ADHD Diagnosis Does Not Equal Failure

If your child is diagnosed with ADHD, you most likely worry about them more. As parents, we can’t help but stress over the negative repercussions weak executive functioning can bring. 

What does executive dysfunction mean for them…

• Will they pass their classes? 

• Will they go to college?

• Will they keep a job? 

Our coaches have worked with thousands of students, supporting them through the many struggles of ADHD and weak EFS. Now, after 13 years we’re able to share this hopeful conclusion with certainty, an ADHD diagnosis does not equal failure.

So as a parent, how can you stop focusing on the negative symptoms of weak EFS and start focusing on the positives? Let’s start with some advice from a well-respected expert in the field of executive functioning and ADHD!

Dr. Joel Niggs is the Center Director of the OHSU Center for ADHD Research. Recently, our Co-founder, Michelle Raz was invited to present for OHSU by Dr. Niggs. His panel is impressive, consisting of mental health professionals, psychologists, educators, and scientists. All are working towards a common goal! Understanding the ADHD brain and getting people with ADHD and executive function challenges the support they need through scientific research.

In the article, “Is ADHD Really a Disorder or Just a Difference?” by Dr. Niggs, he states, “ Even with a severe case of ADHD, people often have compensatory strengths in regard to positive personality, bright energy, bravery, creativity, manual dexterity, spatial learning, art, music, humor, or other areas. These are important for self-esteem and create a solid base toward the right solutions and life niche for their particular situation and uniqueness.”

He also goes on to say, “My view, based on data from our laboratory, is that a subset of high functioning individuals who fit the ADHD profile actually may be best characterized as having a personality style—not a disorder. They end up with no apparent problems as they mature (“growing out of” the condition). For them, what looks like ADHD may resolve into a unique, energetic, and attractive personality that serves them well in life… They will do well [in life] if they can find the right niche, even though the structures and organizational demands of school or sedentary jobs may challenge them significantly.”

As a parent, these findings are positive. Are we downplaying the fact that ADHD is extremely challenging and can have negative effects? Is your child guaranteed to “grow out” of their challenges? No. But, this is what it does mean. Dr. Niggs reminds us that there are two sides to every coin. Your students’ strengths are not diminished because of their struggles. So how can they use these strengths to develop their behaviors and skills? Through practice, guidance, and other forms of treatment. It comes down to the support team you put in place for your child. 

Whether that support comes in the form of a coach, a resource center, a therapist, a doctor, or a combination of modalities, customized support will help you see the positives in your child’s diagnosis. 

That hyper-focus that leads your student off track in high school now may be exactly what catapults them into a career specialty in college because they’ve learned how to manage it! 

Source article by Dr. Niggs: Read here