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GrADDitude ADDitude for Attention Deficit Disorder

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The Positive Side of ADHD

This is a place where knowledge and information is provided  to empower those diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorders. It is my hope that as you look through my lens on ADHD you will see it as I do...a gift for which we can all be grateful. It is my wish that, looking through my ADHD lens, you will be able to find the silver lining in your cloud. When denied, misunderstood, hidden, undiagnosed, untreated or under treated, ADHD often becomes bigger than life for many and colors ones world with frustration and pain.

When embraced as just another piece of one's life puzzle,  understood and dealt with appropriately, ADHD can color one's life with laughter, fun, creativity, excitement and joy. So, enter my world, look through my lens and learn to turn any negative attitudes about ADHD into GrADDitude ADDitudes!

Please scroll down to explore the up side of ADHD! For assistance regarding ADHD services please visit ADDCoach.

ADD Coach Services Links

My other ADHD online resources.

Unsung Hereos: Mothers of ADHD Children
Another Squidoo Lens by ADD Coach discusses the impact of raising children with ADHD/ADD on the mother.
ADD Coach Services Original Website
An educational and informational site about ADHD and the services offered by ADD Coach.
@addcoach
Add Coach tweets daily tips and information about ADHD.
ADHD: Is It Real or Not?
Another Squidoo Lens by ADD Coach. This one will guide you on the best way to make an informed opinion about ADHD and it's treatment.

Many ADHD Risk Takers Are Also Our Heros!

When ADHD is Mastered there's no telling what one can become!

Read more about : ADHD & Firefighting

Dr. Richard B. Gasaway talks with two psychologists, a firefighter and a fire chief about Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Chief Gasaway tells of a firefighter he worked with who exhibited several common "symptoms" of ADD and how it affected this firefighters working relationship with others in the station. Roseville, MN, Firefighter Neil Sjostrom shares his expereicnes with ADD and Williamsport, MD, Fire Chief William Ball talks about the effects of ADHD and while working in a team enviornment. Psychologists Gary Fischler and April Leaveck, with Minnesota-based Gary Fischler & Associates, describe some behaviors that firefighters might display and their coworkers might observe.
The group disucssed the best means to have everyone involved working on the same page and how instruction and discipline can be effected by ADD and ADHD members of the fire service.

Listen Here

Can ADHD keep one from becoming a firefighter?

Is Your Child a Daredevil?

Repeatedly Risky Behavior MAY be a Sign of ADHD

Boys engaging in risky behavior by jumping off of a bridge.

Is your child the impulsive, overactive, risk taking type? Do you worry about your child having a serious accident due to risky behavior? Even though teachers, family, and friends respond to your concerns about your child with comments such as ,"Boys will be boys!" or " All kids are like that!", do your instincts tell you there is more going on with your child than the norm? Have you wondered if your child could have ADHD?

If you answered yes to any of the previous questions, exploring the possibility of ADHD is a reasonable option. If a professional rules out ADHD, you will still be offered guidance as to what you can do to help your child reign in the risky behavior. At the very least, you will receive piece of mind. Should your child receive an ADHD diagnosis, there is much that can be done to guide your child to channel the risky behavior into healthier, and safer, choices.

When ADHD is acknowledged, truly understood, and appropriate comprehensive treatment is provided, and adhered to, many of the problematic symptoms can be turned into positive attributes! For assistance regarding ADD services please visit ADDCoach.

Today's Daredevils Could Be Tomorrow's Olympians!

Gold medal winner, Michael Phelps.

ADHD, a serious condition, which often causes problems in learning, employment, and relationships, can be a significant asset when channeled into one's passion. The traits of hyperactivity, risk taking, and thrill seeking can provide the ADHD athlete with just the edge needed to rise above competitors, to make it to the Olympics, such as Michael Phelps (swimming) and Adam Kreek (rowing) both gold medal winners at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

Attention Developed Differently

Let's move away from the deficit /disease model of ADD!

