Traits Of Add - Positive Points About Having Add

Traits Of Add

GOOD SENSE OF HUMOR 

You were always cracking jokes when you were a kid - you were known as the class clown. You always had your classmates cracking up, even during "quiet time." Your teacher did not take too kindly to this. But you were hilarious. As an adult, your ADD brain still can take twists and turns that help you come up with some naturally funny material.

You may also have no concept of this thing people refer to as "stage fight." You love having an audience. You could give a lecture in front of five hundred people with no problem. And when you give a lecture, you are very good at it. The audience is riveted while you speak. In addition, you have the ability to see humor and absurdity, in situations that look hopeless to others. You lighten the mood, and you help everyone put things into perspective. Having a great sense of humor can be an incredible gift you give to others.

APPRECIATION OF NATURE AND THE OUTDOORS 

When you were a kid, your mother had to put extra deadbolts on the door - you were always trying to escape so you could play outside. Now that you are an adult, you may find that you love being outside, taking in nature and the world around you. You may feel calmer just by being in the fresh air. In fact, being outside can help reduce the impact of your ADD. When you are outdoors, you may feel a connection with nature that others don't experience - you feel like you are part of a bigger plan and that all living things are connected to each other. Your interest may lead to a career in wildlife conservation or forestry. Traits Of Add


LASER-SHARP FOCUS 

When you were playing video games when you were a kid, you didn't just play the games - you were inside them. Your dad would eventually have to come up and shut off the computer or TV because you just didn't hear him the three times he yelled for you. Now that you are an adult, you may get so into an interesting project that everything just seems to fall away and time flies by, You may think it's strange that one of the features of ADD is that you can actually pay attention really well! It just has to be something that really interests you. In fact, when you get into your hyperfocusing mode, you may pay even better attention than people without ADD!

FRIENDLINESS 

When you accompanied your mom to the grocery store, you would immediately run off and introduce yourself to random people in the store. Your mother was mortified. Now that you are an adult, you are the first person to approach a new coworker or neighbor. You love meeting new people. You have the ability to strike up a conversation anywhere with anyone. Sure, you may not always say the "right" thing, but you've met a lot of interesting people!

You have a natural charisma. People just seem drawn to you. You believe that people are essentially good. It can be difficult for you to comprehend why people would treat others unfairly. This leads to you having a strong sense of justice, another positive trait of ADD.

You don't hold grudges. In fact, you may give people a shot again and again. You may let anger or upset toward others go away easily - partially because you tend to see the good in all people and partially because you can't remember what they did to get you upset in the first place. You've already moved on to other things!

STRONG SENSE OF JUSTICE 

When you were a kid, you would argue your point until the bitter end - even if it resulted in a longer time-out experience. When you're an adult, this can translate into having a strong sense of justice - a clear understanding of right and wrong. You have experienced what it is like to be the outsider or the kid who just didn't fit in, and you are sensitive to how others are treated.

You may root for the underdog or stick up for the person who seems to have an outside shot rather than cheer for the favored winner. When you see injustice done to someone or something, you get angry or fired up. Now you can channel this energy into something positive: You can use that energy to be a catalyst for change. If you get upset about a news story on animal abuse, you can volunteer with an animal protection organization. If you get upset because you don't feel ADD kids are being treated fairly at school you can get involved with a national ADD organization. Traits Of Add

EMPATHY 

When you were a kid, you may have been more quick to tears than other kids, especially when you were teased. Now you are the one that all your friends go to when they need advice or a shoulder to cry on. You find it easy to understand what others are going through, to the point where you may actually start feeling the same way that they do. You are good at "reading" people - you instantly know if they are good or if you can trust them. You also intuitively know what other people need. You just seem to know the exact right time to call a friend and you know just the right thing to say to help someone feel better.

You are also empathic with animals. When you were a kid, you were always bringing a stray animal home - cats, dogs, birds - whatever animal needed your help. They seem to gravitate toward you, and you naturally seem to know what they need. People tell you that you seem to have a natural knack with other living things. You seem to be able to "listen" to animals. 

PERSUASIVENESS

When you were a kid, you would try to negotiate the terms of your punishments with your parents - and sometimes you were able to get your "sentence" reduced or even commuted. Your parents said you would make a great attorney. You also had a knack for talking kids into things - which resulted in some interesting adventures. Now that you are an adult, being persuasive can translate into a successful career in sales, management, international diplomacy, or trial law. You know what a client needs, sometimes without even having to ask them - and you find a way to fill that need. You know how to argue your case swiftly and effectively, and you tailor your message based on who is receiving it. It's almost as if people are hypnotized by you as you speak.

