Gaining a new perspective on an ADHD diagnosis
Examining the stigma around ADHD
How to work towards a positive future
How people with ADHD can get the most out of life
In this module, you will learn:
Gaining a new perspective on an ADHD diagnosis
Examining the stigma around ADHD
How to work towards a positive future
How people with ADHD can get the most out of life
The Future for an Individual with ADHD – 5m25s
12.1 Gaining a New Perspective on an ADHD Diagnosis
A common concern following a diagnosis of ADHD is that it is devastating and marks the
start of a problematic future life.
There are a number of misconceptions and stigmas around ADHD, and these can negatively impact
people’s understanding of the condition. When receiving a diagnosis for yourself or a loved one, it’s
understandable that the news could feel earth-shattering.
However, that does not have to be the case and indeed, there are a large number of people who have
had this diagnosis and have gone on to live full and happy lives. It is important that people with
ADHD need to be made aware of what is possible so that they can look forward with some
confidence.
In this module, we seek to shine a light on how people with ADHD can gain a more positive
perspective on the diagnosis, and their future.
It is important to remember that a diagnosis of ADHD simply states that the individual has difficulty
in dealing with certain situations due to issues with inattentiveness, hyperactivity and/or the lack of
impulse control. It does not state that this makes them incapable of doing certain things, even
though it may be a tougher road for them to travel than for their peers.
Being given an ADHD diagnosis does not mean the end of the world. A better approach would be to
find out how you can adapt things, so that weak areas will not be so problematic and that strengths
can be amplified. This, in tandem with a robust treatment plan, would allow people to make the
progress that they want.
The following statements are all true of ADHD:
With the correct support and planning, ADHD does not have to hold you back
A number of people with ADHD have excelled in their industry
Medication and/or therapy will lead to a more positive future
Think about your many strengths, rather than the ADHD label
With a good understanding of the condition, you can work around issues
ADHD is an example of neurodiversity. This term came about in the 1990s, specifically to fight
against the kind of stigma we analyse in this module, and it simply identifies those whose brains
work in an atypical way.
The goals of the neurodiversity movement were to demonstrate that the differences seen in people
with autism, ADHD, etc. should be viewed as potentially valuable and interesting variations, and
that, furthermore, there are benefits to neurodiversity. A couple of ADHD-specific benefits which we
have already mentioned are a tendency towards creativity and hyperfocus.
Neurodiversity advocates have brought about a major change in the attitude towards ADHD
compared to how we used to view the condition. They have shown that individuals can have a
successful future - but only if they are allowed to make the progress that is rightfully due to them.
12.2 Examining the Stigma Around ADHD
We must briefly look at the stigma around ADHD, in order to appreciate how important it
is for individuals with ADHD and their loved ones to advocate for a better understanding of
the condition.
There is a mistaken belief that an adult with ADHD is too erratic and spontaneous, so nobody in their
right mind would want to employ them. Their lack of organisational skills and remembering things
would make them unreliable in an office environment, and their hyperactivity would surely make it
impossible for them to sit still for long periods of time.
ADHD children can likewise be seen as difficult, both by their teachers and their peers.
Some people erroneously believe that people with ADHD are incapable of doing certain things.
Those people are often guilty of taking their misconceptions about ADHD and applying them across
the board. This causes prejudice and could lead to discrimination in the workplace, or social
ostracisation.
According to those individuals who do not understand the condition, they tend to believe that the
person with ADHD would have a future that was difficult and limited.
For example, they might have the opinion that people with the condition can be
characterised by the following:
They cannot organise themselves, so they will forget key tasks
They cannot pay attention and focus, so they will make lots of mistakes
They are constantly hyperactive, and this would be disruptive
Their lack of impulse control means they are likely to offend other people
They are just too erratic and troublesome to waste time on
The list of points could go on for some time, but this gives you a picture of what is going through the
mind of those individuals who have a poor grasp of what this condition involves. By failing to fully
understand ADHD, they are actually guilty of misleading people regarding the possible successful
future of those who receive the correct treatment and support.
12.3 How to Work Towards a Positive Future
So, we have looked at some of the stigmas around ADHD, and the beliefs about what life
holds for people with the condition.
However, that is not the correct way of seeing things and we can counteract those beliefs by looking
at what the future does, indeed, hold for people who have ADHD, because it certainly seems to be
better than those misconceptions.
