Positive Aspects of ADHD and ADD
Benefits to Having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Attention Deficit Disorder
Sep 5, 2006
With a name that's 50-66% "deficit disorder," it's easy to focus on all the negatives and problems that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or attention deficit disorder, causes. But there's a whole lot it brings to a person and every one needs to stop and take a moment to realize that there is a reason that it is ADD and not MINUS.
Here are just a few traits that are more prevalent in people with ADHD. Not everyone who has ADHD has all these traits, and sure people who aren't ADHD have these traits too. This list is far from complete, but at least it's a good start.
- Forgives mistakes easily
- Sensitive
- Compassionate
- Empathetic with the feelings of others
- Feels things deeply
- Doesn't harbor resentment
- Charming personality
- Warmhearted
- Good judge of character
- Charismatic
- Outgoing
- Personable
- Perceptually acute
- Intuitive (when you miss out on stuff because you're distracted, you learn to figure things out)
- Observant (it seems like inattention, but it often is over attention)
- Sees unique relationships between people and things
- Looks past surface appearance to the core of people, situations, and issues
- Visionaries
- Dreamers
- Visual
- Fast thinking
- Quick to grasp essentials
- Insightful
- Intuitive
- Inquisitive
- Imaginative
- Innovative
- Creative in nature (including: in problem solving)
- Inventive
- Flexible
- Resourceful
- Hardworking
- Original
- Mechanically inclined
- Takes risks (sometimes this can be good)
- Often sees things from a unique perspective
- Great at finding things that are lost (of course, we get lots of practice looking for things)
- Multi-talented
- Humorous with a great sense of humor
- Spontaneous
- Fun
- Fun-loving
- Energetic
- Enthusiastic
- Athletic (we like to move around)
- Less likely to get in a rut or go stale
- Adaptable
- More likely to do things because they want to than because they should
- Wholehearted when making an effort
- Optimistic
- Open-minded
- Trusting
- Not secretive
- Down to earth
- Eager for acceptance and willing to work for it
- Responsive to positive reinforcement
- Quick if they like what they are doing
- Intense when interested in something or someone
- Difficult to fool
- Loyal
- Humble (it's not hard when people are always telling you what's wrong with you)
- Resilient
- Passionate
- Tenacious
I advise everyone who is, or knows of someone who is, ADHD to print this list to keep it handy for those times you forget what a blessing being ADHD can be.
I know I have forgotten some. So, if you feel like you can add to list, I urge you to add your own qualities by using the discussion forum.
