A newly published editorial in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry highlights the need for more research on the amazing strengths of people with ‘high functioning ADHD’ – people who fully meet the criteria for ADHD but are still able to function relatively well. Such people, the editorial argues, often compensate for their ADHD difficulties through extraordinary strengths – such as creativity, hyperfocus, high levels of agreeableness and above-average openness to new experiences. If high functioning ADHD can be better understood, it will be possible to re-characterise ADHD less as a ‘disorder’ and more in terms of the extraordinary potential that these people have. The article also makes the case for more research into treatment approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Mindfulness which have the potential to help manage ADHD symptoms and let strengths shine through.
Download the article here: Lesch-2018-Journal_of_Child_Psychology_and_Psychiatry
