry Investigation suggests that when you accept your unique perspective and approach, you are better positioned for success.
You can gain a deeper understanding of what makes you tick and what does and doesn’t work for your living and learning styles. Remember, everyone is different in their own unique ways. ADHD may set you apart from the neurotypical crowd, but it doesn’t diminish you in any way. In fact, plenty of other neurodiverse folks can provide encouragement, support, and friendship.
Embrace your ADHD and all that you are. It’s the crucial step toward accepting and loving yourself.
2. You have compassion for yourself and others
It’s so easy to give in to critical self-talk at times of frustration. We are often our worst critics, which is a heavy load to carry. ADHD makes it harder to stay focused, get organized, and feel like you’ve got your act together.
That’s why it’s essential to practice compassion toward yourself and others like you. Learn to minimize the negative inner voice and to amplify the cheerleader within. If your child forgot to hand in their homework again or you were a day late with a work report, it doesn’t mean either of you is a hopeless failure.
Remind yourself it’s naturally more challenging for you to stay organized, manage time, and follow through. Use lists, alerts, and reminders to stay on track. Leave yourself with daily motivations, meditate on positive messages, and do whatever it takes to treat yourself with more kindness and forgiveness.
3. You accentuate the positive
I often ask my clients with ADHD to think of their superpower, something they’re good at and proud of. If we’re only focused on what isn’t working, we’re bound to miss all the gifts and beautiful qualities that make us unique, as detailed in research from the University of Bergen, Norway.
For example, kids and adults with ADHD can be dreamers, going from one thought to another and then to something else. This is what also makes them exceptionally creative. They can make up stories, draw beautifully, or compose music.
Set aside some time to think of three positive things about yourself. It can be a particular skill or talent, how you’ve contributed to a good cause, or a remarkable aspect of your personality. These types of affirmations are essential and will help drown out the negativity that can easily take center stage.
4. You celebrate yourself, ADHD and all
There are so many beautiful aspects of being a unique, outside-the-box thinker. This month, focus on what is working in your life and help your kids do the same. Take some time to honor big and small successes and validate your effort and progress. It’s not all about achievement: Paying attention to what you are doing differently is making a change, too. How can you build on this to make it a lasting habit?
People who live with ADHD have so much to offer and bring a wide range of perspectives and experiences that enrich us all. Take pride in the creative, funny, artistic, athletic, and brilliant things you or your kids do.
Accepting yourself with self-compassion allows you to be good enough just as you are: a wonderful, perfectly imperfect, unique human being, just like everybody else!
Sharon Saline, Psy.D., is an international lecturer and workshop facilitator. She has focused her work on ADHD, anxiety, learning differences, and mental health challenges and their impact on school and family dynamics for more than 30 years.
