The Gifts of ADHD
Unwrapping the gifts of ADD/ADHD can be challenging but there are many examples of those who have done so. Being able to think quickly and instinctively, being highly creative, or having a determined nature can be advantageous qualities. Many successful adults now believe they wouldn’t have achieved so much without their ADHD. For greater insight into Dr Hallowell’s strength-based philosophy, take a look at our free PDF entitled “Their Beautiful Minds”. This powerful article discusses the strength-based approach against the backdrop of individuals such as the novelist John Irving who struggled in school but went on to great success.
Here are just a few more examples:
David Neeleman and ADHD – Can a person with ADHD become an award winning CEO of a successful airline? Just ask David Neeleman, founder and CEO of JetBlue Airways. Neeleman is quoted as saying, “If someone told me you could be normal or you could continue to have your ADD, I would take ADD”. This successful businessman refuses to take medication for his condition for fear that it may cause unwanted lasting affects. He attributes some of his success to his ADHD. Read more in this informative article.
Justin Timberlake and ADHD – Like many superstars, Justin Timberlake took the stage at an early age, seen both on Star Search and the Mickey Mouse Club. His career really launched in 2005 as part of the boy band, NSYNC, the 3rd most profitable boy band in history. He continued his post-boy-band career as a solo artist and later transitioned to acting, landing roles in several feature films. In 2013 he returned to the music scene.
In a 2008 interview, Timberlake shared that he had OCD and ADD.
Howie Mandell and ADHD – Howie Mandel always knew he had challenges in life. It wasn’t until later that he was able to understand it was ADHD. Howie Mandel also lives with OCD. Among famous people with ADHD, Howie is one of the more outspoken ones. He has talked publicly about his challenges.
In spite of these personal challenges, Howie Mandel has enjoyed a tremendous career as a comedian, actor, game show host, and writer spanning multiple decades. He’s been married for more than 30 years and is well loved by many.
Other Famous ADHD People: The Chelmsford ADD Support Group has compiled a list of people who have a diagnosis of ADHD, ASD, Dyslexia or another related condition. ADHD has been around and discussed since the 1970’s. Most of those still alive have been specifically diagnosed with the condition, the remainder and those who died prior to this date have been professionally diagnosed using diagnosis rules applied to their biographies. Some of the above listed websites provide links to websites which confirm their ADHD diagnosis or their biographies which fulfil the diagnosis rules.
Free access to Dr Hallowell’s “Their Beautiful Minds” eBook Discover the positive potential of ADHD and start building your remarkable life.
Superstar ADHD Parents
It can be challenging and isolating to parent an ADD/ADHD child. Let’s not forget that ADD/ADHD Parents are also stars. The path isn’t easy even if you are the parent of an Olympian.
ADHD Parenting Advice from Michael Phelps’ Mom – Learn how the mothers of three ADHD super-achievers — an Olympic record-breaker, a TV heavyweight, and a world-class adventurer — helped their kids beat the odds.