It is time to embrace the positive character traits of ADHD, rather than continuing to focus solely on the negative.
It is no wonder, with the name of the condition, Attention Deficit Disorder, that many shun the diagnosis. Who wants to be told they have a deficit? Who wants to have a disorder?
Deficit suggests that something is lacking. Focusing on lack is focusing on the negative and on scarcity.
I suggest we begin to think of ADD as Attention Developed Differently. ADD is a neurobiological condition which, in part, results in a difference in how one pays attention.
The word deficit implies deficiency, inadequacy, insufficiency and a lacking. We all have strengths and weaknesses. Most of us are told to focus on our strengths and encouraged to live a life highlighting them. Yet, for ADDers, there is often an over focus on their weaknesses. Focusing primarily on one's weaknesses tends to give the ADDer the erroneous message that they are their weaknesses. This in turn, often results in continuous, detrimental internal dialogue. In essence, the ADDer unwittingly brain washes himself into thinking his weaknesses are greater than they are. Unfortunately, this thinking often results in a self-fulling prophecy, where the ADDer's symptoms become worse because they give up, thinking they have no control over their symptoms because they have a disorder.
It is necessary that, as a society, we reframe our vision, and understanding, of those who learn, and pay attention, differently from the norm.
Please continue to read below to learn about the many positive traits of those who learn differently. Carefully review the list of successful people said to have attentional and learning differences. Do they seem to be deficient in any way more than any other person? They certainly are more successful than the average person, demonstrating that an attentional difference does not have to be a deficit or a disorder.
We all have weaknesses. We do what we can to work on them and be better. It should be no different for those with ADD. Their differences may be more challenging but they should not define the person. The person is not an attentional, behavioral, or learning issue. The person is a human being, deserving of the same respect, and chances, as any one of us. It is time to focus on the positive qualities of those with attentional differences and embrace them! Let's start by changing the name and changing our perspective.

ADHD: It Isn't All Bad!

- Many people with ADHD have enormous energy, stamina, drive and enthusiasm.
- ADDers can be funny, entertaining, perceptive, flexible, creative and innovative.
- Adders are often considered funny, curious, perceptive, persistent, tenacious and motivators for change.
- Some of the brightest and most capable ADDers learn to take advantage of the positive traits of ADHD and manage their negative traits.
- Remember that ADHD is not always a deficit and definitely not a disease!
- ADHD is a label given to a cluster of traits that represent a way of thinking, learning, and behaving that is different from that of the majority. It isn't always bad or good, negative or positive...it just is.
- Attention Deficit Disorder is not the best, or most accurate, label. Attention Differently Developed would be more accurate.
- ADHD left unrecognized, and not carefully managed, can become a disability, but it does not have to be that way.
- ADHD if understood, accepted, valued, and shaped, can work to one's advantage.
- Many successful ADHD people have realized their potential.
- The choice is yours as to whether you become a Victim of ADHD or a Master of ADHD.

ADD Coach Blog

Articles & musings on all things ADHD!

ADHD Coach blogs tips and information regarding everything ADHD. The blog site is new, so subscribe to receive notice of upcoming posts. Right now, you can learn how to find, and choose your ADHD doctor, and what to do to prepare for the appointment. Are you the mother of an ADHD child? Read the expanded posts of my Squidoo lens, Unsung Heroes: Mothers of ADHD Children, at my blog!
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GrADDitude ADDitudes!

I am grateful to ADHD for....?

Did bonding over ADD children bring you your best friend? Did facing the challenges of your own ADD help you to become a stronger person? Did researching ways to help your ADD loved ones lead you to a new career? Please share what you are grateful to ADD for in your life.

