Ask anyone who went through childhood with ADHD, and they will tell you that no positive ADHD benefits adults will offset their pain! After the dust has settled and adults have learned to deal with the worst of ADHD’s symptoms, there are benefits to having adult ADHD.
Adults with ADHD are Masters of Disasters!
When the chips are down in a crisis or disaster scenario, ADHD adults are your leaders! When everyone else panics during an emergency, the ADHD mind is calm and collected. During a crisis or disaster scenario, the ADHD mind grasps the larger picture and can easily create mental step-by-step processes on the fly.
ADHD adults and analytical
ADHD minds are predominantly left-brained, but with training, folks with ADHD can effectively utilize the right side of their brain.
ADHD adults are problem solvers
Creative problem solving is one of their super-powers. They come up with solutions to thorny problems nobody else can.
ADHD folks are people persons
Natural leaders in a crisis, ADHD folks are the first to volunteer during a disaster or emergency. They pick up the ball and run with it without leadership but will gladly hand it over once a willing leader comes.
ADHD adults are caring individuals
They are highly empathetic and capable of seeing issues from multiple POVs.
ADHD adults are risk takers
They are more than willing to take risks and are most likely adrenaline junkies. They thrive in risky environments that require spontaneous decision-making.
They have a great sense of humor
Always ready with a joke or funny story, ADHD folks can liven up any situation, turning the mundane into fun activities.
Last of the great romantics!
When ADHD adults figure out how to make a relationship work, they are the most romantic partners, always looking for ways to say, “I love you!.”
Are great at engaging in conversational skills
With ADHD minds around, there are never awkward lulls in the conversation and can generate interest simply by conversing.
Always compassionate toward others
Folks with ADHD are always willing to lend a hand and are the first to volunteer with the call to action.
ADHD adults are motivation masters
Their self-motivation is contagious, as is their lead-by-example compassionate leadership style.
The ADHD mind never rests
The ADHD mind is constantly processing a dozen or more thoughts per minute! The ability to categorize during a crisis is due to their ability to see the larger picture as their mind slows down to focus on the problem.
They have boundless energy
ADHD adults are the most inventive people on the planet! If you have a problem that requires a tool that doesn’t exist, the ADHD mind will move Heaven and Earth to create that tool! Creative problem solving is one of their super-powers.
ADHD adults are highly competitive
When faced with a mundane task, the ADHD mind will create an atmosphere of competition to generate a prioritized interest, which enables them to hyper-focus.
Conclusion
i hope you enjoyed reading about the benefits of adult ADHD. If you liked this list of ADHD adult advantages and would like to see more, or you have more advantages to list, drop me a line at DrTerry@youandmeandadhd.com
Dr. Terry L Southern
Adventures With ADHD LLC
References
Dallas, M. E. (2013, September 26). Tooth Grinding, Poor Memory, and More: 5 Surprising Facts About ADHD. Retrieved August 19, 2023, from https://www.everydayhealth.com/adhd/tooth-grinding-poor-memory-and-more-surprising-facts-about-adhd.aspx
Gemm Learning (n.d.). Symptoms of Working Memory Issues Working Memory Dysfunction Signs By Age And Type. Retrieved August 19, 2023, from https://www.gemmlearning.com/can-help/working-memory/symptoms/#:~:text=Difficulty%20following%20multi%2Dstep%20directions,for%20more%20time%20and%20repetition
Gemm Learning (n.d.). Symptoms of Working Memory Issues Working Memory Dysfunction Signs By Age And Type. Retrieved August 19, 2023, from https://www.gemmlearning.com/can-help/working-memory/symptoms/#:~:text=Difficulty%20following%20multi%2Dstep%20directions,for%20more%20time%20and%20repetition
(Sherrell, 2021)
Sherrell, Z., MPH (2021, July 21). 6 strengths and benefits of ADHD. Retrieved August 19, 2023, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/adhd-benefits
Kalyn, W. (2023, April 17). The Benefits of ADHD in a Crisis: Hyperfocus, Creativity, Resilience & More. ADHD News & Research. Retrieved August 19, 2023, from https://www.additudemag.com/benefits-of-adhd-crisis/
ADDitude (2022, June 24). 17 Things to Love About Your ADHD! Talking About ADHD. Retrieved August 19, 2023, from https://www.additudemag.com/slideshows/benefits-of-adhd-to-love/
ADDitude (2022, July 22). What I Would Never Trade Away. Talking About ADHD. Retrieved August 19, 2023, from https://www.additudemag.com/slideshows/positives-of-adhd/
