What are the most suitable career paths for individuals with ADHD. How can you leverage your unique strengths in the workplace. Which professions offer the ideal environment for ADHD minds to thrive.

Exploring the World of Teaching and Childcare for ADHD Professionals

Many adults with ADHD find fulfillment in careers that allow them to work directly with children. These professions often align well with the dynamic personalities and creative thinking styles characteristic of individuals with ADHD.

The Appeal of Teaching for ADHD Minds

Teaching offers a unique blend of challenges and rewards that can be particularly well-suited to those with ADHD. Why is this career path so appealing?

• Dynamic work environment with constant variety
• Opportunities for creative problem-solving
• Ability to connect with and understand students who may also have ADHD
• Fast-paced nature that requires quick thinking and adaptability

While teaching can test one’s patience, it also provides an outlet for the boundless energy and innovative thinking often associated with ADHD. The ability to transition quickly between tasks and think on your feet is highly valued in this profession.

Thriving in Childcare Roles

Daycare and preschool settings can be ideal for adults with ADHD who enjoy working with younger children. How does this environment cater to ADHD strengths?

• Frequent shifts in activities keep boredom at bay
• Creative projects allow for expression of imaginative ideas
• Energetic atmosphere matches the high energy levels of many with ADHD
• Less rigid structure compared to traditional classroom settings

One ADDitude reader, Lori, shared her experience: “I love working with toddlers and preschoolers — they understand me! We jump from one project to the next and they rarely know when I’m off task.” This sentiment highlights how the natural tendencies of those with ADHD can be an asset in early childhood education.

Embracing the Fast-Paced World of Journalism and Media

The field of journalism offers an exciting and varied career path that can be particularly well-suited to individuals with ADHD. The dynamic nature of news reporting aligns well with the strengths often found in those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Why Journalism Clicks for ADHD Professionals

What makes journalism such an attractive career option for people with ADHD?

• Constantly changing work environments
• Variety of topics and subjects to cover
• Interactions with diverse groups of people
• Short-term project focus with quick turnarounds
• High-energy atmosphere that matches ADHD tendencies

The nature of journalism often requires professionals to juggle multiple tasks, adapt quickly to new situations, and maintain a high level of energy throughout the day. These demands can play to the strengths of individuals with ADHD, who often thrive in environments that require multitasking and quick thinking.

The Role of Copy Editing for ADHD Minds

Within the broader field of journalism, copy editing presents a unique opportunity for those with ADHD. How does this specific role cater to ADHD strengths?

• Fast-paced work with constant activity
• Short, focused tasks with clear deadlines
• Opportunity to hyperfocus on detail-oriented work
• Variety of content to keep the mind engaged

An ADDitude reader named Patti shared her experience: “My best job was in a busy newsroom as a copy editor. There was constant activity and fast deadlines. If I had 15 things to focus on at once, I was golden!” This testimony highlights how the inherent characteristics of ADHD can be channeled positively in a high-pressure editorial environment.

Culinary Arts: A Creative Haven for ADHD Professionals

The culinary world offers a unique blend of creativity, structure, and sensory engagement that can be particularly appealing to individuals with ADHD. From professional kitchens to culinary entrepreneurship, this field presents numerous opportunities for ADHD minds to thrive.

The Appeal of Professional Cooking for ADHD Individuals

Why do many adults with ADHD find success and satisfaction in culinary careers?

• Immediate feedback and tangible results from cooking
• Opportunity for creative expression through food
• Fast-paced environment that keeps the mind engaged
• Sensory-rich experiences that cater to ADHD tendencies
• Structured processes combined with room for improvisation

Alexis Hernández, a chef contestant on The Next Food Network Star, shared his perspective: “I left corporate America to join culinary school because that was my passion. ADHD people aren’t mentally [inferior to] anyone else. They are extremely creative. If you are able to manage it, understand what your strengths are, and not feel bad about your symptoms, it’s not something horrible.”

Thriving in Various Food Industry Roles

Beyond professional cooking, the food industry offers a range of roles that can be well-suited to individuals with ADHD. How do these positions align with ADHD strengths?

• Focus on immediate tasks and short-term goals
• Flexible or unconventional work hours
• Opportunities for physical movement and hands-on work
• Varied responsibilities that prevent monotony

Whether working as a line cook, pastry chef, or food stylist, the culinary arts provide an outlet for creativity while minimizing the impact of typical ADHD-related challenges. The ebb and flow of kitchen work, with its periods of intense focus followed by lulls, can naturally accommodate the varying attention levels characteristic of ADHD.

Beauty and Personal Care: Ideal Careers for ADHD Creativity

The beauty industry offers a range of career opportunities that can be particularly well-suited to individuals with ADHD. From hairstyling to esthetics, these professions allow for creative expression, social interaction, and a dynamic work environment.

