Discovering your ADHD superpower

People often frame attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as something negative. We hear about how people with ADHD are disorganized, distractible, and impulsive. What we don’t talk about as often is how people with ADHD often have unique positive qualities — ADHD “superpowers” — that make them engaging, funny, and dynamic individuals.

To be clear, saying that ADHD can come with “superpowers” doesn’t negate the very real challenging experiences that often come with ADHD symptoms. ADHD undoubtedly can affect your relationships, make it more difficult to succeed at work and school, and lower your self-esteem. Diagnosis, treatment, and reasonable accommodations are necessary for most people with ADHD, especially in a world that’s set up for neurotypical people.

While it’s valid to feel frustrated with your symptoms, there are ways to reframe your identity and experiences to include the unique qualities that come along with being a neurodivergent person with ADHD. 

Seven positive traits of ADHD

A recent study asked successful adults with ADHD about the positive aspects of living with the condition. The participants came up with several traits that they appreciated about themselves, all of which were directly tied to their ADHD diagnosis. 

1. Energy

One positive quality that many people with ADHD appreciate about themselves is their abundance of energy. People with ADHD, especially hyperactive-impulsive or combined type ADHD, often experience restlessness. You might feel like you’re constantly driven by a motor. Although this can be frustrating, it can also give you a boost of energy that drives you forward.

It’s important to note, though, that this doesn’t apply to everyone with ADHD, nor does it occur all the time. ADHD fatigue is a real and valid experience for many people with ADHD. You may sometimes feel so exhausted that you feel almost “paralyzed,” or you might experience a “crash” from certain ADHD medications.

2. Hyperfocus

Many people misunderstand ADHD as a condition that causes a lack of focus. But, in reality, it’s more accurate to say that it causes a problem with managing or switching focus. Sometimes, you may have a difficult time sustaining focus on a task, especially when it’s repetitive or boring to you. At other times, you might be so acutely focused on something that interests you that you forget about the world around you. You might even be so focused that you forget to eat or sleep.

This is called ADHD hyperfocus. Although hyperfocus isn’t listed as an official symptom of ADHD, research suggests that it’s a common feature of the ADHD experience.

Although ADHD hyperfocus can sometimes cause problems in life, you can also use it to your advantage. Hyperfocus can allow you to invest your all into your passions and work hard on interesting projects for long periods of time.

3. Dynamism

People with ADHD often have dynamic and charismatic traits, which may stem from their hyperactive energy, innovative thinking, and impulsive nature. Being talkative is also a common symptom of ADHD, and while that sometimes comes with a stigma attached, it can also make you a dynamic leader.

People with ADHD often have a natural ability to bring energy and excitement into their interactions with people. This dynamic quality comes from their tendency to think quickly and respond creatively in the moment. Whether it’s starting an engaging conversation or thinking on your feet in high-pressure situations, these traits can help you become a magnetic presence and draw others to your enthusiasm and fresh perspective.

4. Creativity and out-of-the-box thinking

ADHD is a type of neurodivergence, which means that if you live with ADHD, your brain works differently than the brains of neurotypical people. This can sometimes be frustrating. For example, you might often feel like other people don’t understand you. But it also gives you the superpower of creative thinking. 

Because your brain works in different ways, you’re able to think outside of the box and engage in creative problem solving. While neurotypical people may approach challenges with conventional methods, your ADHD-driven creativity enables you to explore unconventional solutions. You may also have a talent for considering unique perspectives that others might overlook because of your ability to think divergently, take risks, and process ideas at a quicker pace. You approach problems from unique angles and have surprising perspectives, which makes you a great team member both at work and in your social life.

5. Non-conformism

If you live with ADHD, you may sometimes feel that you don’t really “fit in” with those around you. This may come with some negative feelings for you. But being different can also mean that you’re not afraid to think outside the box and question the status quo.

If you already know you don’t fit the mold, you might think, “Why not just do what I really want to do?” It might feel hard to follow rules or expectations that don’t make sense to you or align with your values. Instead of doing things just because “that’s how it’s done,” you may be more likely to carve your own path. 

This ability to follow your instincts and pursue what matters to you, regardless of external pressures, can lead to an authentic and fulfilling life — one that’s guided by your own desires and passions, rather than by arbitrary norms.

6. Resilience

Research shows that many people with ADHD are highly resilient. Even in a world that’s built for neurotypical people, you may have been able to build a successful and fulfilling life for yourself with ADHD. Research has found that many children with ADHD are as academically successful as students without ADHD, even though traditional schooling environments often fall short in supporting neurodivergent children effectively.

Even if you feel like you haven’t yet reached your full potential, you navigate the world every day with ADHD. You’ve been able to overcome the challenges and stigmas associated with ADHD to carve out a path that’s meaningful for you, and that shows resilience.

7. Sense of humor

In a study we referenced above, researchers asked the participants what they’d miss about themselves if their ADHD were suddenly taken away. Every one of them responded that they’d miss their sense of humor. 

Many people with ADHD have a unique sense of humor that comes from the way their brains process the world. If you have ADHD, you might have a tendency to make unexpected connections and think outside the box. That means it can be easier for you to find the absurd or funny side of everyday situations. You may be spontaneous and able to make jokes that catch people off guard in the best way. 

In addition, living with ADHD can mean learning to laugh at some of the challenges it brings. You may use comedy as a way to cope. This combination of creativity, quick thinking, and a willingness to embrace life’s unpredictability may make you naturally funny and enjoyable to be around.

How to lean into the benefits of ADHD

Even though there are so many positive traits that people with ADHD have, it can be hard to see it that way when you actually live with the condition. You might be so consumed by the more frustrating part of the ADHD experience, like ADHD paralysis or emotional dysregulation, that you aren’t able to see or access the benefits.

Here are some tips to help you unlock your ADHD superpowers.

• Get diagnosed. Seeing the benefits of ADHD can be especially difficult when you don’t have the right diagnosis. People who get diagnosed later in life are more likely to live with low self-esteem and co-occurring conditions, like depression. It’s essential to get your child evaluated for ADHD as soon as you see the signs to set them up for success.
• Let go of stigma. One reason that living with ADHD can feel so negative is because of the stigma that’s involved. While society has a duty to destigmatize mental health, you don’t have to wait for the world to accept you to develop confidence. Learn about ADHD and how it affects your brain. Read about successful people who have ADHD. Try to understand it as a brain difference, not a shameful disorder.
• Ask for accommodations. The world is set up to help neurotypical people succeed. If you live with ADHD, you have the right to reasonable accommodations that allow you to succeed academically or in your career. Consider reaching out to your child’s school’s disability services office or your employer’s HR department for support. Getting these accommodations can lessen the stress of navigating the world with ADHD, which can help you have more energy to focus on your ADHD superpowers.

Find care with Rula

ADHD can be a difficult condition to manage, but it can also give you some uniquely positive traits. Getting treatment can help you manage the hard parts of life with ADHD so that you can let your superpowers shine. 

When you’re ready, explore Rula’s therapist-matching program to find someone who specializes in treating ADHD and takes your insurance. From there, you can schedule an appointment for as early as this week and meet with your provider via a convenient virtual appointment.

Find a therapist with Rula