Positive Things About Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder certainly has a bad rap, doesn't it? Sure, I've heard, read and experienced many of the disadvantages of ADHD, but the negative aspects of this condition are not the whole story. I, for one, would like to explore the positive qualities that ADHDer's display.

As a parent of an ADHD teenager, and a school teacher of quite a few students who exhibit the typical qualities of ADHD, I've come to appreciate the unique characteristics that I see in these extra special people. I think it's time we quit dreading this diagnosis, and seeing it only in a negative light. Just as many of the symptoms of ADHD, (inability to stay on task, loss of focus, short memory problems, hyperactivity) are similar, so are the many special qualities that I see.

One of the most exciting things about ADHDer's is their excitement! The students and others that I've spent time with are some of the most energetic, fun, and bouncy people I know! They have a love for life that often far exceeds the average person. Who doesn't enjoy spending time with the life of the party? I sure do, and most of the time those lively, funny, talkative people are people with this "disorder."

I've also noticed how deeply spiritual many of these children are . At the Christian school where I teach, they are the first ones with their hands in the air when someone is asked to pray. They seem to be highly interested in learning about God, and what they believe, they believe deeply. That doesn't sound so disconcerting to me.

My ADHD children are very affectionate. My teenager, now 17 often picks me up in the kitchen, gives me a hug, and then carries me to another room! I tell him, "Thanks for the lift!" My first grade students are the first to greet me in the morning. When I'm gone for the day and they've had a sub, they are quick to hug me as soon as I walk in the door. I appreciate their openness and expressiveness to everyone.