The Appeal of Cosmetology for ADHD Professionals

Why do many adults with ADHD find success and satisfaction in beauty-related careers?

• Constant influx of new clients and unique creative challenges
• Short-term focus required for each client interaction
• Physical activity and movement throughout the day
• Opportunity for social engagement and relationship building
• Variety of tasks and techniques to master

Beauticians, estheticians, and cosmetologists often thrive in environments that require quick transitions between tasks and clients. This fast-paced setting can help maintain focus and engagement, playing to the strengths of many individuals with ADHD.

Hairstyling: A Perfect Fit for ADHD Minds

Among beauty professions, hairstyling stands out as a particularly good match for those with ADHD. How does this career align with ADHD tendencies?

• New creative challenges with each client
• Short appointment times prevent boredom
• Hands-on work engages multiple senses
• Opportunity for building a loyal client base

Robin, an ADDitude reader, shared her experience as a hairstylist: “Being a hairstylist is the best job for this ADHD mama. I get a new client every 45 minutes and each person is so different! I can work 10-12 hours and feel like I haven’t worked more than 3.” This testimony highlights how the varied nature of hairstyling can keep ADHD minds engaged and energized throughout long work days.

Entrepreneurship: Harnessing ADHD Energy for Business Success

For many individuals with ADHD, the world of entrepreneurship offers an enticing blend of freedom, creativity, and challenge. Starting and running a small business can provide the perfect outlet for the unique strengths associated with ADHD.

The Appeal of Small Business Ownership

Why does entrepreneurship often resonate with ADHD individuals?

• Flexibility in work hours and environment
• Opportunity to focus on personal passions
• Varied daily tasks that prevent boredom
• Ability to create systems that work with ADHD tendencies
• Direct correlation between effort and results

As a small business owner, individuals with ADHD can create work environments that play to their strengths while minimizing potential challenges. The ability to set one’s own schedule and priorities can be particularly beneficial in managing ADHD symptoms.

Leveraging ADHD Traits in Entrepreneurship

How can the characteristics often associated with ADHD become assets in the business world?

• Creativity and innovative thinking for problem-solving
• High energy levels for tackling diverse tasks
• Ability to hyperfocus on projects of interest
• Adaptability and quick thinking in changing situations

One entrepreneur with ADHD shared: “I got the feedback in my old jobs that I was good at starting things but not at finishing projects. Being an entrepreneur allows me to focus on the big picture and delegate the details to others who are better suited for those tasks.” This insight highlights how self-employment can allow individuals to structure their work in ways that complement their ADHD tendencies.

Technology and IT: Channeling ADHD Focus into Digital Innovation

The fast-paced, ever-evolving world of technology and IT can provide an ideal career environment for many individuals with ADHD. The constant challenges and opportunities for creativity in this field often align well with the strengths of ADHD minds.

Why Tech Careers Appeal to ADHD Professionals

What makes the technology sector so attractive to those with ADHD?

• Constant learning and skill development
• Problem-solving opportunities that engage hyperfocus
• Project-based work with clear goals and deadlines
• Flexibility in work environments, including remote options
• Opportunities for innovation and creative thinking

Many ADHD individuals find that the dynamic nature of tech work keeps them engaged and motivated. The ability to dive deep into coding challenges or troubleshooting complex systems can provide a satisfying outlet for the intense focus often associated with ADHD.

Specific Tech Roles Suited to ADHD Strengths

Which technology careers might be particularly well-suited to those with ADHD?

• Software Development: Allows for creative problem-solving and project-based work
• UX/UI Design: Combines creativity with user-focused thinking
• IT Support: Offers varied challenges and opportunities for troubleshooting
• Data Analysis: Provides opportunities for pattern recognition and deep focus

A software developer with ADHD shared: “Coding allows me to get into a flow state where time disappears. The constant puzzles to solve keep my mind engaged, and the satisfaction of creating something tangible is incredibly rewarding.” This experience highlights how the nature of tech work can align with the cognitive patterns often seen in ADHD.

Creative Arts and Design: Unleashing ADHD Imagination

The world of creative arts and design offers a natural home for many individuals with ADHD. These fields provide ample opportunities to harness the innovative thinking and unique perspectives often associated with ADHD.

The Appeal of Creative Careers for ADHD Minds

Why do many people with ADHD gravitate towards artistic and design-oriented professions?

• Freedom to express unique ideas and perspectives
• Variety in projects and challenges
• Opportunities for hands-on, tactile work
• Ability to work in bursts of intense focus
• Less rigid structure compared to traditional office environments

Creative fields often allow for a more fluid approach to work, which can be beneficial for those who struggle with the constraints of more structured environments. The ability to channel ADHD-related traits like divergent thinking and heightened creativity into productive outlets can lead to exceptional results.

Specific Creative Roles Well-Suited to ADHD

Which creative careers might be particularly good fits for individuals with ADHD?

