-We are spontaneous.
-We have a certain insight on other people because of our own disorder, but that you already brought up.

We tend to be very generous as well, from what I've seen. Comes from the whole endorphin thing of giving gifts.

All the things you listed -- we're unique, creative, expansive thinkers, leaders, insightful, etc -- are things that I treasure about being ADHD.

Not to mention that when you are employed your boss gets the equivalent of 2 or 3 workers for the price of one.

Since I am female and was born in 1950 - the thought never occurred to any one that ADHD was a possibility. I was lucky and was brought up in a very creative and intellectual environment where we thrived on reading, music, discussions, debates -- all things that served as a way to absorb so much of that excess energy. I can remember getting up at the age of 9 years at 3 in the morning and debating history with my father at the kitchen table.

I learned techniques over time (falls into the 'highly compensating" category) to deal with situations (like lectures in college) where I needed to channel the energy - so while I took notes in class, I also kept a running journal.

I know I've seen lists -- but I know that ADHD shows up as a trait is a number of highly successful, incredibly intelligent, and totally remarkable people.

The only problem is that the parts of ADHD that are good for us can sometimes drive our partners/friends crazy (how fast can you talk and about how many subjects at once?). So while I'd rather not take meds for it, I do so that I don't drive my family/friends crazy.

But I wouldn't have changed this for anything -- to me the "benefits" of having ADHD far outweigh the negatives.

Gret

Thinking "out of the box", sometimes way, way out.
We value honesty more than most people.
We usually have a broad, if sometimes shallow, body of knowledge (great Trivial Pursuit or Jeopardy players).
Ability to 'hyperfocus', this can be especially nice with regards to sex.

Adderall

:)))

We run into relationships and situtions like a freight train. In otherwords, we tend to be overly open, overly friendly and know no strangers. This tends to hurt us in many ways, though, because it leaves us open for vicious people that thrive on the pain of others.

you just read my bio! i swear thats me too a tee.. frustration is my big issue.. i keep myself as mentally busy as i can so i won't get bored.. whew! no meds here either.. just pot and cold beer.. well, excellent coffee in the morning.

This post definitely made me feel better. I joined just to reply to it. I came across this while researching some other ADD meds my doctor is thinking of putting me on. So, this was a breath of fresh air. I have to say that every single characteristic you listed describes me!! These are things I love about myself :0)

I always said that I think too much. I know that I think differently than most people. I dissect every single aspect of everything, in the same time it takes anyone else to have a more simple thought. I think that this is why I'm so sensitive to being hurt. Instead of just being hurt by a certain action in general, I'm hurt by every single aspect of every single action that went into committing "said act". I'm also probably the most empathetic person I know. I like it though because it allows me to think outside the box, and come up with solutions that others wouldn't have considered. Solutions that to me seem like common sense. Another thing that I like about the way I think, is that I'm able to convince myself of things, and sort of talk myself down, if you know what I mean.

I love to be challenged, and can't stop until I conquer something. I'm constantly self-teaching. When I first started my myspace page, I hated for my layout to look like everybody else. So, I basically went online, and spent about 18 hours teaching myself HTML, and completely overriding the page with my own design. I'm always doing things like that. Sometimes I wish I wasn't as sympathetic to the plights of others though. When I find out about a certain injustice it really hurts me, and I feel like I need to save the world, or just do something. When I fantasize about winning the lottery, my thoughts are filled with the types of programs I would create to help people, and how I would do it. No cars, vacations, etc. :0) My ultimate dream job would be to have some sort of non-profit helping one of the many causes I feel strongly about. For now I'm in school for HR management. I can at least help disenfranchised employees for now.

I can sometimes get lost in my thoughts and lose all track of time. I am medicated which helps. Only once I start something that sparks my interest I'm consumed by it, and everything else goes lacking. Guess that's a price you pay.

We have guts! We SAY the things the "normies" only permit themselves to think. I love it when someone says "I'm so glad you said that, I was too afraid to".

We're smart! =D


Has anyone said taht yet?

Oh yes, yes, yes to all of the above. I was a multi-tasker before anyone invented that term. As an artist I've always had multiple projects going at once. And as a creative writer I can invent characters very easily. Ever seen the movie, "Multiplicity"? I could so appreciate that man in all his many persons/ talents. Versatility and creative thinking -- yes!!!