AD/HD: The Flipside
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) is becoming more and more of a household term, with current prevalence rates suggesting about 11% of school-age children have formal diagnoses. As we watch our kids grow up in an uber-competitive world, we are often quick to notice and concentrate on the weaknesses commonly found in AD/HD, the “deficits” as the name suggests.
The Flipside of AD/HD
Difficulties focusing, hyperactivity, poor impulse control, and compromised executive functioning skills are just a few of the symptoms that no doubt make it more challenging for children and adolescents to excel and thrive. But there’s a flipside to many of these symptoms…and the flipside is a wonderful set of strengths and traits unique to the AD/HD population that will benefit them for a lifetime. Assets to be proud of and to celebrate! Strengths to remind your children of, especially when the going gets tough…So let’s look at the flipside of AD/HD.
AD/HD and Hyperfocus
Let’s be honest…we all have difficulty focusing on things we don’t enjoy; however, those individuals with AD/HD have significantly more difficulty focusing on boring or tedious tasks, shifting attention to a new activity, and dividing attention between two competing streams of information. The flipside? Hyperfocus. Have you ever observed your AD/HD child spend inordinate amounts of time focusing on activities or topics they enjoy? Individuals with AD/HD can channel all their attention and energy into things they love, for hours on end. This hyperfocus and intense motivation becomes a serious advantage down the road if one’s chosen career path is in line with his/her interests.
Outside-the-box Thinking and Creativity
Truth: Many children with AD/HD struggle with traditional ways of learning. They might have difficulty sitting still for long periods of time or staying focused to study for a test. They may need information to be presented in more than one way. The flipside? These children often have above average intelligence and unmatched creativity. Sure, they may be always thinking “outside” the box, but once the box is removed, their potential and productivity is limitless.
Energy and Enthusiasm
As a parent, it’s hard to receive weekly notes or phone calls from school that your child can’t sit still or is literally bouncing off the walls. For the children who struggle with significant hyperactivity, it’s difficult to take them to restaurants or other public places where poise and calmness are required. Now fast forward several years and let’s look at the flipside. Although most individuals with AD/HD will never fully outgrow their symptoms, very few AD/HD adults still exhibit significant hyperactivity. Instead, with maturity this trait evolves into desirable energy and enthusiasm that many others without AD/HD only wish they still had.
Resilience and Compassion
Individuals with AD/HD often must work harder than their peers to achieve the same results. They are no stranger to persistent effort, and frequently encounter setbacks, hurdles, and obstacles that test their patience and motivation. They learn that “fair” doesn’t always mean “equal” and in the face of challenges, one must find ways to adapt. The flipside. GRIT. PERSEVERANCE. RESILIENCE. Who doesn’t want their grown children to possess those traits? Lastly, learning to manage AD/HD symptoms during childhood helps foster empathy and compassion for others who also have weaknesses, regardless of nature or severity. Sometimes we need to ask ourselves, would we rather have a child with superior academic performance, or one who is kind, compassionate, and willing to lend a helping hand?
How The Mind Spot Can Help
At The Mind Spot, we offer psychoeducational evaluations that help determine if your child meets criteria for AD/HD, and if so, how to best intervene so the flipside of AD/HD can shine. Make an appointment with Dr. Shannon Ackal or one of our counselors today. Meet Our Counselors