If you have a child with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), you know the downside - symptoms that include impulsivity, restlessness, distracitibility and mood swings. But don't lose sight of the positives. People with ADD tend to be very creative, have high energy and perseverance, and are passionate. They enjoy and thrive on change. That's why they can become sports stars, physicians, politicians, actors, entrepreneurs and soldiers. Some speculate that Ben Franklin, Winston Churchill and even Bill Clinton belong on the list.
A 1994 study in the Journal Of Creative Behavior looked at the linsk between ADD and creativity and found a number of common threads. Higher creativity scores, sensation seeking and use of imagery are common indicators of both creative people and many of those with ADD. The study found potential dangers in labelling children with ADD, such as a negative impact on a child's self-esteem. Children with ADD also have to cope with the side effects of medication (especially Ritalin) and with unstructured learning environments.
Dr. Timothy Bilkey, a North York, Ont., adult psychiatrist who specializes in ADD, says ADD can be a positive thing if you work with it rather than against it. People with ADD can certainly benefit from a thorough evaluation and professional assistance, including medication.
C1997 Peter D.A. Warwick
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