ZEST FOR LIFE 

When you were a kid, you didn't have an "off" switch. Your parents said that you didn't really sleep at night - you just recharged. As an adult, you may love waking up in the morning because of all the opportunities that await you. You tend to see the good in every situation, even when things look bleak to others. You are always open to new experiences. People tell you that you "always have your hat on" - you are ready for a new adventure at a moment's notice. You may even inspire people to try new things. The best place for you to travel is a place you've never been before. You are perfectly okay traveling solo. In fact, you may prefer it because then you can see as many things as possible. You live your life without fear. To learn more, you can check out Traits Of Add.

Jobs For Add - Find The Best Suited Job For Your Needs

Jobs For Add

Loss of productivity due to ADD costs between $67 billion and $116 billion annually in the United States. People with ADD are more likely to change jobs and get fired from jobs than their non-ADD peers. They are also more likely to miss days from work than other employees. These things may happen more often when you have ADD in part because you've had jobs that worked against your ADD instead of working with it.

Jobs that are ADD-friendly tend to have the following characteristics:

• They are fast-paced, with varied tasks each day.
• You can move around or travel during the workday.
• They are intellectually stimulating and challenging.
• There are firm due dates for projects.
• You get frequent feedback, and expectations are clear.
• The schedule is flexible.
• There is immediate reinforcement for a job well done.

For example, work as a firefighter, a restaurant waitperson, a teacher, a paramedic, an emergency room physician, a trial attorney, or a soldier encompasses many of the characteristics of ADD-friendly jobs. Jobs that require repetitive tasks, lack structure, give little feedback, have vague expectations, lack employer support, and have a lot of unwritten rules are more of a challenge. To determine whether your job is ADD-friendly, consider whether it meets the characteristics of other jobs in which people with ADD excel.
 
In addition to considering the characteristics of a job, consider how well a job meshes with your body clock. Working with your body clock instead of fighting it can make a job ADD friendly too. Beforehand, you learned that people with ADD tend to be night owls. If your brain is more awake and alert between the hours of 1 p.m. and 3 a.m., having a job that starts at 8 a.m. may not be the best idea. Fields that allow people to work night hours include health care (e.g., being a nurse, paramedic, or lab worker), protective service (e.g., being a firefighter, police person, or security guard), and food service (e.g., being a baker or pastry chef). You may even be able to work night hours at your current job. Technology has made it possible for people to telecommute at all hours of the day (and night). Talk to your employer about this possibility.
 
HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT CAREER FOR YOU 

Let's say you've decided that you want to find a more ADD friendly job. However, you may be concerned about leaving the security of your current job. Rest assured that once you find something you are excited about, you will love working at it - and your passion and joy for your work will show, thereby attracting more clients, business, and promotions. If you are trying to find your passion, think back to a time where you enjoyed a task so much that you felt like you were in "the zone," and time just flew by. 

How can you translate that activity into a career? There are professionals who can help you flne-tune whatever career might be best for you. You can find certified career counselors in private practice, in a career counseling center, or at a vocational rehabilitation center. Career counselors meet with you to learn about your previous work experience, interests, skills, and challenges. They can also give you assessment tests to further pinpoint a recommended career path. These services may be available for free or for an hourly fee, depending on where the career counselor is located. Jobs For Add

ENTREPRENEURS 

Owning your own business can be both a dream and a nightmare if you have ADD. You love being your own boss - you make the rules and you have more flexibility with your schedule. The good news is that you call all of the shots. The bad news is, well, you call all of the shots. You are now solely responsible for your business's survival. You may be lacking the structure that you used to have when you had an employer: your boss is no longer reminding you to turn in an assignment or assigning you deadlines. And since it is now all up to you, it is very important to have employee support when you have ADD and are running your own business.
 
Most successful entrepreneurs will tell you that they owe a lot of their success to their great administrative assistants and staff. You may feel like you can't afford to hire employees at this stage of your business. But what you may not realize is that you could actually make more money in the long run if you had someone to help you out. You are an idea person - you just need someone to impose structure and help you carry those ideas through to completion. By having a good support team, you can spend more time doing the things you are good at - which translates into more money and more enjoyment on your part. 

THE POSITIVES OF HAVING ADD 

Considering the negative feedback you may have received in the past regarding your impulsive behavior, it might surprise you to learn that there are positives to having ADD. The things that got you in trouble when you were a kid have a flip side to them! 

