Exploring Neurodiversity Is ADHD a strength?

The word neurodiversity was first coined in the 1990s by Judy Singer, an Australian social scientist, who is herself on the autism spectrum. It is a combination of “neurological” and “diversity”, and originally referred mostly to autism. While it is recognized that severe autism is a profound disorder, this term has since expanded to include ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorder and Tourette’s, as well as other learning and developmental differences such as dyslexia, dysgraphia or discalculia (trouble reading, writing or doing math).

Neurodivergence recognizes that different people’s brains process, learn, and function differently from what has historically been considered “typical.” The idea is to work with those differences, rather than trying to fit everyone into the same box.

The book “Better Than Normal, How What Makes You Different Can Make You Exceptional”, puts forward the idea that “normal” or what we might call average, doesn’t represent the vast majority of us. What’s more, those differences can make us more interesting and multifaceted.

If people have personality traits in the extreme, with significant difficulties functioning, they can be considered to have a problematic syndrome or disorder. But many others who may fit the syndrome’s diagnostic criteria have a tendency: enough to be different, but not necessarily a problem.

Take obsessive-compulsive disorder as an example. In the extreme it can seriously impair the lives of people who are driven by their compulsions. For example they may need to perform certain behaviours repeatedly. However, the trait of perfectionism can be very helpful if harnessed to a job where detail detection is important: when every “i” must be dotted and every “t” crossed, or in bookkeeping where everything must balance to do the job properly. 

People with ADHD, on the other hand, tend to have minds that are easily distracted, and may run off in all sorts of different directions. These folk often lack follow-through on ideas they’ve come up with, usually because they are already onto the next thing! They work well as “ideas people”: getting satisfaction from, and being paid for doing what they do best.

People with ADHD traits, whom the author calls adventurous types, can have strong advantages in creativity. In a 2024 study, students with ADD outperformed their neurotypical peers in verbal creativity, especially in originality. And although they weren’t as good at some detailed work, they had no special difficulties in executive function.

Personalities are complex, and we all have many facets. For some people one facet looms large over the rest, while others have a more balanced mix. The “Better Than Normal” book has little quizzes at the back to help you identify your traits, and it’s a well-written easy read. Unfortunately the book is no longer in print, but second hand copies are available.

More people are seeking a diagnosis for neurodiverse symptoms these days. For children, this can enable them to get help at school so they have a better chance of success. For adults it can validate their strengths as well as help to recognize their differences.

This, and more awareness of neurodiversity in general, may be why we are seeing ADD and ADHD being diagnosed far more frequently now in adults. It is useful if this helps us reflect on how we use and enjoy our mind’s capabilities and understand ourselves better. Then we can make constructive use of that understanding, at work and at play. 

Increasing public information about ADD and ADHD is resulting in more people becoming interested in assessment of themselves or their children, which may result in increased prescription of medications for these conditions. But do note that drugs cannot be marketed until a condition has been defined, and then diagnosed.

Many adults have been coping well with their personality tendencies for a long time. For anyone who has lived successfully into adulthood with a neurodivergent trait, a medication may be more than they need. Many ADHD medications cause loss of appetite and interfere with sleep. And a recent study in the JAMA Psychiatry journal in 2024, which looked at long term use of these medications in people from 6 to 64 years old, showed a tendency to increased blood pressure. Given that it is free and easy to check blood pressure at a pharmacy, if you do take any ADHD medication, it is advisable to keep an eye on your blood pressure.

There are many natural treatments to support the nervous system and help people function better with ADHD, without raising blood pressure. Ask your naturopathic doctor or other health care provider. It makes sense to us to look at lifestyle factors first, support with natural treatment approaches second, and only use medication as a third-tier approach.