Cryer, D. (2022, October 20). Being a leader with ADHD. LinkedIn. Retrieved August 19, 2023, from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/being-leader-adhd-dan-cryer/
Roslaes, R. (2022, January 27). The Benefits of ADHD and Everyday Life Hacks. Theara, Lighting The Way. Retrieved August 19, 2023, from https://theara.com/the-benefits-of-adhd-and-everyday-life-hacks/
Thanks for you post. As an adult, I was diagnosed with ADHD. I may have had it when I was younger, but just slipped through the cracks. I have all of the personality traits you listed for adults with ADHD: I am a people person, I’m compassionate towards others, I’m a problem solver, during crisis, I know what to do, I have great conversational skills, and yes, my mind never rests. That last part is not so good. It means I have trouble sleeping. It also means my mind is racing all the time. Not good for when it’s time to relax. You attribute a lot of specific positive traits to adults with ADHD, but there are lots of people in the world with the same character traits who aren’t ADHD. This is an interesting post, and the topic is worth exploring more.
Hi Shalisha, Thank you for your comment on my page. Fortunately, there will be many more pages as time marches on. Eventually, I’ll get to pages that will help you sleep, but that may be eight months. As for your inability to sleep, there are many other methods to train your mind to relax. Any of the biofeedback systems will help, as will training your mind with sound, such as a crystal bowl or Native American Flute, which is what I use. Unfortunately, it is not a quick fix that takes weeks to create and embed a routine into your subconscious mind, but in the end, it is worth the time and effort.
There will always be folks who have some of ADHD’s comorbid symptomology, but only folks who have ADHD will have all 13 or 17, depending on which test you buy into. I have a different approach, but that subject is for another time.
Thank you for shedding light on the positive aspects of adult ADHD. It’s intriguing to learn about the unique strengths that individuals with ADHD bring to various situations. Your insights into how ADHD adults excel in crisis management, problem-solving, and their empathetic nature highlight their valuable contributions. As someone who has experienced the challenges and triumphs of adult ADHD, I resonate with the notion of boundless energy and the ability to generate interest in conversations. Your article encourages a different perspective on ADHD, showcasing the potential benefits it can offer in various aspects of life.
Hi Ashley, while many ADHD adults are very good at what they do, it still takes much more effort to offset the more salient points of ADHD. Without intervention, the average professional requires 15 years to get to that point. If you add a coach or mentor to the mix, that learning curve can drop to 3-5 years! Of course, this is assuming they already know they have ADHD! The estimates place the percentage of adults who have ADHD and don’t know it at 30-50%. While most of these adults know intuitively they are different, many will vehemently deny any connection to ADHD.
Of the recently diagnosed, there will be two avenues of approach, either they become resigned to the fact or, they begin their journey to self-enlightenment to find out how they become their best selves. These are the folks I want to attract to my website. I already have more than two years of research completed. I’m also in the process of applying for a Grant for another year of research on ADHD in the workplace for two different groups of professionals, Highly creative graphic artists, advertisements, or programmers, and professionals in Academia and Science/medicine.
Warmly
Dr. Terry L Southern
Dr. Terry, I was genuinely captivated by your insights on the positive aspects of adult ADHD. It’s refreshing to see someone address the many overlooked strengths associated with this condition. Your point about ADHD adults being exceptional in crisis situations and their unparalleled problem-solving skills caught my attention. I’m curious – do you believe these attributes are developed over time as coping strategies, or are they inherent traits of those with ADHD? Also, are there any specific studies you can recommend that discuss the analytical prowess of ADHD individuals due to their left-brained dominance? It’s so important to discuss the brighter side of ADHD, and I’m grateful for your perspective on it.
Hi Louis, ADHD adults are, by and large, adrenaline junkies. We also love to help others. Volunteering for risky jobs during a disaster /emergency is a win/win for us, as we get to kill two birds with one stone. A study from 1993 found that first responders are heavy in ADHD (Sachs, 1993).