People with ADD can have the following traits:

• Creativity
• Versatility
• Good sense of humor
• Appreciation of nature and the outdoors
• Laser-sharp focus
• Friendliness
• Strong sense of justice
• Empathy
• Persuasiveness
• Zest for life

CREATIVITY 

When you were a kid, that blank wall in the family room was just a canvas that needed to be filled. You thought you created a masterpiece with your crayons - your mother felt otherwise. However, now you can channel that creativity in positive ways.
 
You may be artistically gifted, you may be great at coming up with ideas for advertising campaigns, or you may be able to find solutions for what appear to be unsolvable problems. The ADD brain can be a fertile ground for all sorts of ideas. You come up with ideas that other people just don't think of, because your brain works more quickly and you aren't held back by constraints. Jobs For Add 

You may be concerned that taking medication for ADD will result in a dulling of your creative side. Actually, medication can help you channel your creative energy, leading you to produce more work than before. It works best when you can create wonderful ideas for an organization and other team members help carry those ideas out.
 
 VERSATILITY 

When you were a kid, your parents and teachers told you that you jumped around too much from activity to activity. You would leave a tornado of toys in your wake. Now that you are an adult, you may find that you lose people when you switch conversation topics quickly, and you may have a bunch of unfinished projects around the house or at work. However, this ability to "switch tracks" and start new activities has benefits as well. You may excel at jobs where being quick on your feet is a plus. Your brain feels more "on" and alive when you are working at a fast pace.
 
This may be why people with ADD do well in jobs in high pressure situations, such as working in an emergency room or being a firefighter. You may also do really well in crisis situations. Your ability to switch tasks easily also means that you have experience in many different areas of life. You can talk to people about quantum physics, cook a souffle, and design your own web page - all at the same time!

Next post, we'll talk about other positive traits you have. At mean time, you can find out more at Jobs For Add.

Adults With Adhd In The Workplace - Workplace Support

Adults With Adhd In The Workplace

Once you have received a diagnosis of ADD, you may want to consider making or obtaining accommodations in your workplace. Accommodations are ways that you or your employer can adjust your work environment to make it easier for you to focus and be efficient at your job. Workplace accommodations include getting all of your employer's instructions in a written format or having an office with a door instead of working in an open cubicle.

You can get accommodations by either making adjustmentsto your work space and work habits on your own or asking your employer for accommodations. The more accommodations you can acquire on your own, the less you will need to disclose your ADD diagnosis to your employer.
 

MAKING SOCIAL CONNECTIONS 

You may find that your social circle changes after you are diagnosed with ADD. You may find that you are just more comfortable with other people who have ADD. People with ADD tend to find each other - you may see someone across the room that is as fidgety as you are and you are drawn to them like a magnet. When you talk with another ADD person, neither of you notices interruptions or quick changes of topic. You feel more like your conversation "flows." You may also feel that people with ADD "get" you in a way that other people just don't. It can be a comforting and empowering feeling: finally, someone understands.
 
If you'd like to meet more people, try joining organizations, religious groups, or intramural sports teams, or form your own social network by meeting people in your community. Even just by attending an event, you will meet people. The saying "Eighty percent of life is just showing up" is true. By joining groups where people have similar interests, you are more likely to meet lasting friends. Adults With Adhd In The Workplace

ADD AND THE WORKPLACE
 
Now that you have been diagnosed with ADD, you may be wondering how it affects your job, including your relationships with your boss and coworkers. Should you tell people at the office that you have ADD? Is there anything you can do to make your job more ADD-friendly? In this post, you will learn about getting accommodations, the unwritten rules of the workplace, and how to find a job that is best suited to you. 

WORKPLACE ACCOMMODATIONS 

Accommodations are ways that you can adjust your environment in order to be more productive and efficient at your job. First try to make adjustments to your work space and work habits on your own. If you have tried implementing your own accommodations and still need additional help, consider talking with your employer. Workplace accommodations may be legally enforced through the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This act prohibits discrimination due to a disability (including ADD).

However, to be covered under the ADA, you must disclose your disability to your employer. If you have disclosed your diagnosis, asked for reasonable accommodations, and still feel that your employer has not followed the law, first try to work with your employer directly before considering legal action. If you feel that legal recourse is your only option, keep in mind that taking legal action is a long and expensive process. You can try these accommodations in your workplace:

• Take frequent, short breaks during your workday, where you leave your desk and maybe even go outside for some fresh air.
• Replace fluorescent light bulbs. People with ADD can be more sensitive than others to the distracting buzzing sound of fluorescent.
• Take a walk during your lunch break.
• When scheduling your workday, allow extra time for meetings and other work events so you do not overbook yourself.
• Ask for an office that is relatively free from distractions. An office that is out of the main working area is ideal.
• Avoid working in a cubicle. There are too many unavoidable distractions.
• During meetings, keep your hands busy by doing something quietly, like taking notes. Concentrating your physical energy in this way (a process called concentrated distraction) makes it easier for you to focus and stay focused.
• Make sure you receive clear deadlines, and be aware of what is expected from you.
• Break large projects into smaller tasks.
• Have flexible work hours.
• Get assignments, instructions, and requests in writing - keep a "paper trail."

