Identity

At the beginning of the presintation I asked everyone to tell me what they had heard about AD/HD and then we explored various myths about AD/HD. Chances are that an adolescent has heard some of the very same myths.

I posit that the language we use when we discuss AD/HD has served as the catalist for the majority of the negativity associated with AD/HD.

Identity formation is a critical part of adolescence. Considering that the dominant cultural narrative is primarily negative regarding AD/HD, how challenging must it then be to form a positive self identity. Just look at the name it’sself. It tells you to pay Attention to this persons Deficit Disorder!

If we want to give adolescents with AD/HD a chance to thrive, then we need to think about how we talk about AD/HD. We need to refraim our dialogue with strengths based language.

"Thom Hartmann views the ADDer as a Hunter in a Farmer's world. The table below shows the negative 'Disorder' View, followed by Hartmann's more positive perspective. From Attention Deficit Disorder - A Different Perception."


Disorder Perspective

ADD as a Natural Adaptive Trait
"The Hunter"

Distractible.

Constantly monitoring environment

Attention span is short, but can become intensely focused for long periods of time.

Able to throw themselves into the chase on a moment's notice.

Poor planner, disorganized and impulsive (makes snap decisions).

Flexible; ready to change strategy quickly.

Distorted sense of time: unaware of how long it will take to do something.

Tireless: capable of sustained drives, but only when "hot on the trail" of some goal.

Impatient.

Results oriented. Acutely aware of whether the goal is getting closer now.

Doesn't convert words into concepts adeptly, and vice versa. May or may not have a reading disability.

Visual/concrete thinker, clearly seeing a tangible goal even if there are no words for it.

Has difficulty following instructions.

Independent.

Daydreamer.

Bored by mundane tasks; enjoy new ideas, excitement, "the hunt," being hot on the trail.

Acts without considering consequences.

Willing and able to take risks and face danger.

Lacking in the social graces.

"No time for niceties when there are decisions to be made!"

According to conventional wisdom, the traits of attention deficit disorder (ADD and ADHD) are an error of nature. But was Thomas Edison the world's most famous inventor in spite of his hyperactivity, inattention and impulsiveness or because of it?

Lets look at AD/HD traits.

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