Strengths & Weaknesses of Children With ADHD

Often thought of as a strictly negative behavioral problem, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, commonly known as ADHD, affects millions of children in the U.S., according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Yet children suffering from ADHD often have unique strengths that accompany the weaknesses inherent in the disorder. Exploring the potential of children with ADHD is vital in understanding how to teach, raise and work with these children.

Weaknesseses of Children with ADHD

• ADHD is composed of three major problematic areas, says the National Institute of Mental Health. Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness are the three defining symptoms of ADHD, and are the natural weaknesses in children affected by the disorder.

  Inattention manifests in children through signs such as daydreaming, failure to pay attention when spoken to, and difficulty focusing on a task at home or at school. Facets of hyperactivity include a child's inability to sit still, inability to stay quiet when asked to, and propensity fornonstop talking. Impulsiveness, yet another weakness of millions of children with ADHD, can cause impatience and sometimes difficulty in considering the consequences of actions.

Intelligence in Chldren with ADHD

• One major strength of many children with ADHD, states the National Foundation for Gifted and Creative Children, is a tendency to be above average or high in intelligence for their age. Often neglected or simply missed by teachers because of the accompanying behavioral problems associated with ADHD, this trait brings unique strengths to the child.

  While social interaction with peers may be difficult for intelligent children with ADHD, they are often much better interacting with adults. Because of the difficulty ADHD-affected children have in following instructions and staying on task, working with a patient adult--such as a parent or counselor--often allows the natural intelligence of such children to manifest, with a little extra time and attention.

Creativity, Another Strength

• Children with ADHD are also very likely to be creative, a strength that tends to develop and shine in adolescence and adult life. According to Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, the unique strengths of such children often show up in artistic pursuits.

  Creative strengths in arts such as drawing, painting, creative writing, and even drama are common to children living with ADHD. The National Foundation for creative and gifted children even lists a number of famous performers who have suffered from the disorder from childhood--including Bill Cosby and Jim Carrey. Creative pursuits are an excellent way for an ADHD-affected child to express himself and--as shown by the career success of the luminaries mentioned--they are strengths to be encouraged and potentially capitalized on later in life.