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  • Reply
    Tricia K. Oct 17, 2011 @ 9:39 am | delete
    I'm grateful to ADHD to giving me the strength to not give up. Since I get distracted so easily I don't hold onto my failures very long! That allows me to keep trying till I succeed! And when I succeed...I really shine!
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    Irene May 2, 2011 @ 7:03 am | delete
    I'm grateful to my ADHD for leading me down a career path I am good at and love!
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    Rjanowski Apr 14, 2011 @ 6:21 pm | delete
    i am grateful to ADD for helping me become a stronger person
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    Joe D. Apr 13, 2011 @ 11:40 pm | delete
    For making me different from everyone else! I'm unique and I love it!
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    Joan P. Mar 16, 2011 @ 6:02 pm | delete
    I met my best friend due to ADD 25 years ago! Our children started playing together at a public park and we immediately united over their creative play and uber-energy! I am so grateful to ADD for bringing us all together. Our children are now ADD adults, and are still best friends today too!
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    Athan Deiss Mar 12, 2011 @ 10:06 pm | delete
    Regina has certainly made a great contribution to society with this lens. Good info from her can help those in need to make informed decisions. Thumbs up to Regina. It is amazing to note that despite many conclusive scientific findings, many people still can't differentiate between ADHD myths and facts. In fact, a lot of people still hold on to the belief that ADHD is non existent and is a conspiracy. I recently read an article entitled "Is ADHD For Real" and its revelations and statistics are grim, especially for those families with ADHD kids and living in denial. To those who are still skeptical about ADHD, I say: "Please wake up now before it is too late."
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    Sam Mar 12, 2011 @ 8:39 pm | delete
    I'm grateful to ADD for keeping my life interesting and never boring!!!
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    adhd-bipolar-depression Jan 25, 2011 @ 9:36 am | delete
    I only discovered that I had ADHD, along with Bipolar and depression when I was 28. Am I grateful for it? No I am not unfortunately as the combined effects with depression and Bipolar disorder were not good.
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    Yardbird Feb 29, 2008 @ 6:11 pm | delete
    Interesting take on ADD ADHD. Seeing both benefits and problems. I guess understanding a disorder is one good way to cope with it.

    http://www.squidoo.com/RemediesforADHD
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    Kirsten Jul 27, 2007 @ 11:17 am | delete
    ADD has taught me to be tolerant of others the way I need others to tolerate me.
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Common Character & Personality Traits of ADDers

It is the negative character and personality traits of an ADDer most often talked about and addressed when talking about ADHD. While it is necessary to address the negatives, all too often the focus stays on the negative. ADDers have many positive traits, just a few of which are mentioned below. Of course, not all ADDers have all of these traits and these traits are not limited to ADDers alone. These traits are not all always thought of as positive traits to have. Yet, it can often be the positive manifestation of what has often presented as a negative trait, that can bring about positive results. So, I invite you to acknowledge those negative traits that are within you, or your ADDer, and reflect on the times they have worked for you in a positive manner. Then take a moment to reflect on your GrADDitude for the presence of those traits in your life.

Some positive traits to look for within ADDers are:
  • 1. Impulsivity can become much needed spontaneity or quick thinking in an emergency.
    2. The slow-to-get-moving child may become a methodical student or a meticulous restaurateur.
    3. Daydreaming can morph into productive brainstorming and creativity.
    4. Hyperactivity can be channeled into running marathons, being a stock broker, or any one of a number of jobs requiring fast thinking and action.
    5. The hyper-focus often applied to video games can also be applied to one's work and lead to new discoveries, innovations or inventions.
    6. The stubbornness that often leads to many ADDers struggles can morph into the tenacity required to be a successful salesman, artist, entrepreneur or leader.
    7. The lack of inhibition can turn into the courage to speak up, the risk to jump in after a drowning victim or the bravery required to be a firefighter or policeman.
    8. The hyperactive child can grow into a high energy adult who multi-tasks successfully, resulting in significant productivity and multiple areas of accomplishment.
    9. The ADD child who never stops talking can have a successful career as a public policy maker, fundraiser, actor or professional public orator.
    10. The ADDer who speaks out of turn in class, or a meeting, may also save many from an embarrassing moment by being quick witted enough to intervene when needed.

GrADDitude ADDitudes for ADDers!

Gifts to let your ADDers know they are appreciated.

Do you have an ADDer in your life who needs support & encouragement during challenging days? Give a positive message mouse pad to your favorite ADDers to remind them when they are struggling with their latest writing or research assignments that they are about way more than any weaknesses they may have. Let them be reminded, when they sit down to work at the computer that they are loved, appreciated and have many good traits; a fact that is often lost in the midst of disappointing grades or work reviews, reprimands from teachers or employers, or hurtful jabs from peers or co-workers.
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Benefits of ADHD Traits

Many ADD character and personality traits are listed above. Below are just some of the many ways those traits serve ADDers well.

