The Strengths of ADHD

There are many strengths of ADHD but a negativity bias means that we often overlook these. People with ADHD have unique traits and abilities that can work to their favour. Focusing on our strengths rather than on our weaknesses can help us to build self-esteem, resilience and optimism and prevent depression and anxiety.

These strengths include:

• Hyperfocus: the ability to hyperfocus for hours and to fine details when we are interested in the task leads to successful outcomes.
• Creativity: A major strength of ADHD, creativity leads people with ADHD to problem solve, adapt to new challenges, and make important innovations.
• High Energy: channelling hyperactivity effectively leads to persistence, rapid thought processes, enthusiasm, bursts of creativity and strong ambition.
• Entrepreneurship: 35% of UK business owners are ADHD. The willingness to take risks, combined with creativity, high energy and hyperfocus can create successful entrepreneurs.
• Problem solving: the ability to think outside the box and find unique solutions allows us to overcome challenges.
• Crisis performance: The ability to make rapid decisions, adapt to the changing circumstances and maintain clarity of thought in difficult circumstances is often seen in ADHD
• Strong sense of fairness and justice: A common trait of ADHD, this can lead us to play pivotal roles in societal advancements or conflict resolution.
• Broad Thinking: People with ADHD are often “Big picture thinkers” allowing them to make connections between seemingly unrelated ideas.
• Resilience: Life can be harder for those with ADHD. Facing these challenges helps to build resilience.
• Curiosity: This can lead to lifelong learning, open-mindedness, increased engagement, problem solving, personal growth and greater fulfilment.
• Empathy: People with ADHD can have a heightened sense of empathy and be attuned to the feelings of others.
• Intuition: Some people with ADHD have good intuitive insights, using their “gut feeling” to make decisions
• Spontaneity: Impulsivity can have advantages! This can lead to fun and adventurous experiences.
• Loyalty: High moral integrity means that people with ADHD are excellent friends and work colleagues.