There is a portion of the ADHD community who wants you to believe that having ADHD is a gift. They claim that instead of being a deficit or disorder, a child with ADHD might actually have a distinct advantage over his or her peers.
I suppose this approach has some merit because there are studies to suggest that the characteristics of ADHD, that we now call symptoms, actually once provided an advantage many years ago. It is now believed that during our days roaming the countryside, ADHD-like behaviors were an asset to survive and keep the tribes fed and alive.
What Do You Think?
It's an interesting thing to consider, especially when we see most children with ADHD are seen as behavioral problems. In some cases, we even see these children being told they are worthless and will amount to little or nothing in life.
To me, there is absolutely nothing more frustrating than making associations based on a diagnosis or display of symptoms. I don't actually buy this "gift theory" for the simple fact that a gift is not a gift just because we have it. The most talented professionals in the world do not simply appear out of nowhere. Instead, they are typically nurtured, supported, encouraged, and make great sacrifices to specializing their skills.
Our Society Has Changed
Does that really matter?
Absolutely! I don't simply believe a child has a gift. Instead, I actually believe each and every child born has a special gift to offer this world. With the cultivation of cities and towns, we brought order and created rules that suggest what is most important for the good of man. While most of these rules are beneficial to us all, many of them can be rather dangerous.
Children with ADHD like symptoms or characteristics can easily contribute to this world and make a difference. Sadly however, many of them are not given the chance because our society has set unrealistic expectations for these children.
To think that just hundreds of years ago, these children would be the saviors of a tribe, today many of them are the blemish of a school system or family.
It doesn't have to be that way.
Bottom Line? A child with ADHD needs the tools, resources, supports, and understanding to be successful in school and in life. I'd like to help with that! Download your free ADHD Essentials Audio Kit today, and you'll get immediate access to information and strategies that will make a difference.
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