Ability to see all sides of an issue
Ability to brainstorm leads to creative innovations
Adapt to change easily
Can easily avoid a traffic jam by finding alternate routes
Can see the big picture
Can carry on 2 conversations simultaneously
Changes as the situation requires
Compassion for others and for themselves
Constantly evolving
Courage of their convictions
Good in a crisis
Good at customer relations
Good at motivating others
Good at multitasking
Good at problem solving
Good at public speaking
Good at understanding others
Impulsivity allows action before thinking in times of danger, when no time to think.
Mold to the situation as required
Non-linear, multi-dimensional/edge of chaos
Not turn off by chaos, allowing job choices in chaotic environments
Proficient in many areas, leading to diversified career history
Quick thinkers
Relates to people easily
Thinks ahead of their time, leading to inventions & creative innovations
Wide and varied interests
Very hard working to compensate
Willing to try again and again
Willing to try new things

Please Share Your ADHD Experiences!

Tell Us Which ADHD Trait You Turned From a Negative Into a Positive!

Did you, your spouse, or your child, learn to Master ADHD by turning problematic ADHD traits into positive ones? If so, how did the problem trait originally present itself? What was the most important factor in turning that trait around, into a positive attribute? How does that trait present as a positive now? Let us know!

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  • Reply
    John G. May 14, 2011 @ 9:22 pm | delete
    Mu impatience and inability to wait in lines comes in handy when there's a traffic jam, or delay at one of New York's many bridges. I always get off and find my way around the side streets, coming out ahead 9 out of 10 times!
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    Irene May 2, 2011 @ 7:02 am | delete
    I was always told I talked too much and too fast. With medication and therapy, I've been able to slow down and give others a chance to talk! And I became a speech writer, which is a great outlet for all the stuff in my head!
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    gregofaspen May 1, 2011 @ 5:19 pm | delete
    I'm ADD from head to toe. was diagnosed in 1987 at the age of 43. there hasn't been much professional lit or research on ADD and the gray gen.
    I like your insight on how ADD impacts older folks.
    Also. I struggle mightily with the beloved (NOT) insurance bureaucrats. I am denied Rx coverage for VYVANSE (Shire). The insurance gurus say Shire never tested Vyvanse for adults. [Do these paper-pushers believe an ADD cure magicallly happens on everyone's 20th birthday?] . Once an ADDer, always an ADDer.
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    Dan T. May 1, 2011 @ 3:37 pm | delete
    True story! When I was a teen, I fell in with the wrong crowd. I quickly joined my "friends" in picking locks and breaking into our neighbors houses when they weren't home. The second time we got caught, my parents dragged me to a therapist. He figured out I'm ADHD. I got meds, therapy, and a coach. It's 10 years later and now I'm a locksmith!
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    Tim R. Apr 27, 2011 @ 7:44 pm | delete
    I channeled my need for a constant adrenaline rush from my risky behavior as a kid into my profession as a fireman! Love you ADHD & fireman info! Thanks!
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    Mike D. Apr 25, 2011 @ 11:42 pm | delete
    I was a hyper kid so my parents put me in every sport they could. Unfortunately, I sucked at sports! Competitive sports that is! As an adult, I discovered the gym and working out. I quickly made the connection between how I felt and whether or not I worked out. Now I don't miss a day if I can help it. When I work out my brain fog lifts. I am more focused and my wife tells me, much more pleasant!
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    Sue T. Apr 21, 2011 @ 8:56 pm | delete
