The positives of ADHD are numerous and mighty — creativity, empathy, and tenacity, just to name a few. Here, readers share their amazing superpowers.
The Plus Side of ADHD
There’s a lot to love about ADHD — and all the creativity, empathy, tenacity and special talents it brings! Read on for some of the positives of ADHD, shared by readers just like you.
Problem Solving
Ping-ponging thoughts can help you devise unique solutions to tricky situations that our neurotypical peers might miss. Our readers are pros at problem solving:
“My son can always come up with a solution. No ladder? No problem. Push this chair up against the wall and — instant height!” — An ADDitude reader
“My daughter and I can always see the big picture. We can automatically picture how pieces of the puzzle fit. We come up with long-term, highly feasible solutions. No Band-Aids here!” —Erin
“My ADHD superpower is what I like to call brain art. I can easily think of several ideas and connect them in creative ways regardless of how unrelated they may be.” — Ade
Imagination & Creativity
Compassion
Being “different” can make people with ADHD compassionate; we always root for the underdogs and share our unconditional love with others who are struggling.
“Whether it is for the homeless man on the street to whom he gives his last $10, or the little girl on the swim team with Down’s syndrome whom he truly befriends, my son knows how to put himself in others’ shoes and help make their day brighter.” — Shari
“My son is kind to those less fortunate than him. He is always forgiving, helpful, and loves everyone. In school he volunteered to be the buddy of a child with Muscular Dystrophy and he feels so proud to have this special job.” — Melina O.
“My son Tyler has a heart the size of the state of Texas (No, wait — Alaska!…no, wait — the entire planet!…no, wait—well, you get the idea). His compassion for others knows no bounds!” — Mark T.
Sense of Humor
Laughing matters! It can cut back on stress at home, and make every person with ADHD feel more connected.
“In our ADHD family, when things are tense, someone will do something crazy silly and lighten the mood! We’re by no means normal, but I wouldn’t trade the goofiness for anything!” — Carrie
“No matter how frustrating things can be, my daughter always uses her sense of humor to make others laugh. She can defuse anything with a few words.” — Michele H.
“My son’s sense of humor keeps me grounded… and reminds me not to take life too seriously!” — An ADDitude reader
Perseverance
Most children and adults with ADHD work twice as hard as their neurotypical peers to achieve the impossible. That struggle isn’t always bad. It builds a deep determination to try again until we succeed.
“My daughter has to study for hours, but if that’s what it takes to pass, she will. She wants success so badly. Sometimes she fails hard, but she always picks herself up and goes again.” — Tianna
“My son has more character than most adults. For all that he has been through and risen above, he has great strength!” — Rose H.
“Every day our son encounters a new struggle, but he knows it’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon. He keeps his chin up and keeps plugging away until it’s finished.” — Holly
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