This article was written for caregivers of children with ADHD, but the information holds true for most folks with ADHD, including me. So, read on, future super heroes…

It’s not even 7:30am, and you’re exhausted. 

Your kid takes medicine that makes him less hungry later, so you try to get in a good breakfast. 

He’s chewing his food, making an airplane out of his napkin, and loudly arguing with his brother about Legos and football.

You just want to get out the door on time. Dropping lunchboxes into backpacks and heading to your room, you yell  “Let’s finish up, you guys! It’s time for teeth and shoes!” 

It took years off your life to drop everyone off and get to work. The intensity, the activity, the noise. All of it. 

If one more guru tells you to lay out clothes and pack lunches the night before to solve your morning chaos, you’ll probably smack them. 

Good News: ADHD Offers Lots of Silver Linings 

There’s not a parent alive who hasn’t briefly fantasized about being single and childless. Those snap seconds, usually sparked by fatigue, are normal. Plus, they help us cope by reminding us that nothing lasts forever.

To brighten your day - let’s talk about some ADHD positives. You’re probably expecting me to say the usual things - like having lots of energy or growing because of struggle.

But there's newer, less predictable stuff, too. The research directed at understanding the strengths and resilience of people with ADHD is growing. 

To cheer you UP and cheer you ON, I’ve listed some surprising ways that having ADHD can give people superpowers, and I’ll start with my favorite:  

1. They Can Become Entrepreneurs and Innovators…

…because they’re more tolerant or more accepting of risks. This can be because of their impulsivity or because they like new and novel experiences. This boldness makes them willing to try new ventures or unknown things later in life, and it’s a superpower because it gives them stamina and encouragement when others might have already quit. 

2. They’re Good At Bouncing Back…

…because their risk-taking and boldness can be guided into a positive trait. It encourages resilience and the development of a growth mindset. They can learn to adjust to new situations and environments, which is a very valuable skill. This is especially good for start-ups, artistic and creative efforts, and careers in exploration or research. It also fuels innovation and can lead to groundbreaking achievements.

3. They Can Figure Things Out On The Fly… 

…because the ADHD mind works quickly, often processing information at breakneck speeds. They approach problems in ways that are different from others, too. This out-of-the-box thinking is a valuable strength, especially in 2024 when routine tasks are rapidly being replaced by AI.  

4. They Become Exceptional Multitaskers…

…because ADHD brains are better at handling several things at once AND because they are intensely curious. They become strong problem solvers and great project managers. Their curiosity drives them to explore things, often very in-depth, and ask questions relentlessly - they are driven to “know.”  

5. They are Genuinely Nice Humans…

…even though their sensitivity to the emotions of others can be overwhelming to them, they can connect deeply with friends and family. They often understand others well and empathize in ways that are very meaningful. In addition, when a subject catches their interest, they can be very attentive, which can make for meaningful friendships and hobbies.

ADHD Superpowers Develop Over Time, With Effort

Supporting a child who has ADHD requires patience, understanding, and creativity. Parents, teachers, and siblings are all important to helping turn their unique abilities into powerful strengths.

If you're looking for strategies to support your child, or if you're tired of worrying about how to help them thrive, High Potential Kids is for you. Connect with me - I’m offering free conversations and longer, in-depth consultations. Visit my booking page to learn more: 

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Sources: 

American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: Text revision (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing.

Chan E. S. M., Groves N. B., Marsh C. L., Miller C. E., Richmond K. P., Kofler M. J. (2022). Are there resilient children with ADHD? Journal of Attention Disorders, 26(5), 643–655. https://doi.org/10.1177%2F10870547211025629

Climie E. A., Mastoras S. M. (2015). ADHD in schools: Adopting a strengths-based perspective. Canadian Psychology, 56(3), 295–300. https://doi.org/10.1037/cap0000030