• Graphic Design: Combines visual creativity with project-based work
• Photography: Allows for capturing unique perspectives and working in varied environments
• Interior Design: Offers a blend of creativity and problem-solving
• Art Therapy: Utilizes creative skills to help others, providing a sense of purpose
• Music Production: Engages multiple senses and allows for intense focus on details

An ADHD artist shared: “My art allows me to express the constant flow of ideas in my mind. I can work for hours when inspiration strikes, and the variety of projects keeps me from getting bored.” This sentiment reflects how creative professions can provide an ideal outlet for the unique thought processes associated with ADHD.

In conclusion, individuals with ADHD have a wide array of career options that can leverage their unique strengths and perspectives. From teaching and journalism to culinary arts, entrepreneurship, technology, and creative fields, there are numerous paths where ADHD traits can be valuable assets. The key is to find a career that aligns with personal interests, provides the right level of stimulation, and allows for the flexibility to manage ADHD symptoms effectively. By choosing a profession that embraces their natural tendencies, individuals with ADHD can not only succeed but truly thrive in their chosen fields.

16 Good Jobs for People with ADHD

Modified road signs on job search
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Good Jobs for People with ADHD

While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all career that works for every adult with ADHD (wouldn’t that be nice?), there are certain professions that utilize and celebrate attention deficit disorder (ADHD or ADD) strengths more than others. The following jobs for people with ADHD help many reach their full potential by putting their natural skills to work.

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ADHD Job #1: Teacher

Many adults with ADHD find joy in professions that allow them to work directly with children — in careers such as teaching or child care. These jobs rely on your dynamic personality and thoughtful creativity, though they may put your patience to the test. To succeed in a kid-focused career, you must be able to think on your feet and transition from task-to-task quickly — and understanding the challenges and strengths of students with ADHD is a huge plus, too.

[How Can I Find an ADHD-Friendly Career?]

An adult with ADHD explains why she loved working as a daycare preschool teacher who makes creative projects with kids.
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ADHD Job #2: Daycare Worker

“I love working with toddlers and preschoolers — they understand me! We jump from one project to the next and they rarely know when I’m off task.”
– Lori, an ADDitude reader

Adults with ADHD working as journalists who thrive on daily changes and short deadlines.
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ADHD Job #3: Journalist

A career in journalism is exciting, creative, and rewarding for dedicated reporters and writers who deal well with day-to-day changes in work setting. Most journalists cover a broad range of topics, interact with a variety of people, and deliver a quick turnaround on assignments — all a good fit for a person with loads of energy, a short attention span, low boredom threshold, and problems with sustained focus over days. Hard deadlines, however, may be a challenge.

An adult with ADHD typing on her computer as a copyeditor for a news organization.
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ADHD Job #4: Copy Editor

“My best job was in a busy newsroom as a copy editor. There was constant activity and fast deadlines. If I had 15 things to focus on at once, I was golden!”
— Patti, an ADDitude reader

[Free Download: 8 Dream Jobs for Adults with ADHD]

Chef Alexis Hernández prepares a dish while explaining why culinary school is ideal for creative adults with ADHD.
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ADHD Job #5: Chef

“I left corporate America to join culinary school because that was my passion. ADHD people aren’t mentally [inferior to] anyone else. They are extremely creative. If you are able to manage it, understand what your strengths are, and not feel bad about your symptoms, it’s not something horrible.“
— Alexis Hernández, chef contestant on The Next Food Network Star

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ADHD Job #6: Food Industry Worker

Some adults with ADHD flourish in the culinary arts because the work is creative and relatively unaffected by ADHD-related deficits. Cooking requires you to focus on the task at hand and take immediate steps to create a finished product, while not demanding long-range planning or lots of working memory. Unusual or flexible hours, with sporadic ebb-and-flow pacing, add just the right touch of excitement to promote focus and attention.

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ADHD Job #7: Beautician

Estheticians, manicurists, and cosmetologists are constantly meeting with new clients — each one providing a unique creative challenge requiring only short-term focus. These professionals remain on their feet all day and jump from task to task quickly, an ideal working situation for an adult with hyperactive-type ADHD. Plus, the constant influx of customers provides ample social interactions and quick task turnover, leaving little opportunity for boredom.

A woman with ADHD working as a hairdresser explains why that is the best, most interesting career for her.
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ADHD Job #8: Hairstylist

“Being a hairstylist is the best job for this ADHD mama. I get a new client every 45 minutes and each person is so different! I can work 10-12 hours and feel like I haven’t worked more than 3.”
— Robin, an ADDitude reader

A small business owner with ADHD places a Open sign in her shop window.
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ADHD Job #9: Small Business Owner

Starting a small business suits the strengths of ADHD. The hours are more flexible (though often more plentiful, too) and as an entrepreneur you are your own boss. Work settings can vary from day to day, which accommodates the restlessness and boredom that many adults with ADHD experience. Plus, you get to focus on your true passion: making your career and life more meaningful.

