Embracing ADHD: A Different Kind of Brain, Not a Disorder
Beatrice Redi
Empowering Driven Executives with the Mindset and Tools to Transform and Flourish. Positive Leadership & Mental Fitness Coach | Embracing Neurodiversity & DE&I | #IAmRemarkable facilitator | PCC/ICF, CHO?, PQ? |
Thanks, to Dr. Thomas Armstrong Ph.D. for his session on 'Tapping the Joy and Energy of the ADHD Brain' at the NEURODIVERSITY ANIMAS event hosted by the Animas Centre for Coaching . I've been reflecting on my journey with #ADHD, which was diagnosed when I turned 52 (it was a late diagnosis, as I've always had it). It has truly influenced my views on leadership and creativity.
ADHD is commonly viewed as a disorder. I now see it as a way of understanding and interacting with the world. It's time to shift the narrative and appreciate the strengths and advantages of having this 'different' kind of brain.
One key trait of ADHD is our inclination towards seeking out novelty and excitement. We thrive on taking risks, exploring horizons, and embarking on thrilling adventures. This hunger fuels our creativity and problem-solving abilities, making us valuable contributors in a world that values innovation. Dr Armstrong's session shed light on how this adventurous spirit can lead to groundbreaking discoveries across fields since individuals with ADHD often think beyond boundaries.
Staying Young at Heart
Having ADHD often brings out a side in us, keeping us playful, imaginative and curious as adults. It gives us a perspective on life, allowing us to approach things with wonder and flexibility. Our humour, sensitivity and vitality make us not only engaging but empathetic individuals who can form deep connections with others. Dr. Armstrong stressed the importance of seeing this vitality as a strength rather than a mere distraction.
The State of Flow and Deep Focus
When we are passionate about something we can experience hyperfocus – a concentration that leads to entering a flow state where time seems to stand. Dr. Armstrong's insights on leveraging this hyperfocus can result in productivity and expertise in our fields enabling us to make meaningful contributions to our teams and communities.
Strength Through Resilience and Bravery
Living with ADHD demands #resilience and #courage. We face challenges that neurotypical individuals may not fully comprehend. We persevere by finding ways to adapt and thrive. This resilience shapes our character, making us compassionate individuals who are better equipped to support others dealing with their own unique struggles. Dr. Armstrong's discussion on resilience struck a chord with me by highlighting how our challenges can be turned into sources of strength.
Reimagining ADHD
It's time to reconsider ADHD as a type of brain, not one that is disordered or dysfunctional. Our strengths and talents are significant. Society should acknowledge and appreciate them. By embracing our ADHD traits and utilizing our skills to make an impact, we can reduce #stigma and demonstrate that having an ADHD brain is a blessing, not a burden.
Promoting Positive Leadership
In my role as a Positive Leadership Coach, Chief Happiness Officer, and Mental Fitness Coach, my journey has been enriched by the discovery of my ADHD. I am committed to advocating for diversity, equity and inclusion in all areas of life. Recognizing and appreciating the contributions of individuals with ADHD is crucial in establishing environments where everyone can thrive. Dr Armstrong's teachings have reinforced the belief that embracing neurodiversity enriches our teams and communities with perspectives and talents.
An Empowering Message
Let us change the narrative surrounding ADHD and see it for what it truly is: a unique type of brain that brings immense value to our world. Thank you, Dr. Armstrong, for your teachings and for empowering us to embrace our differences. Together, we can build a society that nurtures inclusion and empowers each individual to shine.
By sharing this personal journey and the positive attributes of ADHD, I hope to inspire others to embrace their uniqueness and lead with confidence, creativity, and compassion.
I'm excited to meet leaders, innovators, and supporters who share a passion for building a world that embraces diversity and fosters understanding. Let's embrace our qualities and utilize the strengths of neurodiversity to drive progress!
#Neurodiversity
#DE&I
#Coaching
#ADHD
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3 周Appreciate the positive approach - “highlighting the strengths and creativity” as opposed to labeling simply as “different than the norm” because of a “disorder”
Global Category Manager Ferring Pharmaceuticals
3 周Dear Beatrice,? For personal reasons, I am very familiar with the range of functioning in ADHD. And I also know the whole world of high functioning autism (formerly called Asperger's).? I really appreciate the article you have written and agree with everything, especially the following: Let's embrace our qualities and use the strengths of neurodiversity to drive progress!
Recruitment Marketing | Talent & Personal Branding Strategist | Career Coach | Aiuto aziende e persone a valorizzare la loro proposta e immagine online per trovare opportunità di lavoro, di business e candidati.
3 周Your message is very important, and I fully agree that the strengths and talents of people with ADHD should be recognized and valued. Changing the way society perceives ADHD is not easy. This common way of thinking is deeply ingrained and often starts as early as elementary school, where minds that deviate from the standard tend not to be valued. Conformity to behaviors that are more functional for order and control is often prioritized, at the expense of creativity, imagination, curiosity and sensitivity, which, strangely enough, are not successfully channeled positively. In the case of ADHD, as with other forms of diversity, early diagnosis is necessary and a lot of effort is required to change this mentality, starting with the appreciation of all different intelligences and abilities from a young age.