| There is a lot of controversy surrounding ADHD. I think | | | | two subtle, yet critical differences between the two |
| it's pretty fair to say that it is likely one of the most | | | | largely unknown and misunderstood conditions we call |
| controversial conditions diagnosed today. While most | | | | ADHD and giftedness. |
| people identify the symptoms of hyperactivity, | | | | |
| impulsivity, and inattention with ADHD, many people | | | | 1. ADHD must cause "significant impairment" in an |
| unknowingly overlook the many different conditions | | | | individual's life in multiple settings (i.e., school, work, |
| that mimic these symptoms. | | | | family, relationships). |
| This is a topic I am rather sensitive about for many | | | | 2. The same behaviors are worded negatively in |
| different reasons. First off, there is an ongoing debate | | | | ADHD and more positively for children who are gifted. |
| among the ADHD community about the negatives | | | | Here's the problem: |
| associated with the condition versus those who talk | | | | Not everyone who has these traits or behaviors |
| about the alleged "gifts" of ADHD. Next there is a | | | | experiences "significant impairment" in their life. And if |
| community outside of ADHD who dispute the validity | | | | there's a question of whether it's one or the other, how |
| of the condition, not to mention a community who | | | | we view these behaviors can shift the balance. For |
| advocate on behalf of gifted people across the world. | | | | example, a child with ADHD is typically described as |
| Having been identified as a gifted student myself, very | | | | challenging authority or having difficult time with |
| early on in my life, my hyperactivity was seen as | | | | directions, while a gifted child questions the rules. |
| passion, my impulsivity was called carelessness, and | | | | While it is a subtle difference, it is an incredibly critical |
| my inattention was called boredom. I was given every | | | | difference that we need to be aware of. |
| opportunity to succeed, and no one ever really | | | | My purpose here is not to debate ADHD versus |
| questioned my need to do things differently. | | | | giftedness, although I can see how it might appear that |
| While many people try to convince me of having | | | | way. But that's not it! I am here to ask you to look |
| ADHD, I understand things differently. In fact, I have | | | | beyond the labels and diagnoses so that you might |
| spent a great deal of time reflecting on whether or not | | | | see what unique talents your child has to offer this |
| I might actually have ADHD. That's when I discovered | | | | world. |