A man with ADHD working at home explains why working for himself is the best job.
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ADHD Job #10: Entrepreneur

“I got the feedback in my old jobs that I was good at starting things but not at finishing projects. Being a self-employed grant writer is a way around that, because there are defined projects with a defined life to them. “
— Daniel G., an ADDitude reader

[Free Download: 6 Ways to Retain Focus (When Your Brain Says ‘No!’)]

EMTs, police officers, and firefighters must work well under pressure and be able to make split-second decisions. These jobs allow you to work in a variety of settings, while providing the kind of adrenaline-pumping excitement that helps many ADHDers focus their minds. When others start to panic in chaos, the ADHD brain kicks into high […]
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ADHD Job #11: Emergency First-Responders

EMTs, police officers, and firefighters must work well under pressure and make split-second decisions. These jobs allow you to work in a variety of settings, while providing the kind of adrenaline-pumping excitement that helps many individuals with ADHD focus their minds. When others start to panic in chaos, the ADHD brain kicks into high gear allowing you to see problems clearly and complete the task at hand.

Nurse treating ADHD girl teen
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ADHD Job #12: Nurse

“I’m a nurse in surgery, which is good for my ADHD because it rolls with my fleeting attention, but has enough structure to keep me focused. ”
– Rebecca, an ADDitude reader

A computer technician with ADHD works on an enterprise level server.
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ADHD Job #13: High-Tech Field

An ADHD brain is a perfect match for high-tech jobs such as in IT because an under-stimulated frontal lobe gets jump-started by always-changing technology. Computer technicians rove throughout a company working with others to solve computer problems, while software developers generally work independently — creating and troubleshooting computer code for programs, websites, or apps. Both jobs provide ample opportunity to problem solve and harness that ADHD hyperfocus on small details.

A software developer with ADHD works at his computer on stimulating tasks that captivate this attention for a few weeks at a time.
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ADHD Job #14: Software Developer

“Most software tasks only take a few weeks which helps prevent monotony. As a software developer, the problems I deal with are diverse, interesting, and require constant hands on thinking — great for keeping the ADHD mind on track. ”
– Adam, an ADDitude reader

Woman painting
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ADHD Job #15: Artist

It’s no secret that individuals with ADHD explode with creativity, so it’s no surprise that they generally succeed when surrounded by other artists. Working in a fast-paced, artistic environment is ideal for anyone who thrives in creative chaos. Whether it’s as a TV producer, choreographer, painter, or concert pianist, adults with ADHD are happiest when their work allows them to express their artistic abilities.

A theatrical stage manager with ADHD works with actors and explains why he loves his job in the arts.
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ADHD Job #16: Theatrical Stage Manager

“As a stage manager, it’s up to me to facilitate every part of a production: from meetings and rehearsals to performances. It gives me plenty to focus on and no two days are the same. Plus, it helps that theater people are some of the kindest, kookiest people on the planet. I fit right in!”
– Jessi, an ADDitude reader

[ADHD Directory: Find an ADHD Specialist or Clinic Near You]

Emotions, Relationships, Symptoms and More

photo by Annie Spratt
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Terror.

Relief. Anger. Resentment. Confusion. Resolve.

The range of emotions following a mid-life attention deficit disorder (ADHD or ADD) diagnosis are nothing short of dizzying. The realization that you aren’t somehow character-deficient, morally wrong, or lazy is balanced by the sheer rage at being called those things wrongfully your whole life.

Whatever your dominant post-diagnosis emotions, the best antidote is knowledge. To move forward, you must get all the information about your condition that you can. But where to go and who to trust? To help answer that we’ve compiled this must-read list of reader-recommended books for every newly diagnosed woman with ADHD. Use these to help you feel more informed, more confident, and more in control — maybe a little less alone, too.

Women with Attention Deficit Disorder is a great book for people who have been recently diagnosed with ADHD
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“Women with Attention Deficit Disorder”

Women with Attention Deficit Disorder: Embrace Your Differences and Transform Your Life (#CommissionsEarned)
by Sari Solden
$9. 99, Kindle
BUY NOW (#CommissionsEarned)

Written by a psychotherapist, this book explains how millions of girls and women go undiagnosed because they look withdrawn, inattentive, and overwhelmed instead of hyperactive. It discusses treatment, uses real-life case histories that draw vivid parallels to your own experiences, and examines the real-world consequences faced by women with ADHD, like not meeting societal expectations — and “depression, disorganization, anxiety, and underachievement.” There’s also a brand-new chapter on friendship challenges, which many women with ADHD know all too well but rarely discuss.

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“You Mean I’m Not Lazy, Stupid or Crazy?!”