Later on, we are going to dedicate an entire module to people with ADHD who have succeeded - and
provide some of the key steps that they have followed, which have ultimately led to them having a
successful future. The aim of that module is to provide a real sense of possibilities out there and for
people to see that there is no need for individuals to live lesser lives or be marginalised, just because
they have been diagnosed with ADHD.
If we consider their potential careers, we would be forgiven for thinking that there would be few
options available, but that is not the case. It is accepted that it is always possible for people with the
condition to have great careers, but it involves managing their condition and setting themselves
some attainable goals.
There are many ways in which people with ADHD can be supported in making the most of their
working life. These include workplace adjustments, and making realistic career choices.
How career choices make a difference
Let us examine a theory that has been asserted by a number of career specialists who have previous
experience with people diagnosed with ADHD. It is known that difficulties with organisational skills,
such as keeping appointments, can be a barrier and yet, even with this condition, we can find
obvious strengths in each individual.
For example:
A child or adolescent may have difficulty remembering things due to lack of concentration, and yet,
when that person plays music, focus may not be an issue, and so success is achieved.
If this is the case (or you can substitute playing music for a different favoured or skilled hobby), then
it makes sense to consider a potential career that involves those key activities, as fewer barriers will
be encountered. Indeed, a person's strengths may outweigh specific difficulties.
If you want to see a good example of this at work - and we will share his story in a later module -
then check out Ty Pennington, an American TV personality.
In his case, he was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 17, but his life has worked out pretty well,
thanks to the way in which his enthusiasm for interior design and carpentry was harnessed by his
parents. His energy, skill and passion have led to a successful career and fulfilled life - and he is just
one of many such examples to be found.
Clearly, in this situation, it is important to sit down with the individual and spend time exploring
their interests and how they can be harnessed in the correct way. Developing an area of interest and
skill is something that can begin as a child.
Consider this - if individuals enjoy something at a young age, that path can lead to a number of
possibilities - if they are steered in the correct direction from the outset. Some may argue that this
involves mapping out their future instead of allowing children to direct themselves. Depending on
how the situation is handled, this is not necessarily the case.
How employers can help ADHD employees
Having ADHD does not mean that a person is unwilling or unable to work - and more employers are
now starting to understand this. There is a lot of advice and information on useful strategies out
there for employers and employees, and using them can really help to get the best out of the
neurodiverse workforce.
Employers should consider approaching their workers with empathy and reviewing strategic ways to
help them get around trouble spots. Challenges will vary due to the specific workplace environment,
but to give you an idea we explore workplace adjustments in an office setting as an example.
By using the following tips, you can help employees with ADHD adjust to the office and
maximise their strengths:
Take time to understand the employee's challenges: Not everyone with ADHD has the
same challenges to overcome. One may be prone to distraction while another may struggle
with planning.
Assign tasks based on their strengths: Employees with ADHD don't have only negatives;
they have a lot of positives too. Assigning tasks based on their strengths is more likely to
produce good results.
Consider flexible schedules: For example, employees may have problems with morning
assignments due to lack of sleep (a common symptom of ADHD). Consider allowing them to
work at a time of day that suits them, even if this means them working in the evening if this is
their best time.
There are many other adjustments that can be made in an office environment, including noise-
cancelling headphones or having a separate space to work in if distractibility is an issue; having the
option to work from home; being allowed to take regular breaks from work in order to restore focus;
and simply having work assigned that can be broken down in smaller, more manageable tasks.
FACT
Some ADHD symptoms are thought to be alleviated as a person moves into adulthood, especially the
hyperactivity aspect of the condition. However, poor concentration, impulsivity, and risk-taking
sometimes increase.
Source: Royal College of Psychiatrists
12.4 Allowing People With ADHD to Take the Lead
There should be a balance between guiding individuals and allowing them to take the lead.
In this instance, we are talking about giving people options where both answers are positive and can
help them to make progress and develop. By giving individuals the power to make decisions for
themselves, it means that they experience a level of independence in deciding and organising their
own future.
Your role is to guide people with ADHD in a supportive – not prescriptive - way. This can make a
huge difference to the level of irritation and frustration some people feel if they believe that others
have made decisions about their life simply for their own convenience. There is no lower age limit
where you can start with this approach and in actual fact, it could be argued that the younger you
start it, the more successful this approach is likely to be.
Furthermore, by talking to the individuals about their future, it can begin to counteract the
negativity and mistaken beliefs involving this condition and give them more confidence in facing
their future. It is important to be realistic – there will be some significant challenges – but equally, it
is useful to help them accept that, with the right support, there is a bright future for them.