You are correct; ADHD folks are analytical-minded, but that doesn’t mean we can learn to use the right side of our brain. Betty Edward’s brilliant exercise from the first six chapters of the workbook “Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain” teaches us how to get into the right side of our brain. Beware, this is a bit spooky, especially for men, as this is the feminine side, where our most creative self lives!
References
Sachs, G. M. (Director). (1993). Dealing With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder In The Emergency Services [Study]. National Fire Academy.
Love the positivity of your site, especially the list of benefits for adults with ADHD. I especially like Masters of Disasters for when the chips are down, ADHD adults are your leaders!
Also, they are the first to volunteer during a disaster or emergency.
Education is a great thing and it opens people’s eyes to better things and outlooks.
Dave
Hi Dave, Thank you for the comment. For a large part, ADHDE folks are adrenaline junkies that love to help others. A study completed in 1993 found that first responders, especially folks working with fires, are heavy with ADHD folks.
All the best,
Dr. Terry L Southern
YouandMeandADHD.com
drterry@youandmeandadhd.com
Adventures With ADHD, LLC
References
Sachs, G. M. (Director). (1993). Dealing With Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder In The Emergency Services [Study]. National Fire Academy.
This article provides a refreshing perspective on the positive aspects of adult ADHD. It’s essential to shed light on the strengths that individuals with ADHD possess, beyond the challenges they face. The detailed exploration of these benefits, from being natural leaders during crises to their boundless energy and creativity, showcases the unique qualities that ADHD adults bring to the table. It’s heartening to see these attributes highlighted and celebrated, as it helps dispel some of the misconceptions and stigma associated with ADHD. The conclusion inviting readers to share their own insights adds a participatory element, encouraging a broader conversation on the topic. Well-written and insightful!
What strategies or approaches have you found most effective in harnessing the positive aspects of ADHD as an adult, while still managing its challenges?
Hi Les, Addressing your question has been a bit challenging due to the non-linear nature of ADHD. While successful ADHD adults make fantastic change managers, our personal lives are tightly structured around carefully built routines driven by deeply embedded habits. My study routine might be a good example. To get into the proper mental frame of mind, I need to accomplish two things: (1) get into the right side of my brain and (2) bring my Beta state toward the surface so I’m relaxed and receptive to learning.
Doing this requires three separate routines consisting of many steps, each driven by a habit. The routines are:
Clear my study space and get it ready, such as removing any possible distractions.Enhance my workspace by raising the wall-mounted folding surface level with the desk holding books, references, iPads, laptops, pens, study journals, etc.Free-write for ten minutes to get the creative juices flowing, allowing me to find patterns I might otherwise miss.
These routines are rigid and non-bending! With my Essential Oil Defuser running 3-sets of ten minutes with ten-minute pauses, I have three learning modalities and five senses turned on, which creates a fully functional learning environment within my mind, complete with background, foreground, and an endless array of images on which to hang things I want to remember.
I know how this must sound, but trust me, it works and works for anyone with ADHD! While my routine may work for someone else, they can use the principle to create their learning environment. I’ve taught dozens of ADHD college students to develop their mental and physical study space!
And yes, you would be correct in thinking that this looks much like Cognitive Behavior Therapy, which is how we learn to creatively find solutions to present-day problems. Just as making coffee is a required part of my early morning get-ready-for-work routine, the above is my get-ready-to-study routine, which has been working for me for more than ten years!
All the best,
Dr. Terry L Southern
YouandMeandADHD.com
drterry@youandmeandadhd.com
Adventures With ADHD, LLC
Dear Dr Terry, I’m really interested in learning more about ADHD in adults, and your article about the benefits of adult ADHD caught my attention. It’s quite enlightening to see that there are positive aspects associated with ADHD, especially after dealing with the challenges. I’m curious to know if these benefits are universal for all adults with ADHD or if they vary from person to person.
For example, you mentioned that ADHD adults are natural leaders in crisis situations, but are there instances where individuals with ADHD might react differently under pressure? Also, do these benefits manifest equally in all areas of life, such as work, relationships, and personal interests?
Thanks for shedding light on these positive aspects of adult ADHD!
