ADHD Parenting Tip - Two Subtle Yet Critical Differences Between Giftedness and ADHD

There is a lot of controversy surrounding ADHD. I think it's pretty fair to say that it is likely one of the most controversial conditions diagnosed today. While most people identify the symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention with ADHD, many people unknowingly overlook the many different conditions that mimic these symptoms.

This is a topic I am rather sensitive about for many different reasons. First off, there is an ongoing debate among the ADHD community about the negatives associated with the condition versus those who talk about the alleged "gifts" of ADHD. Next there is a community outside of ADHD who dispute the validity of the condition, not to mention a community who advocate on behalf of gifted people across the world.

Having been identified as a gifted student myself, very early on in my life, my hyperactivity was seen as passion, my impulsivity was called carelessness, and my inattention was called boredom. I was given every opportunity to succeed, and no one ever really questioned my need to do things differently.

While many people try to convince me of having ADHD, I understand things differently. In fact, I have spent a great deal of time reflecting on whether or not I might actually have ADHD. That's when I discovered two subtle, yet critical differences between the two largely unknown and misunderstood conditions we call ADHD and giftedness.

ADHD must cause "significant impairment" in an individual's life in multiple settings (i.e., school, work, family, relationships).

The same behaviors are worded negatively in ADHD and more positively for children who are gifted.

Here's the problem:

Not everyone who has these traits or behaviors experiences "significant impairment" in their life. And if there's a question of whether it's one or the other, how we view these behaviors can shift the balance. For example, a child with ADHD is typically described as challenging authority or having difficult time with directions, while a gifted child questions the rules.

While it is a subtle difference, it is an incredibly critical difference that we need to be aware of.

My purpose here is not to debate ADHD versus giftedness, although I can see how it might appear that way. But that's not it! I am here to ask you to look beyond the labels and diagnoses so that you might see what unique talents your child has to offer this world.

And now I'd like to give you complimentary access to the most fundamental information everyone needs to know about ADHD. Visit http://www.adhdfamilyonline.com today to download your own copy of the ADHD Essentials Audio Kit.