The kind of future possible for individuals with ADHD is easy to summarise:
There are no limits to what they can achieve, with the correct help and treatment
It is important to be aware of strengths and focus on using them
It is also important to be aware of weaknesses and try to improve or mitigate them
A large number of individuals with ADHD have been extremely successful
Solutions can be found for most difficulties with careful thought and planning
Resolving problems will lead to greater resilience - and potentially a better future
When supporting individuals who have this condition, more specific careers advice is necessary to
help them identify the area or industry that they might enjoy and succeed in. Drawing on their key
strengths and interests is vital, and this is why it works best when they are allowed to take the lead
in making decisions about their future.
ADHD does throw up its own challenges, but it has to be stressed that the key word there is
“challenges" - as they are not impossibilities.
12.5 How People With ADHD Can Get The Most Out of Life
With the correct support and treatment, the person with ADHD will have the same
possibilities of success as anyone and may go on to achieve great things.
There are many ways in which people with the condition can be directly helped, or can be
encouraged to help themselves. These will vary depending on the individual, but the following
suggestions form some general guidance which would be beneficial to all.
Some useful tips for life with ADHD:
Instil good lifestyle habits
One important factor for success involves positive lifestyle habits encouraged from an early age, i.e.
that the individuals eat well, sleep well and exercise. These are things that are known to reduce the
severity of the symptoms of ADHD - and they can also help individuals to shape their future. If they
are used to having healthy lifestyle habits, it means that they will function better when they are
moving into their working life, as these habits will already be second nature to them.
Involve people with ADHD in understanding and managing their condition
It is essential for people to take an interest in their treatment and work with their specialist health
professional. They need to understand their condition and its effects - and you should really focus on
this when supporting adolescents. If they can be encouraged to actively manage their condition
during adolescence, it follows that they will grow used to what is expected of them, and will be able
to manage the condition effectively as an adult.
Give them the tools to be better organised
Being organised is so important in life. People with ADHD should therefore be provided with the
appropriate tools or tips that will make life easier for them in this area - and these should be
encouraged as early as possible so that using them becomes a habit. Tools, such as using checklists
or providing them with reminders throughout the day, will certainly help. There are also various
time management and organisational apps available which could be useful, such as 2Do and todoist.
Plan for the future
It is accepted that people with ADHD find it extremely difficult to plan for the future, and this is
related to their innate time blindness. Essentially, their perception of time is different to
neurotypical people, and so planning for events that will happen in the future is given less priority
than what is happening right now. This is where help will prove extremely useful for them. Having
an accountability buddy to keep long-term goals on track can be very helpful, as can simple
encouragement to help them overcome any anxiety they feel about the tasks. The time management
apps mentioned above can also be used for longer-term goals and can be very effective.
Show success stories
We examine some success stories of people with ADHD in Module 14, to inspire and show how
people have achieved great things despite barriers faced due to their condition. Showing what
others have achieved can have a major impact on the way in which individuals see their own future.
If they know that others have successfully dealt with the often-extreme challenges of ADHD, it will
positively influence the way they see their own future.
Get the correct support in school and work
It’s very important that the person with ADHD is given the correct support at school or their
workplace, in order to provide them with the correct foundations for success. Without this support in
place, it makes things very difficult. Adults with ADHD can request adjustments to the working
environment if appropriate, and are encouraged to do so. Parents of school-age children can
advocate on their behalf at school, and ensure that they are receiving appropriate support from
teaching staff.
Here we are focusing on the long-term picture and how to reach goals when it comes to helping
individuals diagnosed with ADHD. It is accepted that consistency plays a major role in controlling
the condition, as much as it can be controlled without external help.
Establishing positive habits will reduce much of the stress encountered on a daily basis. By removing
some of this stress, it stands to reason that people with ADHD will feel in a better position to face
barriers created by the condition. A healthy, organised life with sustainable goals will increase the
possibility of a successful and healthy future.
SUMMARY
In this module, we have focused on the future for any individual who has ADHD and, as you can see,
the idea of AHDH bringing insurmountable challenges is incorrect. Focusing on strengths, and
developing areas of difficulty, such as organisational and planning skills, will help individuals to lead
successful lives.
Having this condition means that there needs to be a specific awareness of strengths so that these
can be further developed. Areas of difficulty can be alleviated with treatment and the correct
support for the individual.
In the next module, we will expand on our examination of ADHD stigma to explore some of the more
common misconceptions about the condition.
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