You Mean I’m Not Lazy, Stupid or Crazy?!: The Classic Self-Help Book for Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder (#CommissionsEarned)
by Kate Kelly and Peggy Ramundo
$15.64 paperback
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This book has sold more than a quarter of a million copies — with good reason. It’s one of the most popular guides to ADHD. It was the first book on ADHD written specifically for adults. And it deals with unique adult experiences, offers moral support, and explains practical how-tos.

The new edition also deals with new medications, ADHD and sexuality, and the differences between male and female ADD. Like previous editions, it still offers advice on how to get along with friends and family, how to minimize stress and discord, how to get organized and improve memory, and more. Of this book, our readers said, “It was nice to have an outlook on myself and my wiring that wasn’t so negative.” Another added, “Sooooo validating. It was the first one I read and just the title helped me.”

[Self-Test: ADHD Symptoms in Women and Girls]

queen of distraction adhd book
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“The Queen of Distraction”

The Queen of Distraction: How Women with ADHD Can Conquer Chaos, Find Focus, and Get It All Done (#CommissionsEarned)
by Terry Matlen
$9. 99, Kindle
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Written by a psychologist, this book delves into the practical aspects of being a woman living with ADHD. It’s meant to help women achieve “focus and balance” in all their areas of life, including “home, work, and relationships,” with practical tips on meal-planning, relationships, parenting, hormones, and more. The book aims to help you thrive, not just survive, with your ADHD.

Our readers say that, “I love this book because it’s written by an adult woman with ADHD, and… that is not an easy book to come by.” It’s also got an introduction by well-known and respected psychologist Sari Solden.

Organizing solutions for people with adhd
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“Organizing Solutions for People with Attention Deficit Disorder”

Organizing Solutions for People With Attention Deficit Disorder: Tips and Tools to Help You Take Charge of Your Life and Get Organized (#CommissionsEarned)
by Susan Pinsky
$13.59, paperback
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If you’re a woman with ADHD, chances are you lose your keys, eyeglasses, and/or phone on a daily basis — and that really stresses you out. This book, written by ADDitude organization expert Susan Pinsky, offers concrete ways to get yourself on track. Written in an ADHD-friendly manner with colorful graphics, sidebars, testimonials from people with ADHD, it offers tips in several areas of life: work, home, kids, and you.

All the tips, from how to organize your kids’ closets to how to pay your bills on time, are the type of concrete, actionable ideas you need to take control of your life. It also helps with things like task completion and pack-rat tendencies.

add friendly ways to organize your life
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“ADD-Friendly Ways to Organize Your Life”

ADD-Friendly Ways to Organize Your Life: Strategies that Work from an Acclaimed Professional Organizer and a Renowned ADD Clinician (#CommissionsEarned)
by Judith Kolberg and Kathleen G. Nadeau, Ph.D
$16.96, paperback
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This updated edition from professional organizer Kolberg and ADHD clinical psychologist Nadeau is a classic collaboration that offers some of the best — and most sustainable — organization solutions for adults with ADHD. There’s a lot of content here about digital distractions, organizing finances, and “coping with the ‘black hole’ of the Internet.” It offers several layers of intervention and treatment ideas, from things you can do yourself to areas in which you may need professional help.

adhd effect on marriage book
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“The ADHD Effect on Marriage”

The ADHD Effect on Marriage: Understand and Rebuild Your Relationship in Six Steps (#CommissionsEarned)
by Melissa Orlov
$16.95 paperback
BUY NOW (#CommissionsEarned)

If you’re in a committed relationship — or even hope to find one at some point in the future — this book is a must-read. It examines the fault lines and fissures ADHD can cause in a relationship, which traditional marriage counseling can ignore, plus ways in which to work around them. The author illustrates problems like “nagging, intimacy problems, sudden anger, and memory issues” through the use of real-life couples and their solutions. It encourages both the partner with ADHD and the neurotypical partner to have equal stakes in the reconciliation of the relationship, discusses how to have hard conversations, and more.

[Free Webinar Replay: The Happiness Project for Women with ADHD]

Taking Charge of Adult ADHD is a great book for people who have been recently diagnosed with ADHD
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“Taking Charge of Adult ADHD”

Taking Charge of Adult ADHD (#CommissionsEarned)
By Russell A. Barkley. Ph.D.
$12.30 paperback
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This book contains “step-by-step strategies for managing symptoms and reducing their harmful impact.” It includes assessment tools and skills-building exercises, and sections that address frequently asked questions and give frank answers about medications and other treatments. Moreover, Barkley offers specific how-tos to help in different areas of life, from work, finances, relationships, and more. One reader advises, “I’ve got both the ebook and audio-book of Taking Charge of Adult ADHD… I find this helps me pay CLOSE attention whilst reading it, and shut out distractions!”