LEARN THE UNWRITTEN RULES OF THE WORKPLACE 

In every office, there are rules that aren't written in your employee manual. An "unwritten" rule in your workplace might be that new employees sit in the back row during a meeting or that a particular administrative assistant has more influence than her boss over getting things done. You may find that you just don't catch on to these unwritten rules. The ability to figure out how to behave in situations without directly being told is called sapience. Sapience means to act with appropriate judgment. People with ADD can have quite a bit of difficulty in this area. Many workplaces have employee manuals, but it helps to know the subtle unspoken rules about how things operate.
 
You may be asking yourself, "How am I supposed to know that stuff?" To learn these unwritten rules, observe how other people in the office behave. When you are more comfortable in your work environment, you can ask someone "in the know" about how things are done at your office. Adults With Adhd In The Workplace
 
DEALING WITH COWORKER/ EMPLOYER HARASSMENT 

Just as you have rights when it comes to receiving accommodations for ADD, you also have rights in regard to harassment in the workplace. It is common for people with ADD to feel picked on at work because they just don't fit in. Harassment ranges from little comments or digs made here and there, to outright attempts to sabotage you so you can be terminated from employment. Harassment also includes comments of a sexual nature and/or implying that your job is dependent on sexual favors.
 
Some light teasing is normal in the workplace, as long as everyone involved is okay with it. However, if you tell a coworker that something they said is hurtful or inappropriate, the teasing or harassment should stop. If that doesn't make the behavior stop, talk to your superiors. Provide documentation of the dates, times, and exact wording of conversations with this coworker or employer, including documentation of how you clearly told this person to stop the harassment. 

If you are not getting relief from your employer, consider contacting the corporate headquarters of your company or seeking the advice of an attorney. Remember, legal means are a last resort due to the time, energy, and costs involved. To find out more, you can check Adults With Adhd In The Workplace.

National Attention Deficit Disorder Association - Getting Support

National Attention Deficit Disorder Association

Now that you have been diagnosed with ADD, you may be searching for a support system - people who can help you through your journey. In this post, you will learn about the support available to you - not just from groups, but also from your family and friends. You will also get suggestions on how to talk to others about your ADD, including what to do if you feel you are not getting the support you need. 

SUPPORT GROUPS FOR ADD 

Sometimes just meeting people with similar life experiences can make the journey easier. Luckily, there are support groups available where you can meet with other aduks who have ADD. There are support groups available for ADD adults and groups for parents of ADD children. Some groups are psychoeducational, meaning that they talk about the facts of ADD and discuss resources that are available to you. Psychoeducational groups tend to meet about once a month and are generally free of charge or can be attended for a small fee. A therapeutic support group gets more into personal stories and discusses feelings and events in people's lives. Therapeutic support groups can meet up to a couple of times a week, with once a week being the standard. Therapeutic groups may have a per session fee or a flat fee that you pay at the beginning of the group. 

Group Confidentiality 

A standard rule of support groups is that the information shared in the group stays in the group. It cannot and should not be shared with others. However, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed, especially with an online group. In addition, online confidentiality can never be guaranteed, regardless of the amount of firewalls and virus protection on either side of the Internet connection. National Attention Deficit Disorder Association

What Happens in a Support Group? 

Psychoeducational groups are usually run by one or two leaders. The leaders' role is to keep the group on topic, provide support to group members, coordinate guest speakers, provide resources for group participants, and take care of the financial and logistical aspects of running the group. At the beginning of each group meeting, the leaders introduce themselves and discuss what is on the agenda for the evening. They may have everyone in the group introduce themselves and say what they would like to gain from attending the group. Then a guest speaker gives a talk on a topic related to ADD, such as new advances in the field. A question-and-answer session may follow. The leader then will ask if there are any other topics that participants would like to discuss, and then the meeting is adjourned.

Therapeutic groups are usually run by one or two mental health clinicians. At the beginning of the group meeting, the leaders may summarize the topics discussed in the last meeting. They also remind everyone in the group that confidentiality must be maintained outside the group. Next, members of the group discuss how things have been for each of them since the last meeting. Other group members and the group leaders provide feedback. The group may focus on the experiences of one member for most of the session, particularly if that member is going through a crisis. The leaders wrap up the meeting by summarizing what was discussed, and members may share insights they have learned from their time in the group.

