If you look at nature really carefully and keep pulling at the intellectual threads and keep going and just keep delving down into what nature seems to be trying to tell us, then if you’re lucky and persistent, you can catch a glimpse of something deeply hidden.
Albert Einstein via brian cox
ND (Neurodivergent: Different Brains) and NT (Neurotypical: Typical Brains), as many ND traits are comorbidities of one another. For more info on comorbidities, click here.
In the intricate tapestry of nature, the ADHD brain stands out as a beacon of creativity and genius—attributes that are indeed worth celebrating. While ADHD for the majority of human history was seen as a detriment, through persistent research, pulling at the intellectual threads, we’ve found that, we can appreciate the full spectrum of this unique cognitive profile, not just for its challenges but more for its profound capabilities.
Misconceptions of ADHD: Paradoxes and Potential
ADHD often carries with it many misconceptions, primarily due to its paradoxical nature. The paradoxical nature of ADHD is due to the fact that the ADHD brain is structurally different. For example, many parents, teachers, bosses, etc. of those who have ADHD will usually express frustration at the following:
- People with ADHD can be incredibly motivated, and show prominent levels of competence and intelligence, along with an intense level of work ethic, and
- People with ADHD can also seem incredibly unmotivated and show elevated levels of apathy.
This is a paradox in the ADHD world known as “Islands of Excellence/Competence” These islands are not random but are closely tied to the individual’s passions and intrinsic motivations. “Islands of Excellence,” when not fully understood, lead many parents, teachers, bosses, etc., to levels of frustration, feeling that the person with ADHD “is incredibly intelligent and capable,” and that they “could do anything if only they’d apply themselves.” Here is a primary difference between neurodiverse brains and neurotypical brains.
The ADHD Brain is Fueled by Interest, not Importance
As identified above, people with ADHD are motivated by intrinsic values or what they find interesting. This takes us to another paradox: “Interest vs. Importance.” This paradox identifies that people with ADHD can find endless motivation, drive, competence, and work ethic – as long as they are working on something that is of deep interest to them – the catch? What is interesting to them may not be what the neurotypical world would identify as important.
“They Can’t Pay Attention Even If They Want To.”
So yes, that ND brain is wildly intelligent, but due to that different brain structure, many people with ADHD (and their parents, teachers, bosses, etc.) find themselves dealing with one last paradox: “Won’t vs Can’t” (This by no means is an exhaustive list of ADHD paradoxes). The paradox of “Won’t vs Can’t” in its most basic form illustrates that sometimes people with ADHD can literally find themselves incapable (much more with people on the higher end of the ADHD spectrum and children) of doing something they are “required” or asked to do. It’s not that they won’t do it, it’s that “they can’t pay attention even if they want to.” This is due to having such low levels of dopamine for a given task that “it’s like trying to push a car uphill while hopping on one foot.”
When The ADHD/AuDHD Brain Is Allowed To Flourish
Here’s a prime example of these paradoxes coming together: I have a friend who has a child with severe AuDHD. For years, this kid struggled immensely…except in one area – Roblox. If you’re unfamiliar, Roblox, “At its core…is a gaming platform that allows you to play dozens of user-created games or create games through Roblox Studio. From role-playing games to rhythm titles and shooters, the platform is a toy box of experiences for all ages.”
This kid – and I do mean kid – became an absolute whiz at a very specific type of programming that was highly sought after by the creators of Roblox. So my friend who’s child has AuDHD so badly they had to pull them out and homeschool them is also, as of 3 years ago, making upwards of $150k a year – at the age of 15 (18 now). The neurotypical education system failed real hard on this one – but it didn’t matter – because before their child graduated high school their AuDHD brain found something of intense interest, and they’ve been wildly successful with it. Is this always the case? Of course not, but unleashing the ADHD/AuDHD mind to do what it does best will always pay in dividends.
Build Their World Around Their Brain
So, to wrap this present up and put a bow on it: People with ADHD can be intensely intelligent, capable, have loads of drive, etc., but only in areas where they find intense interest. Sometimes these same people come across tasks/jobs that they find to be so overwhelmingly droll that it’s nearly impossible to even attempt them. It’s not that they’re attempting to be stubborn. The key to unlocking ADHD/AuDHD is building their world around their brain.
Where Can You Find Something Deeply Hidden?
I figure this is probably enough for one installment of this discussion. So, to my ADHD/AuDHD brains, where do you excel? What are your strengths? What are your deep interests? I’d love to hear from you. Parents of ADHD/AuDHD kids, can you identify where your child shines? How can this brilliance move them forward to a successful future? Have you found that glimpse of something deeply hidden that if unleashed could revolutionize your life? The life of your child? All questions and comments are welcome! Keep it kind 🙂