Hi Skamalka, No, seeking the adrenaline rush is not universal. While plenty of women fit the bill, most folks who rock-climbed with me were men. Because we are individuals with different parents, upbringing, values, visions, educations, experiences, etc. We are pretty much unique. Add to this list ADHD, and you will begin to see the vast array of possibilities in symptoms. I’m been studying ADHD for about fifteen years, so I have ways of getting around some of my more annoying points that get under my wife’s skin. Someone in their 30’s who is newly diagnosed won’t have the vast array of mental tools I’ve created for myself.
The best thing you can do for yourself is to buy Dr. Edward Hallowell’s book, “Driven To Distraction,” which I consider the ADHD bible for laypersons. While there are plenty of books out there on ADHD, Driven To Distraction is the best as a first book on ADHD!
I’m toying with putting a group of WA ADHD folks together. This group will mainly learn how to become the best version of yourself regarding business acumen. I still need to run it by WA’s leadership, so keep this under your hat for now.
Terry
Hi Skamalka, Because we come from different:
* Genes
* Parents
* Diverse events
* Education
* Skill sets
* Friends
* Neighborhoods
* Regions
There has never been, nor will ever be, anyone quite like you!
With this in mind, every ADHD individual will be slightly, sometimes radically different. I’m an adrenaline junkie and have been since my single-digit years! Looking back on my life, I’m impressed that I’m still here. On the other hand, I know several ADHD adults who, while they love their adventures, are well into the tame side of things, at least to me. One of my ADHD friends rides a motorcycle, which is his adventurous side. For eleven of my 73 years, the adventure didn’t begin till triple the double nickel or 165MPH road-racing motorcycles! Of course, this is also why the average life expectancy for ADHD adults is lower than for “normal” folks. But then again, my life has been more about quality than quantity!
As for leadership skills, most ADHD adults have natural leadership skills; however, many of us tend to be unwilling leaders. Otherwise, in a leadership vacuum, we’ll pick up the baton and run with it but will more than willingly give it up when a hired leader arrives.
We have a lot of “friends” but few true friends, numbering well into the single digits. When asked for help, we drop whatever we’re doing and provide whatever assistance we can, regardless of the cost. Still, we will extinguish any possibilities before asking for help.
As for relationships, there is the norm, and there are outliers. The norm is for multiple relationships and failed marriages because we tend toward what we don’t have, which is stability, with stability being normality. Unless the “normal” side of the relationship is willing to spend the time researching ADHD, and the ADHD side is ready to learn new ways of thinking, this won’t change. The change comes in the form of a journey the ADHD side begins in the interest of self-discovery and self-improvement.
As to how we react under pressure, this is dependent on the amount of stress naturally introduced into the equation. Remember, we do well under stimulants in that stimulants settle our brains. Adrenaline is another stimulant, so when we run headlong into a risky situation, we’re amazed at how clear our mind is and how focused we are when engaged in that risky activity!
Personal interests run the gamut, depending on many variables, such as OCD, adrenaline rush, interests, etc. I don’t understand the allure of Golf. There is no danger, there is no thrill of speed, and there is not much chance for something to turn sideways. At the same time, someone with OCD is thrilled to chase the dream of perfection to the end of their natural life. At 73, my sense of adventure is bicycle time trials and racing kayaks on open water in big waves going downwind. 15MPH may not sound fast, but when your butt is at water level, 15MPH is scary fast in a kayak on the front side of a wave!
As to the positive sides of ADHD, we all have “gifts” that we are born with. Unfortunately, some folks will live without ever realizing they have these gifts! I lucked into one of mine quite by accident. My wife’s brother was a world-class pencil artist! One day, when he was sketching our daughter in 2017, I commented that I would give anything to be that artistic. He challenged me to one drawing session, introducing me to drawing textures. The next day, I tried my hand at sketching an old barn, a barn in my memory that was abandoned and collapsing. My wife framed that barn, and it sits on one wall of our living room. All I had to do was permit myself to try; the rest is history! Since then, I discovered I was good at painting, inventing, writing fiction, and creative problem-solving. Why did I need to permit myself to try? I come from a long line of professional soldiers, and artists aren’t soldiers, so it never entered my head even to try.
We are all different individuals and, therefore, are different through ADHD. There are few constants and many variables. Of the dozens of variables, few near constants exist, such as lack of attention and executive function disabilities. Of course, this is the reason why ADHD is so elusive in both diagnosis and research!