Online Forums 

In cases where a local support group is not available or accessible, Intemet forums can be helpful. When you have just a few minutes here and there, these forums are a great place to check in and get some information and support. Remember - as with anything you share on the Internet, confidentiality can never be guaranteed.
 
Online forums consist of a dialogue between an original poster, who presents a topic or question, and responders, who give their opinions and suggestions. Reputable online forums have moderators who make sure the forum is being used efficiently and respectfully. Forums are usually available at no charge or in exchange for a low yearly membership fee. 

GETTING SUPPORT FROM FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Part of coping with and getting help for ADD is reaching out to the people most important to you - your family and friends. In this section, you will learn how to talk about ADD with spouse or partner, children, other family members, and friends. By educating your loved ones about ADD, you open a new door to improved communication and understanding.
 
In addition to talking with your loved ones, show them this blog. Tell them that it will help them better understand what things are like in the "ADD world." Acknowledge to your loved ones that you understand that they get frustrated when you do certain things. Let them know that these events are equally frustrating to you and that you are not trying to upset them.
 
Talking with Your Spouse or Partner 

In most cases, you spend more time with your spouse or partner than anyone else in your life. Your spouse or partner may have even originally suggested you be evaluated for ADD. If you obtained the ADD diagnosis on your own or this is the first time you are bringing it up with your spouse or partner, you may be concerned about the reaction you might receive. However, don't be surprised if your spouse or partner is actually relieved that there is a name for the behaviors he or she has noticed. National Attention Deficit Disorder Association

Because people with ADD may not fully realize the impact of their behaviors on others, it may be helpful for your spouse or partner to attend your medication and counseling sessions with you. Maybe your spouse or partner has seen some behaviors in you that you have not been previously aware of. This information could give your doctor what he needs to fine-tune your diagnosis. Talk to your doctor or counselor if you would like to bring your spouse or partner to your appointments.
 
Talking with Your Children 

You may wonder if you should tell your child about your ADD diagnosis. For older children, such as teenagers, it may be very helpful to share that information, including educating them about the genetic basis of ADD. It is especially important to explain to your child that having untreated ADD puts a person at greater risk of developing substance abuse, depression, anxiety, or eating disorders. You may also want to emphasize that getting help for ADD can greatly reduce the chances of these things happening. It is important to emphasize to your child that he should feel free to talk to you any time something is worrying him. Just knowing a parent is available to talk can make a huge difference in a child's life.
 
You also want to let your children know how important it is to take safety precautions (such as wearing a helmet or fastening a seatbelt) before engaging in certain activities. This is because people, especially children, with ADD are more prone to injury and accidents than people without ADD.
 
Be aware that anything you tell your child may be shared with others. Be especially cautious discussing your use of medication with your children, particularly if you take stimulant medication. You want to make sure that your medication stays safe and secure. Even if your child may not try to get access to your medication, his friends might. 

Talking with Your Friends 

To whom you disclose your ADD diagnosis depends largely on the amount of trust you have in a person. You want to be fairly certain that your friend will keep your diagnosis in confidence and that he will listen in a nonjudgmental way. When you disclose that you have ADD, tell your friend that you would like the information to be kept just between the two of you. Be aware, however, that confidentiality cannot be guaranteed. Unfortunately, there is still a stigma surrounding mental health issues, but for the most part, you should find plenty of support.
 
If you feel uncomfortable telling a friend about the diagnosis of ADD, consider just mentioning some areas that you are needing some support in, such as staying organized and cutting back on the amount of interruptiom during a conversation. Tell your friend specifically how he can support you - by just listening to you, taking a walk with you during breaks from tasks, or even just giving you a hug when you need one.

Difficulties Getting Support

What if your spouse or partner, family, or friends do not believe ADD exists, think you have been misdiagnosed, or think you shouldn't be taking medication? Sometimes people become frustrated and upset about things they do not understand. If you have ADD, there is a good chance that the important people in your life do not know about the genetic and biological basis of ADD and the symptoms and behaviors that result. 

If your family or friends feel you were misdiagnosed, talk to them about it. You may learn more about yourself and how your behavior affects others. Take time to speak calmly about your diagnosis. Provide facts about ADD, such as that ADD is a genetic and biological disorder and that several genes for ADD have been identified. You will get much further in educating others if you keep a calm and steady demeanor. To find out more, you can check out National Attention Deficit Disorder Association.