Accentuate the Positive in ADD/ADHD Population

By Barbara Ellicott, EdD, CCC-SLP

All too frequently, when we are disturbed or even exasperated by someone's behaviors, we are inclined to miss or overlook the positive qualities in that individual. This appears to be our human nature. However, if we step out of the box for a moment and remain calm, cool and collected, we might be amazed at how easily blinded we've been.

Having worked with individuals of all ages with attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) for about 40 years, I've come to see them as whole persons rather than as "ADD/ADHD cases." Sure, being human, I'm just as inclined as anyone to feel frustration when individuals seem to be out of focus and unmotivated, but experience has taught me how to enter into their world, feel what they feel, and show them empathy.

Additionally, as a school psychologist, I've learned that positive reinforcement is the most effective way to deal with individuals who have ADD/ADHD. I let them know how special they are and what unique qualities they possess often because of, rather than in spite of, their condition.

I've identified 10 characteristics of people with attention disorders that may be regarded as positive ones or ones that can be channeled in positive directions. Common traits I've observed in this population are hyper-focus, ability to multitask, insurmountable energy, enjoyment in exercise, sound sleeping, socialization, goal-oriented, perfectionism, over-achievement and creativity.

Hyper-focusing can be an asset. The ability to block out extraneous stimuli can enable an individual to start projects, whether material or academic, and follow them through to completion.

Another positive feature is the ability to multitask. In this highly complex, technological world, there are increasing demands in the workplace. Many individuals sometimes feel the need to clone themselves in order to complete their work adequately, especially if it's expected to be done in a timely fashion. Therefore, having the ability to multitask can be most advantageous.

A third positive characteristic is having insurmountable energy. The average person observing this quality might feel exhausted just from watching and listening to people with ADD/ADHD, but these individuals frequently have energy to spare, even at the end of an extremely busy day.

With this in mind, a fourth positive characteristic is the great joy that people with ADD/ADHD derive from exercise in organized or individual sports. They often excel in endurance events such as marathons and triathlons. Participation in these sports sometimes is said to be a positive addiction without negative side effects. In fact, many physicians and therapists feel that hard exercise is one of the best antidotes for ADD/ADHD.

Those who engage in strenuous physical exercise typically enjoy sound sleep. As a result, they rarely are victims of insomnia. Exercise is also known to improve mental and physical health.

A sixth positive characteristic is socialization, which is an exciting stimulant. Individuals with ADD/ADHD seem to be very tuned in and energized. "The more, the merrier" seems to be their motto. Because they are so personable, they often have a large network of friends.

Still another positive characteristic, related to socialization skills, is a keen awareness of the positive features and abilities of others. Hence, individuals with ADD/ADHD tend to be rather competitive and, consequently, goal-oriented. This frequently is related to a constant need for acceptance, recognition and love. Since these needs appear to be very strong in this population, socialization sometimes is regarded as a type of compensation.

Related to this need for compensation is a tendency toward perfectionism in virtually all areas. Although this characteristic may be a source of annoyance or frustration to those with whom they associate, it may have positive applications as well.

The tendency toward perfectionism often is related to over-achieving. Many of these individuals strive to be in the lead whenpursuing achievements in social, academic and other areas of life.

Finally, creativity is a positive characteristic of ADD/ADHD. It often is related to these individuals having practiced venues for compensation. They may be better able to see things "outside the box."

I hope individuals with ADD/ADHD and their therapists, teachers and family members will take a time-out on occasion to understand and appreciate these positive and unique qualities, especially during those times when they feel the most exasperated or frustrated!

Barbara Ellicott, EdD, is a speech-language pathologist, learning consultant and school psychologist at Comprehensive Therapeutic Services in Madison, NJ. She can be contacted at drteddy2@earthlink.net.