Positive Aspects of ADHD and ADD

Benefits to Having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Attention Deficit Disorder

Sep 5, 2006 Darcy Andries

The flip and more positive side of having attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (aka attention deficit disorder).

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.

1. Forgives mistakes easily
2. Sensitive
3. Compassionate
4. Empathetic with the feelings of others
5. Feels things deeply
6. Doesn't harbor resentment
7. Charming personality
8. Warmhearted
9. Good judge of character
10. Charismatic
11. Outgoing
12. Personable
13. Perceptually acute
14. Intuitive (when you miss out on stuff because you're distracted, you learn to figure things out)
15. Observant (it seems like inattention, but it often is over attention)
16. Sees unique relationships between people and things
17. Looks past surface appearance to the core of people, situations, and issues
18. Visionaries
19. Dreamers
20. Visual
21. Fast thinking
22. Quick to grasp essentials
23. Insightful
24. Intuitive
25. Inquisitive
26. Imaginative
27. Innovative
28. Creative in nature (including: in problem solving)
29. Inventive
30. Flexible
31. Resourceful
32. Hardworking
33. Original
34. Mechanically inclined
35. Takes risks (sometimes this can be good)
36. Often sees things from a unique perspective
37. Great at finding things that are lost (of course, we get lots of practice looking for things)
38. Multi-talented
39. Humorous with a great sense of humor
40. Spontaneous
41. Fun
42. Fun-loving
43. Energetic
44. Enthusiastic
45. Athletic (we like to move around)
46. Less likely to get in a rut or go stale
47. Adaptable
48. More likely to do things because they want to than because they should
49. Wholehearted when making an effort
50. Optimistic
51. Open-minded
52. Trusting
53. Not secretive
54. Down to earth
55. Eager for acceptance and willing to work for it
56. Responsive to positive reinforcement
57. Quick if they like what they are doing
58. Intense when interested in something or someone
59. Difficult to fool
60. Loyal
61. Humble (it's not hard when people are always telling you what's wrong with you)
62. Resilient
63. Passionate
64. 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.

The copyright of the article Positive Aspects of ADHD and ADD in ADD/ADHD is owned by Darcy Andries. Permission to republish Positive Aspects of ADHD and ADD in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Positive ADHD