Many descriptions of ADHD focus on the negative aspects and neglect to mention its real advantages.

​Be assured there are plenty of highly successful adults with ADHD who direct their boundless energies, enthusiasm, and creativity to make extraordinary contributions to society.

The advantages and strengths of ADHD are also now much better understood by researchers. The brain is an incredible part of the human body that helps you to adjust and adapt in areas that are challenging for you. This means, despite your challenges, you also have immense strengths.

It's well known among researchers that in having ADHD you might also have significantly higher levels of intuition and the ability to 'hyperfocus' on areas of interest and reach expert-level knowledge. Lateral thinking, creativity, energy and fun, are all things people with ADHD can bring to the table. 

​Positive ADHD attributes include:

• honing skills through laser focus on favoured activities
• talent in the arts - acting, music, writing, comedy 
• problem solving through creativity and thinking outside the square creative
• tendancy to be warm-hearted, always supporting the under-dog
  
• high energy, a good leader, entrepreneurial
• loyalty, never forgeting a good friend or deed
  
• good sense of humour, being the life of the party
  
• empathy due to heightened sensitivity 
• being intuitive, insightful and enterprising
  
• a strong sense of justice for all
  
• the ability to take chances and risks
  
• a trusting and forgiving attitude and
• tenacity.

Not all people with ADHD have all these traits, but they can give insight to the positives of ADHD.

Finding success with ADHD 

Love what you do - people who succeed tend to be in careers they love.

Hyperfocus can be your biggest strength - it gives you the persistence and energy to succeed.

Exercise is important - it enables endorphins to be released which will help you de-stress.

Realise your mistakes don’t spell the end of the world - but use your experiences to learn and grow.

A true story

I am 34 and have ADHD + Anxiety + Hyperventilation syndrome and as a teenager extreme ODD & substance abuse. I was a lifelong textbook for most negative traits and behaviours - reckless driving, criminal behaviour, average/low academic achievement, extremely poor maths, difficulty with friendships, alcoholic at 20, then drugs, victim of domestic violence and so on.

I was diagnosed with ADHD in my 20s and started medication thinking I would be fixed. I wasn’t!! Methylphenidate allowed me to slow down and think straight but I had to learn self discipline - how to plan, organise, stop and think.

But today I can sit (not completely still) and read, I have a university degree and a high paying job where I am recognised for my organisation skills (GO FIGURE) and I’m literally making all my childhood dreams come true. For me consistent routine is crucial. Sleep, exercise (at least 30mins day) to become present and lose some energy, diet – no sugar, caffeine, or high glycaemic carbohydrates, and I must abstain from alcohol and drugs forevermore with the support of narcotics anonymous, and I need calm around me, to talk about my feelings, and breathe!

Oh and importantly daily Concerta. When I am good, I’m better than a ‘normy’, but when one of those elements in my routine falls down, literally everything, falls apart until my insightful hubby reminds me I have ADHD and I can pull myself back into my disciplined routine again. I constantly forget and so it’s a lifelong journey but I can’t believe who and where I am today.        ​

–CBH North Shore

Inspiring ADHDers

For more inspiring stories from New Zealanders living with ADHD, check out the pages below: