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Positive Aspects of ADHD and ADD: Benefits to Having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Attention Deficit Disorder

Author: Darcy Andries
Published: Sep 5, 2006

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.