    I was constantly getting called up to my kids school for one thing or another. This one forgot his homework, again. That one was crying because he was bullied on the playground. If the teachers weren't calling me, my kids were. They forgot the money for the field trip. They forgot their lunch, their sneakers for gym, their library book. They forgot everything! I finally gave in to the suggestion they have ADHD and got them help. With medication my boys hardly ever forget anything now! I haven't had a call from the school for months! Without all the reminders and corrections my boys are much happier!
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    Donna P. Apr 19, 2011 @ 3:09 pm | delete
    Disorganized my entire life, I was able to hide it until I had children. With the birth of each of my children, it became more difficult to hide my disorganization behind closed doors! First it spilled out of the closets onto the floor. Then it crept from the bedroom floors, out into the hall. Eventually the piles I told myself I would get to "later", spread down the stairs, and throughout the house. When my husband couldn't take it anymore he insisted I get help. I had taken medication for ADHD for years. I had been to numerous therapists. Much was better, but nothing really helped my disorganization. Then I found an ADHD Coach who diligently worked with me to find a way I could organize that made sense to me! My house will never be one of those pristine, sparse, showcase homes but now everything has a place, that makes sense to me, so things usually wind up where they belong. We no longer trip over things as we go down the hall and I don't waste time going from room to room, searching through piles, looking for things because now I at least know which room and pile it is in!
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    Jack Z. Apr 18, 2011 @ 1:10 am | delete
    I was the annoying kid who disrupted the classroom when I was bored, was the life of the party in high school and college. In my mind I was exuberant, funny, clever and outgoing. Once out of college and into the real world, I began to have trouble at work because I wasn't consider exuberant and outgoing but loud and obnoxious. As I moved into my 30's, I began to realize I was the only one laughing at my jokes. I was the recipient of many negative reactions to my innocent shenanigans. Then a friend mentioned I might have ADHD. Long story, short. Vyvanse helped me turn my life
    around! I no longer talk too much, laugh too loud and long or get myself in awkward situations due to speaking without thinking! I'm stiil outgoing and funny but am much more appropriate about it.
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    Thomas P. Apr 15, 2011 @ 8:41 am | delete
    I've always been known as one of the most negative people you ever met! I was a seriously hard core negative, brooding, angry, depressed dude! Years, of twice weekly ADD Coaching has finally turned me around! I wasted the first year by responding to every thing Coach Regina said with, "Yes, but..." followed by a negative rebuttal discounting her advice! Despite my obstinate, contrary attitude, and self sabotaging refusal to cooperate with medication adjustments, Regina patiently kept chiseling away at my thick negative shell. Early into my second year of coaching the first crack appeared in my hard shell and Regina began to get through to me. It took that full year to get the right ADHD meds and dose for me, but was it ever worth it! My meds give me a clarity and focus I NEVER had. With that I finally feel in control of my life AND ADHD! Am I all Polyanna now? Of course not! But I've stopped self sabotaging and am no longer angry 24/7! Now I'm able to process and hold onto all the coaching tips, advice and suggestions Regina provides. I am WAY less negative! Even better, now I almost always catch my negative statements before I spout them and turn them around into a positive comment! Everyone in my life is amazed at the change! For the first time in my life my family relationships are good. I'm attracting new, healthier people into my life. After years of my business floundering it is now slowly, but consistently, growing! I wasted a lot of time thinking Regina was trying to sell me an impossible bill of goods. I was SO wrong! My life isn't ideal, but whose is? The bottom line is my life is a million times better than I ever knew it could be because of the right meds and Regina's ADD Coaching!
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Choose the Positive Side of Your ADHD Traits - Part I