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“The Disorganized Mind”

The Disorganized Mind: Coaching Your ADHD Brain to Take Control of Your Time, Tasks, and Talents (#CommissionsEarned)
by Nancy A. Ratey, Ed.M., M.C.C., S.C.A.C.
$15.12, paperback
BUY NOW (#CommissionsEarned)

Tackling disorganization from a psychological perspective, this book aims to help you change your brain patterns and your habits. The author is a professional ADHD coach; she teaches people how to imagine that things can be different, how to make choices, and how to put those choices into action to make change. She uses strategies that have worked for her clients to help you get on track, get organized, and move past your challenges into a new life without the same disorder and turmoil you’ve become used to.

The Mindfulness Prescription for Adult ADHD is a great book for people who have been recently diagnosed with ADHD
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“The Mindfulness Prescription for Adult ADHD”

The Mindfulness Prescription for Adult ADHD: An 8-Step Program for Strengthening Attention, Managing Emotions, and Achieving Your Goals (#CommissionsEarned)
by Lidia Zylowska
$16.10
BUY NOW (#CommissionsEarned)

A physician-researcher, the author has created an 8-step process for using mindfulness, or “attention and awareness training,” to overcome the distractibility, the disorganization, the strong emotions, and the self-doubt caused by ADHD. It includes practices such as “sitting meditation, body awareness, thoughtful speaking and listening, development of self-acceptance, mindful self-coaching, cultivation of a balanced view of thoughts and emotions, and more.” It also discusses how this approach can combine with more traditional therapies, such as medication, for maximal success. Readers say this book has been “super helpful,” and many of them use mindfulness to help them regulate their ADHD in other ways.

power of different book
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“The Power of Different”

The Power of Different: The Link Between Disorder and Genius (#CommissionsEarned)
by Gail Saltz, MD
$14.44 paperback
BUY NOW (#CommissionsEarned)

Many books focus on neurological difference as a detriment. The Power of Different presupposes, instead, that being non-neurotypical can be associated with great talent. These brain differences include “learning disabilities, ADD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and autism. ”

But author Saltz doesn’t just stick to the Edisons and Einsteins; she uses examples of everyday people who have “leaned in” to their brain differences and flourished not in spite of them, but because of them. She also offers advice on how you, too, can harness your special ADHD powers for good and how your unique brain can be a source of strength rather than a focus point of weakness.

[“That Explains Everything!” Discovering My ADHD in Adulthood]

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As an Amazon Associate, ADDitude earns a commission from qualifying purchases made by ADDitude readers on the affiliate links we share. However, all products linked in the ADDitude Store have been independently selected by our editors and/or recommended by our readers. Prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication.

Occupations for ADHD

Author: Irina Medvedeva | Published: 03/09/2017

Hyperactive children, like all their peers, often dream of some kind of profession. But not all professions are suitable for ADHD. In every family where a hyperactive child grows up, parents worry about the future of their baby. And the older he gets, the more difficulties appear in learning and interacting with others.

The anxiety of adults also increases: “Really, how can an impulsive and inconsistent person realize himself in life? What profession needs inattentive and undisciplined employees who cannot focus on work, patiently achieve their goals and listen to the comments of management?

I also suffered from this issue until I studied it in more detail. And I want to tell you: ADHD is not an obstacle to a happy and fruitful life. Just follow the plan and don’t hesitate.

What is the real situation with the choice of profession among ADHD people?

Weaknesses of people with ADHD

At first glance it may seem that such children consist entirely of only disadvantages.

1. The first and most obvious is the inability to concentrate. Inattention creates a huge number of problems and greatly interferes with studies (and – of course – in work).
2. Their movements cannot be called dexterous. They are clumsy and often inept not only in fine work, but also in ordinary household chores. Everyone hurts, drops. If something is folded, it is uneven.
3. Accuracy is also not their forte. They consider the desktop to be tidied up if there is still free space for a notebook on it. But this rarely happens. As a result, nothing can be found.
4. Forgetfulness contributes to the mess in things. But you definitely won’t surprise them with a bad memory. Forgetfulness is a habitual state for them.
5. Separately, it must be said about impulsivity. The slightest failure can cause a flurry of emotions in such a person. He will not be delicate and select words – he will chop from his shoulder. And who will fall under his hot hand (friend, work colleague, client or boss) is no longer his business.
6. In turn, forgetfulness, impulsiveness and inattention entail frequent shifting of attention. I didn’t have time to get carried away with chess, as I already changed my mind. Or just “fired up” with basketball, as soon as it “burned out”. He asked his parents to get a cat, and having become the happy owner of a cute kitten, he begs to buy him a dog.

Benefits for people with ADHD

Believe me, there are more than you think.

