ADD: The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly

There's been an intense discussion going on among some members in the ADHD Coaches Organization.

Some coaches think that ADD is a good thing, and wouldn't trade it for anything. They believe that the benefits of ADD well outweigh the challenges. Other coaches feel that taking this view is akin to negating the struggles that many ADDers have endured in their lives. They don't deny some of the positive attributes that many ADDers share, but they don't think that these traits should be focused on at the exclusion of the challenges that many people face.

Tara McGillicuddy has publicly shared her opinion on her blog. I haven't jumped into the discussion that's been taking place over the ACO listserve (email discussion group.) But I do have an opinion.

ADD affects everyone differently. There are certain common challenges that make up our "symptoms," but these symptoms and challenges manifest themselves differently among people with ADD. For example,  some ADDers struggled in school. It was hard to focus and concentrate, or hard to process information. But some of us didn't have trouble in school. I liked school, and was usually able to pay attention. In fact, I could often hyperfocus in school, because I was interested. I did struggle with some topics in math, but I often stayed after school to get extra help. The one-on-one teaching kept me from zoning out.

Personally, I didn't struggle in school. I performed well in my jobs. I'm not particularly hyperactive. Impulsivity has caused me to stick my foot in my mouth on occasion, but I've never made a serious, impulsive mistake.  My challenges have manifested differently. And if I had to sum it up, I'd say that the greatest challenge I have due to ADD is that my brain runs too fast.

It never stops.

I consider myself intelligent, compassionate, creative, driven, and successful. These are all great traits, but sometimes I wish I could turn the volume down on them.

This brain-that-never-stops often leads me into overwhelm if I'm not careful. I have to practice lots of self-care in the form of meditation, exercise, nutrition, time management, and rest in order to keep from getting overwhelmed all the time.

Still, I am among those who wouldn't trade my ADD for anything. I do think that the positives outweigh the negatives--at least for me. And because of this, I work well with clients who have had similar experiences. Their biggest challenge is their susceptibility to overwhelm, and all the time management, organization, self-esteem, and self-care challenges that go along with that.

Luckily, there are coaches out there with different experiences who will work well with other types of ADDers. I think it's important that we, as coaches, develop our opinions on this topic and let them be known. When looking for a coach, I always suggest that adults with ADD find someone who has "been there and done that" when it comes to the client's biggest challenge or problem.

What's your opinion on this topic? Is ADD good, bad, or ugly? Please share your thoughts in the comments field.

Comments

[CT]

Oh Jen! You are among the lucky ones, I think!!!

My ADHD has caused more pain than joy by far, for me and those around me. Yes, there is good, like the creativity combined with uninhibited = pretty good performer in front of a crowd (also great for stand-up training, which I'm good at!)

But too many STUPID mistakes and impulsive, unfiltered comments and "moves before thinking", over-commits, fogotten promises... Nope. I guarantee I would rather not be "the lucky one." in this case.

But, at least now I know what I'm up against and I'm doing everything I can to minimize the negatives and capitalize on the positives. So, at 50, I have the energy level of a 30-year old, which in a crazy-fast Marketing department is a really great asset. As long as I can keep my To Do list straight and not vector off (like I used to do sooooo often) I can cope with my condition.