Foster Your ADDers Positive Traits

ADDers can have a very bright future if they understand their own particular needs and the best way to address them. With comprehensive intervention, one can be the Master of their ADD by harnessing the power of their traits and turning them into positive attributes.
It is imperative that we foster positive traits in our ADDers and keep a balanced perspective regarding the negative traits. So much of an ADDers self perception comes from how others view him. A parent's angry glare, a teacher's demeaning tone, an employers severe demands, a co-workers frustrated expression, a partner's insensitive comments, all meet up within oneself to form a damaged self perception. We can not control what our ADD loved ones encounter out in the world, but we can better manage the responses they get from us within the safety of their own home.

Choose the Positive Side of Your ADHD Traits - Part II

Manage Your Responses to Your ADDer

Your ADDer's perception of how you view him depends upon how you manage your attitude toward him. ADDers often live in a world of negative labels, and eventually these labels color the ADDer's behavior. If your ADDer is surrounded by negative attitudes towards him, he will eventually internalize those attitudes and, inadvertently, live "down" to them. If someone hears that they "can't do anything right" often enough, they stop trying to improve. After all, what would be the point of working hard if the effort has no pay off and the results are not what are desired? With little to no effort to improve, mistakes proliferate, demonstrating that your ADDer, in fact, "can't do anything right!"
This is all too common a scenario in the world of ADDers. It is up to those who love them to focus on the positive aspects of our ADDers, even when it is most difficult to do so. A positive attitude is especially important in protecting your ADDer against negative comments. If someone says, "Your son is too boisterous," reply with "Yes, we love his enthusiasm for life." To the Mom who comments on your child's activity level with the implication that there is something wrong with it, respond by praising your child's energy, adding "Wouldn't you love to have that much energy? Imagine how much we could accomplish!" To the relative who implies that if he could have your child for a weekend the child would be better behaved, take him up on his offer! Assure him that since ADDers thrive on novelty your child will behave. Then say how much you appreciate the offer because you really need a break. Then ask which weekend he would like to have your child. You will goad the person into nervous laughter and stumbling over his tongue as he explains he was "only kidding." Either way, you will have cured at least one person from offering you unwanted, callous comments.
Reframing a naysayer's comment may be enough for that person to entertain a different, more positive perspective regarding your child. If not, at least your ADDer will receive a boost from your positive reframing to counter the negative message offered by the third party. It is necessary to our ADDer's self-confidence and self perception that we acknowledge all they do well and right, that we supply them with the tools to change their negative traits into positive ones, and that we support and encourage them all of the way no matter how many times they stumble and fall.

Positive Message Gifts to Boost Your ADDers Morale!

GrADDitude ADDitudes for ADDers: Gifts to Let Your ADDer Know They are Appreciated.

Do you have an ADDer in your life who needs support & encouragement during challenging days at school or work? Have you wished you could find a way to provide that support when you can 't be there? Give a magnet to your favorite ADDer for their locker or file cabinet. Every time they open their locker through-out the day they will be uplifted by a positive message. These messages remind our ADDers that they are loved, appreciated and have many good traits; a fact that is often lost in the midst of disappointing grades or work reviews, reprimands from teachers or employers, or hurtful jabs from peers or co-workers. No place for a magnet? See ADD Coaches line of positive message mouse pads below.
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Share Your Tips for Mastering ADHD!

Are you a Victim or Master of your ADHD?

I welcome your comments on what I have written here, but more importantly, please share any tips that helped you become the "Master" of your ADD.

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    Todd P. Jun 6, 2011 @ 8:14 am | delete
    There's no tip better than this: Keep going until you find a doctor who will give you the meds your body needs to function and who is not led by the fear of lawsuits over your care!
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    Irene May 2, 2011 @ 7:06 am | delete
    Get a great psychiatrist, therapist, and coach who are passionate and extremely knowledgeable about ADHD. Cut back on your entertainment budget or discretionary funds but don't skimp on getting the best help. You get what you pay for!
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    KrisEcc Mar 25, 2011 @ 4:57 pm | delete
    Not giving up till the doctor got my meds right, combined with better nutrition and sleep habits made all the difference in the world for me!
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    adhd-bipolar-depression Jan 25, 2011 @ 9:33 am | delete
    It is nice to see someone address the positive aspects of ADHD. I too have ADHD. I found out at the age of 28. I have kept ADHD under control for the past 4 years greatly through avoiding artificial additives in food and drinks. I still maintain the positive traits, however the negative ones are much more under control. I only wish that I could have discovered this earlier in life.
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    Eddie Z. May 21, 2010 @ 12:21 am | delete
    I was always afraid to admit, or deal, with my ADD. Regina helped me see ADD is not something to be ashamed of but that, with each ADD trial and tribulation I overcome, there is much about which I can feel proud!
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    Max Mar 27, 2008 @ 4:11 pm | delete
    I was a victim of my ADHD for my 1st 30 yrs. In & out of therapeutic schools & wilderness camps as a kid, followed by 2 short stints in jail and 6 different treatment centers as a young adult. Clean & sober for 6 yrs., I was still a victim of my ADHD, riddled with traffic tickets, car accidents,overdraft fees, late fees and broken relationships. I started working with ADD Coach Services in August '07. By following Regina's process, I was no longer a victim but had become a master of my ADHD by December! I haven't had 1 ticket, accident, late or overdraft fee this year! I'm back in school, finishing college, and getting straight A's. I had flunked out of 2 colleges when younger. I now appreciate, and nuture, my good ADHD traits while effectively managing the problematic traits. I am so full of GrADDitude for ADD Coach Services!
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    Amy Feb 27, 2008 @ 4:59 pm | delete
    Now that coaching has taught me how to have control over my ADHD I feel so much more at peace. Thanks so much for everything!
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    flixter Nov 2, 2007 @ 1:03 pm | delete
    This is a very inspiring lens on ADD Ms. Regina. I would also recommend to people with ADD the herbal supplement Focus. Formulated with the herbs Hawer and Gingko Biloba among others, Focus will help relieve the symptoms of ADD.
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    Troy Jul 27, 2007 @ 11:19 am | delete
    Right now I feel like a victim of ADD because it has deprived me of a normal relationship with my son.I want to relate to him, play ball with him, but he can't be still long enough. We are working to master this thing but are struggling to do it. Thinking maybe meds are the way to go but hesitant to
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    Erin Jun 18, 2007 @ 1:35 pm | delete
    ADD contributes to who I am. We all know some times are tougher than others, but I wouldn't be who I am now, or have the loving relationships I now possess, if not for ADD.
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Successful People Said to Have ADD