1. Firstly, such children are very good-natured. Due to their impulsiveness, they can flare up, but quickly cool down. They never plot evil, do not keep a “stone in their bosom.” They are open and trusting and expect the same attitude from others.
2. Secondly, their frequent switching from one task to another is a medal with two sides, and it can be turned into dignity. There are a number of professions where you need to be easy-going, mobile and able to quickly respond to circumstances. And in this, our ADHDs have no equal.
3. Thirdly, attention deficit is not as bad as it is painted. More precisely, in hyperactive children, only arbitrary concentration of attention is difficult. That is, they cannot force themselves to concentrate. But they have an amazing quality that everyone notes. This is the ability to hyper-concentrate (in fact, they are all “hyper”). If such a child is interested in something, passionate, he can show remarkable perseverance and perseverance even when his other peers get tired and “blown away”.
4. Hyperactive children are very sociable and are often able to charm the interlocutor with their spontaneity. If they are helped to learn the rules of interaction with people, they can become excellent communicators.
5. By the way, ADHD does not affect intelligence. This means that if the baby does not have diseases that entail developmental disorders, then he can get an excellent education and become a successful (and possibly outstanding) specialist.
6. More than others, hyperactive children are characterized by non-standard creative thinking. There are many famous people who suffered from ADHD: Leonardo da Vinci, Mozart, Byron, Newton, Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, Picasso, Oscar Wilde, Jules Verne… The list goes on. And, perhaps, in the future, the name of your child will also join it.

Choosing a Career

People with ADHD do well in sales, the creative professions, and the entertainment business. They can be good advertising or insurance agents, realtors, couriers, as well as organizers and animators.

There are many jobs for ADHD. But, no matter how much we talk about the properties of hyperactive children, they, like every person, have an individuality.

It is important for any person to take into account these individual character traits, mentality and natural abilities, and in relation to children with ADHD this is an obligatory and immutable rule. It is important that the child enjoys the activity. Otherwise, it will be difficult for him to concentrate on her (remember the peculiarities of their attention).

I know a child who reacts negatively to any attempt by adults to “teach”, “educate”. He does not show the slightest interest in getting an education, but slowly (so that his parents do not find out) he finds sites on the Internet where you can learn programming. And he’s already made good progress.

My daughter’s friend has been writing poetry since kindergarten. Good verses! Although the parents consider this occupation unpromising and prepare the girl for a technical university.

There are countless examples of this. Often our parental opinion does not coincide with the opinion of the child himself (everything was decided and planned for him, only his opinion was not asked). But – let’s be honest – by acting in this way, whom do we hope to make happy and whose pride we flatter?

If our decisions cause a burning protest and violent resistance of the child, maybe we should not suppress his personality? After all, if you go against his nature, neuroses and other mental problems cannot be avoided. Of course, we only wish him well, but perhaps we just didn’t take something into account? There is another way: to make friends, gain trust and take a closer look. It’s not our exact copy. Before us is a separate, autonomous person.

So, meet your child

With the help of these tests you will be able to summarize and analyze information about your child, his abilities and interests: Occupation test, Occupation motivation test

1. the same field of work).
2. Discuss them with your child. Maybe he wants to know more about some of them. Help him with this (information can be found on the Internet or ask friends who work in this field). It is important to choose what the child likes, is approved by the parents, is in demand in the labor market and presents good career and pay prospects. Decided?
3. Next step: find out which educational institutions train specialists of this profile. Are there any in your locality and what school disciplines will the child need for admission and study?
4. It may well be that the existing knowledge and skills are not enough. Do not despair. Forewarned is forearmed! You still have time. Find the appropriate circles, sections or organize individual lessons.

Now you have a plan of action. Do not waste your time on trifles, go straight to the goal! And, most importantly, do not let the child “cool down”, keep him interested in the chosen business. He needs positive emotions and your support.

Together you will succeed!

If you have friends who are also raising hyperactive children, share this information with them on social networks. Perhaps it will be useful to them.

Best Jobs for People with ADHD – Drink-Drink

07/14/2022 DrinkDrinkAdmin

Content

• 1. Passion
• 2. High Intensity

900 17 3. Ultrastructured

• 4. Lightning pace
• 5. Practical creativity
• 6. Independent risk
• Disability rights
• Conclusion

Overview

Most of us know what Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) looks like in children – fussiness, hyperactivity, problems with organization and lack of attention.

According to the American Anxiety and Depression Association, about 60 percent of children continue to have symptoms of ADHD into adulthood. That’s 4.4 percent of the adult population, or about 8 million adults.

Adult ADHD looks a little different. This can manifest as restlessness, disorganization, and trouble concentrating. ADHD can also have some unique strengths.

Choosing a career that builds on these strengths and is not heavily influenced by weaknesses may be the key to professional success for adults with ADHD. This, along with the successful treatment of ADHD.

Certain work skills may complement the strengths of some adults with ADHD:

1. Passionate
2. High intensity
3. Ultrastructured
4. Lightning pace
5. Practical creativity
6. Independent risk

Finding a job that is highly valued one of these qualities, or a combination of them, may be exactly what will lead you to career you love. Check out these jobs that may be suitable.

