Let's Value ADHD, Not Just Tolerate It

When my son began fifth grade, his homeroom teacher had each student write a letter introducing themselves, and later, on Parents’ Night, I got to read it. A few lines in, my son had written, “I have ADHD and that means I’m creative.” I almost cried. My son got it. He understood that his brain is wired uniquely.

He has the ability to see endless possibilities. He can come up with ideas that no one else might ever suggest. He can solve problems in weird, uncommon ways. He can also find humor in all kinds of situations. His one line about ADHD also implied, “Watch out, New Teacher! I will surprise you!” It carried a sense of pride, a sense of “My brain can do amazing things! Just you wait and see!” 

Like many of us, my son is a Turbo Thinker. He has a race car brain that can move 300 mph. When ignited by something, his brain will take off and fly. It can both hyperfocus and fire off thoughts in all directions. Driven by interest and novelty, his brain will accept the right challenge and design the most creative of solutions. It will astound you with its brilliance and wackiness.

Imagine if we all carried pride, rather than shame, about our Turbo Thinking brains. Imagine a world where everyone could see and appreciate the Turbo Thinkers amongst us. Imagine a world where everyone can be given not just the permission, but the encouragement, to focus on their dreams.