Research demonstrates that 80% of all successful entrepreneurs have ADD.

Some of these people are:

- Richard Branson: founder of Virgin Records
- Ben Cohen (of Ben & Jerry's ice-cream)
- Stephanie Frank - author
- Jay Abraham - world's most successful marketing consultant
- Paul Orfaleav - founder of Kinko's
- David Neeleman - founder & CEO of Jet Blue
- Ty Pennington of Home Makeover Fame

As Well As:
Andrew Carnegie, Walt Disney, Malcolm Forbes
Henry Ford, William Randolph Hearst, F.W. Woolworth

Others said to have ADD and /or Learning Differences are:

· Ann Bancroft - Actress
· Harry Andersen - Actor
· Harry Belafonte - Actor
· Terry Bradshaw - Football Quarterback
· Jim Carrey - Comedian
· Prince Charles - Future King of England
· Cher - Actress/Singer
· Bill Cosby - Actor
· Danny Glover - Actor
· Tracey Gold - Actress
· Whoopi Goldberg - Actress
· Mariette Hartley - Actress
· Mariel Hemingway - Actress
· Dustin Hoffman - Actor
· Anthony Hopkins - Actor
· Bruce Jenner - Athlete
· Luci Baines Johnson - LBJ's Daughter
· "Magic" Johnson - Basketball Player
· Michael Jordan - Basketball Player
· Jason Kidd - Professional Basketball Player
· John Lennon - Musician
· Jay Leno - Comedian & Talk Show Host
· Carl Lewis - Olympic Gold Metalist,Track
· Greg Louganis -Olympic Gold Medalist Diving
· Ozzy Osbourne - Musician
· Pete Rose - Baseball Player
· Will Smith - Actor, Rapper, Entertainer
· Tom Smothers - Actor, Singer, Entertainer
· Suzanne Somers - Actress
· Steven Spielberg - Filmmaker
· Sylvester Stallone - Actor
· Jackie Stewart - Grand Prix Hall of Famer
· Alberto Tomba - Italian Alpine Ski Champion
· Lindsay Wagner - Actress (Bionic Woman)
· Gen. William C. Westmoreland - Military
· Robin Williams - Comedian
· Henry Winkler - Actor

To See a More Extensive List of Successful People with ADD and /or LD go to ADDCoach Services.

ADHD: Is It Real or Not????

Form Your Own Opinion!

Your child's teacher suggests you have him tested for ADHD. You mention it to your husband and he dismisses it, saying they said the same thing about him when he was in school and he turned out just fine, so his son will outgrow it like he did. To yourself, you quietly check off a list of your husbands traits: lateness, disorganized, distracted, and you wonder...Is ADHD real or not?
You call your best friend to tell her what the teacher said, and she agrees. Then she tells you about her nephew, who was very similar to your son, until he started medication. Now he's getting good grades, and developing friendships. You hang up and call the pediatrician to make an appointment.
When your husband comes home, you tell him about the appointment. Instead of supporting you, he becomes a little agitated and tells you to cancel it. He talked to his buddy at work whose some went through the same thing. He tells that his friends son was put on ADHD medication and turned into a zombie. Your husband starts yelling about ho society just wants to squash our children's creativity and exuberance. The thought of your son being zoned out on drugs is a frightening one. You agree to cancel the appointment first thing in the morning. Then you settle down to watch your favorite sitcom and the parents are wondering why their child leaves everything all over the place. The Mom says their son is just like his Dad. The Dad says, "Yea, and look at me. I turned out just fine!" The camera cuts to a vignette of his very ADHD like behaviors. The joke is insinuated. Yes, the son is just like the father...AND they are both ADHD! You see your own situation reflected in the sitcom and begin to wonder if you should cancel the pediatrician's appointment.Then the commercial breaks comes, and before you can change the channel, a voice breaks into the room asking, "Is your child ADHD?" This prompts your husband to declare that's the medicine that turned Joe's son into a zombie! You are so confused and wonder "Is this ADHD thing real or not?!"
ADHD: Is It Real or Not?
My other squidoo lens on ADHD! The information here is meant to help those who remain unsure that ADHD is real, come to a well informed decision for themselves.

