ADHD is a mental disorder affecting over 6.4 million children between the ages of 4 and 17, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. ADHD can have a negative effect on a persons work, schooling, or interpersonal relationships. Though it is typically diagnosed in childhood, there are many adults with ADHD. While it may have only been diagnosed later in life, most adults with ADHD have shown symptoms since childhood. Some think that ADHD is a child's disorder and that it is "grown out of". In fact, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, about 60 percent of children with ADHD carry the disorder into adulthood.
The signs and symptoms of ADHD vary from case to case, but typical adult ADHD symptoms are restlessness, forgetfulness, disorganization, and an inability to focus on the task at hand. Taken at face value, this may seem to make it difficult to find a career path. By playing to the strengths of those with ADHD, you may find the key to success.
Strength: Hands on work
Careers in hard working, do it yourself industries may be a viable option for some. Construction workers have a frequently changing and mentally stimulating job that requires physical energy and follows clear instructions. There is often little downtime, making distraction nearly nonexistent.
Strength: Independence
Dr. Kevin Ross Emery, author of “Managing the Gift: Alternative Approaches to Attention Deficit Disorder” says “When they’re in an area of passion, people with ADHD flourish.” Entrepreneurs are typically passionate, driven people. They require a great deal of organization, planning, focus, and commitment. They must be driven, and share that drive with potential clients and investors. This can be a form of behavioral therapy for someone with ADHD. The drive it takes to be an entrepreneur can fuel the fire of passion in someone with ADHD.
Strength: Creative Expression
Those daydreamers in the classroom might just be the next Van Gogh or Robin Williams. People with ADHD have drive and energy, and the will to express themselves. These exact traits are of great use in the entertainment industry or as an artist. Their high energy, mixed with the high demand of these industries, can propel them into a promising career.
Strength: Love Change
People with ADHD thrive in a consistently changing environment. A career as a public servant, such as a fire fighter, police officer, or paramedic, may be right for some. The tasks are constantly changing, and no two days are the same. THis leaves little room for boredom and getting off task.
Strength: Talking to Others
Talking is, in general, a natural skill for those with ADHD. This may make them suitable salesmen. Sales jobs are a great way to focus this natural energy in a positive way. If talking is a fundamental part of the job, Adults with ADHD may excel at it and find great success.
Strength: Physical Work
Believe it or not, some people with ADHD find great success in the armed forces. To think one with ADHD can excel in such a rigid and structured environment seems counter-intuitive. In some cases, Adults with ADHD thrive in a military environment. They have clear directions, are physically exercised, and have rewards based objectives to focus on.
Strength: Variety Seekers
Again, as people with ADHD tend to seek out new experiences and changing environments, some find success as mechanics. This thoroughly engages their minds, and keeps them focussed on figuring out the task at hand. This type of work is perfect for someone who feels stuck behind a desk, yet loves solving problems.
If you are hiring someone with ADHD, few minor considerations can make all the difference. People with ADHD work best with clear deadlines and expectations put into writing. This keeps them from being anxious or forgetful over what was expected of them, and gives them something definite to focus on. An employee with ADHD is likely to be eager to succeed, high energy, and naturally curious and willing to learn more. This makes for a great worker.
Jobs for people with ADHD are many in mumber.In general, People with ADHD tend to thrive in independent, changing, hands-on environments. Playing to your strengths rather than seeing your weaknesses can help you when deciding on a career path.
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Brian Wu graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physiology and Neurobiology. Currently, he holds a PhD and is an MD candidate (KSOM, USC) in integrative biology and disease. He is also an experienced writer and editor for many prestigious web pages. Brian values the ability of all ages to learn from the power of stories. His mission is to write about health conditions, educational topics and life situations in an entertaining way in order to help children understand their own life conditions and daily circumstances.