1. Passion

Jobs: social worker, fitness coach, clergy, psychologist, special education educator, writer, physician, registered nurse, veterinarian.

Particularly passionate work provides natural motivation and focus. It really can be any area that you have a deep and ongoing interest in. The sky is the limit.

Sarah Dhuge lives with ADHD and works as a speech therapist for children. “I have a lot of families whose children are newly diagnosed with autism, ADHD and communication delay/disorder.

“I am successful at what I do because I love it,” says Dhuge. “I know what it’s like to have ADHD and I talk with my families about my issues and struggles.”

Social worker Rosetta DeLoof-Primmer also uses her inner knowledge of what it means to have ADHD to help her clients. “It is very important to have a passion for what I do. Without this drive and desire, it would be hard for me, ”she says.

2.

High Intensity

Job: Detective, Police Officer, Critical Care Nurse, Correctional Officer, Emergency Dispatcher, Athletic Trainer, Firefighter.

Because many people with ADHD are motivated by intensity, working with an inherent sense of urgency is often appropriate for people with ADHD. A career in which life is at stake provides the ultimate sense of urgency.

“People with ADHD tend to perform well in high-intensity, fast-paced environments, such as the emergency room or ambulance,” says Dr. Stephanie Sarkis, clinical psychotherapist and assistant professor at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton.

“My husband has ADHD. He is a traumatologist and excels in his field. He’s absolutely brilliant at it, to the point where he’s so focused that nothing else exists. Its success must be due to the pace – it’s frenetic, non-stop action!”

April Race, ADHD Nurse, says: “There is nothing more exciting than helping a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. This job works for me because I only have one patient at a time, I love what I do and it’s often an added adrenaline rush.”

3. Ultrastructured

Positions: military, project manager, data analyst, lawyer, software tester, accountant, claims adjuster, bank teller, factory assembly line worker.

Some adults with ADHD do best with highly structured work. A structured job is a job that has a defined workflow, routine, and well-defined tasks. There’s not much of a gray area and no questions about expectations.

According to CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), time management can be one of the most challenging aspects of employment for adults with ADHD.

Working with built-in structure and routine can help turn this challenge into career success. “Employees with ADHD often thrive in an environment where they have clear instructions and directives,” says Sarkis.

An ADHD adult named Ms. Jones says, “I work for a healthcare software company on the education team. I publish online learning materials and troubleshoot e-learning issues for our clients.

“It’s a lot of strictly following checklists and repeating technical procedures over and over again. I can’t function without structure and routine, and that’s what makes me successful.”

4. Lightning pace

Jobs: Emergency Nurse, Trauma/Surgeon, Ambulance, Fireman, School Teacher, Dental Assistant, Salesman.

One of the signs of ADHD is that thoughts are constant and change rapidly. The use of this attribute can signify success at work. Many adults with ADHD report that they enjoy constant change and thrive in an environment where they have to quickly analyze and adapt.

“Working in preschools and kindergartens suits me,” says educator Stephanie Wells. “This environment allows me to be creative and move all the time!”

Even certain retail jobs can fit the bill. “I worked in a large bookstore for many years in various positions, and I liked it,” says Kristi Hazeltine-Sirek. “I went through the door and threw myself on the ground. It’s an extremely fast-paced job that allows for creativity, and it’s boring.”

5. Practical creativity

Job: Musician, painter, dancer, entertainer, inventor, fashion designer, mechanic, graphic designer, interior decorator, architect.

Some people with ADHD are ideal for manual work that requires creativity. These types of jobs often combine creativity and problem solving, areas in which people with ADHD often excel.

Research supports the idea that people with ADHD are more likely to achieve higher levels of creative thinking and achievement. These running thoughts and ideas can often translate beautifully into creative thinking and results.

6. Independent risk

Occupation: stockbroker, professional athlete, entrepreneur, commercial diver, construction worker, software developer, race car driver, aircraft pilot.

The willingness to take risks and think innovatively are two skills that some people with ADHD have. These qualities can help you succeed as your own boss or in areas that require a lot of independence.

Caution: The job should be in an area you are passionate about, as jobs that require independence often involve mastering abilities that people with ADHD struggle with, such as planning, organization, and self-motivation.

If you want real proof, successful entrepreneurs with ADHD include: Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group; David Neeleman, founder of JetBlue Airways; Paul Orfalea, founder of Kinkos; and Ingvar Kamprad, founder of IKEA.

Rights of the Disabled

If your ADHD is interfering with your work, you can tell your supervisor or Human Resources that you have been diagnosed with ADHD. Employers are required to provide accommodations if you are found to be disabled.

Two federal laws can protect you in the workplace: the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (RA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), which includes the ADA Amendment Act of 2008 (ADAAA) .