Some Favorite ADD Websites

ADD Coaching, ADD Education, and the most current and accurate research can be found among the pages of these links.

These are my favorite general ADD websites for finding the best ADD information quickly.
ADD Coach Services
ADD Coach Services grew out of my private psychothery practice and offers Psycho-Educational Consulting and ADD Coaching via phone and email.Some of the services offered are ADD Education, Medication Management, Navigating the ADD maze of professionals, school issues, academic planning, help with motivating, organizing, time management and relationship issues.
ADD Resources
Attention Deficit Disorder Resources is a national non-profit organization that helps people with ADD or ADHD achieve their full potential through education, support and networking opportunities.
ADDers.org
An international site from England on ADD. On this site you will find useful ADD information as well as lots of free practical help. This site offers a CD Rom of software programs, including several specific add/adhd related programs, as well as a downloadable children's ADD book. All the programs are full uncut versions and they are all completely FREE.
CHADD
CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is the nation's leading non-profit organization serving individuals with AD/HD and their families. CHADD has over 16,000 members in 200 local chapters throughout the U.S. Chapters offer support for individuals, parents, teachers, professionals, and others. Through their website, magazine, workshops and conferences CHADD provides the the most updated and accurate information.
Form Your Own Opinion
My other squidoo lens on ADHD! The information here is meant to help those who remain unsure that ADHD is real, come to a well informed decision for themselves.
My Twitter Page!
Please follow me on Twitter to receive daily tips & information on ADHD!
ADD/ADHD Treatment Notes: More on Vyvanse | CorePsych Blog
Vyvanse offers considerable benefits over the best seller Adderall, but you have to know just a few points to get it right.

Positive Attitude ADD Books

If you need to be convinced that ADD can be a positive in your life, these books are for you!

These books have all been specifically chosen because they promote a positive outlook on ADD. Diagnosing ADD is important because one can not change what one does not acknowledge. However, all of the necessary ADD treatments often narrowly focus on the difficult symptoms they are designed to relieve. This can inadvertantly cause one's life scale to be weighted too heavily on the negative side. While the negatives of ADD can be all too real for many, especially those un or undertreated, with proper treatment, the scales can be tipped to weigh more heavily on the positive side. These books are suggested with the hope that those who doubt that ADD can be positive, read them and learn otherwise.
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Books on Successful People with Learning Disabilities

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DISCLAIMER

Ads on this lens are placed independent of this lensmaster.

CONTENT:
The information on this blog is intended as educational only. It should not be construed as psychotherapy, psychiatry, psychology or medical practice or treatment. The information herein should not substitute for your doctor's, or therapist's, advice. If you have, or suspect that you have, a medical condition, contact your health care provider immediately.

ADS:
Please do not assume because something is advertised on this lens that ADD Coach Services or Regina Cashman, recommend the service or product. Which products are chosen are not in my control.There are many valuable ADD Resources and helpful products. There are many alternative treatments for ADD that can be beneficial and complimentary as an adjunct to the treatment your doctor recommends. However, many treatments offer empty promises. Be careful. Be mindful. Do your research. For more on how to go about deciding on appropriate treatments for your particular situation please visit ADDCoach Services.

by

ADDCoach

Regina Cashman, author of the ADDCoach web site is a Medical Psychotherapist and ADD Coach in private practice for over 25 years. With degrees in Socia... more »

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