Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurological difference and is part of the umbrella term ‘neurodiversity’ (which represents the different ways in which a person’s brain processes information). It is estimated that 3-4% of the UK population have ADHD. Whilst this number reflects reported diagnoses, the true number is expected to be higher. This can be the result of individuals being undiagnosed, as well as some neurodivergent individuals withholding their diagnosis due to the fear of being stigmatised.
From the extensive work that Lexxic has done in the field of ADHD in the workplace, it is important to consider the multiple strengths and talents of individuals with ADHD, and to dismiss some of the myths that are attached to the neurological difference. More importantly, it is an opportunity to raise awareness around ADHD, and to highlight the strengths and talents that individuals with ADHD have, and in this case, the strengths and talents of leaders with ADHD in the workplace.
Some of the myths that have been attached to ADHD include:
Individuals with ADHD cannot focus
Fact: Many individuals with ADHD have the ability to hyperfocus, meaning they can focus intensely for long periods of time
ADHD only affects males
Fact: ADHD is presented differently in females compared to males. As the common male traits of ADHD are more well known, ADHD is more commonly diagnosed in males. However, there are similar rates of diagnosis across both genders
ADHD only impacts children
Fact: ADHD is a life-long development difference, and many individuals receive a diagnosis in adulthood
ADHD is not a real condition
Fact: ADHD is recognised as a medical condition and is identified as a medical disorder in the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders
Individuals with ADHD need to ‘try harder’ and ‘just focus more’
Fact: ADHD is not an issue with a lack of motivation or being ‘lazy’, the challenge with attention is due the different way the brain functions with individuals with ADHD
Whilst individuals with ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurological difference and is part of the umbrella term ‘neurodiversity’ (which represents the different ways in which a person’s brain processes information). It is estimated that 3-4% of the UK population have ADHD. Whilst this number reflects reported diagnoses, the true number is expected to be higher. This can be the result of individuals being undiagnosed, as well as some neurodivergent individuals withholding their diagnosis due to the fear of being stigmatised.
From the extensive work that Lexxic has done in the field of ADHD in the workplace, it is important to consider the multiple strengths and talents of individuals with ADHD, and to dismiss some of the myths that are attached to the neurological difference. More importantly, it is an opportunity to raise awareness around ADHD, and to highlight the strengths and talents that individuals with ADHD have, and in this case, the strengths and talents of leaders with ADHD in the workplace.
Some of the myths that have been attached to ADHD include:
Individuals with ADHD cannot focus
Fact: Many individuals with ADHD have the ability to hyperfocus, meaning they can focus intensely for long periods of time
ADHD only affects males
Fact: ADHD is presented differently in females compared to males. As the common male traits of ADHD are more well known, ADHD is more commonly diagnosed in males. However, there are similar rates of diagnosis across both genders
ADHD only impacts children
Fact: ADHD is a life-long development difference, and many individuals receive a diagnosis in adulthood
ADHD is not a real condition
Fact: ADHD is recognised as a medical condition and is identified as a medical disorder in the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders
Individuals with ADHD need to ‘try harder’ and ‘just focus more’
Fact: ADHD is not an issue with a lack of motivation or being ‘lazy’, the challenge with attention is due the different way the brain functions with individuals with ADHD
Whilst individuals with ADHD can experience challenges that may be present in school/education, at work, and in day-to-day activities, there are multiple strengths and talents that individuals with ADHD have. More specifically, Leaders who have ADHD also can display certain strengths that contribute to them being great leaders at work. For example, business leaders such as Walt Disney, the author and journalist, Katherine Ellison, and Ikea founder, Ingvar Kamprad, have all been diagnosed with ADHD and gone on to create successful businesses and careers.
