Understanding ADHD
The topic selected for this assignment concerns how society understands and recognizes ADHD as a psychological disorder rather than a difference in cognition as per Steve Tonti’s speech. ADHD refers to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. As per the conventional definition, people with ADHD cannot focus/concentrate or pay attention to one particular thing without being easily distracted and are often hyperactive (2013).
Advantages
Based on how society identifies ADHD, it is clear that there is a massive lack of understanding concerning some beneficial aspects associated with the condition. Firstly, ADHD patients mostly concentrate on the aspects that they like. Since we live in the age of information overflow, ADHD patients are more likely to isolate issues, commit their interest, and focus on one aspect. In so doing, they have the potential to excel remarkably in whatever they do. Secondly, since ADHD patients think and explore vastly, they are more likely to discover and gain more experience than people who lend their whole focus to examining one aspect. In this view, ADHD patients are more knowledgeable and have wider perspectives (2013). Thirdly, as they shift their focus from one thing to another, ADHD patients are more likely to create fresh, fascinating, and unpredictable ideas that could be used in many fields, such as art, film, drama, and music. Lastly, since ADHD patients are always developing ideas, they are multitalented and more reliable than people specializing in only one endeavor.
Disadvantages
Although ADHD harbors some advantages, there are notable downsides associated with the condition. Firstly, it is impossible to engage ADHD patients in long and uninteresting conversations since they are easily bored and turn their attention to other things. In this position, ADHD patients may have difficulties with schooling and mainly classroom learning, which demands participation and focus on instruction. Secondly, ADHD pits the patient in a difficult position since they can only do what they prefer. In this sense, some aspects, like schooling and creating new relationships, may be difficult for ADHD patients when the circumstances are not right. If left unattended, such problems affect their personality and careers. Although some may argue that ADHD patients will figure their way out, they risk being neglected and labeled as angry, lazy, and aggressive, especially when the people around them do not understand the condition. Much worse, when they focus entirely on one aspect, they may lose track of others and neglect important aspects like their own health. Lastly, even though ADHD patients are creative, they may fail to master a particular skill. More importantly, they are likely to overlook or confuse important instructions about a task due to having too many thoughts.
Impacts on career
By observing the upsides and downsides of ADHD, it can be understood in two dimensions. In this sense, it is a psychological disorder because it does not conform to normal thought and behavioral trends. On the other hand, the advantages of ADHD cannot be entirely overlooked. In my view, if ADHD patients are abnormal or different according to medical diagnosis, they should be allowed to live differently and abnormally. This discussion has had a positive impact on my career due to two reasons. Firstly, it provides a basis for understanding and questioning society’s criteria in terming certain conditions as illnesses or disorders. Through such a spirit of inquiry, I will learn, gain more experience, and discern the truth from the myths created to suit a particular narrative. Besides, this discussion will enable me to explore the positive aspects of every unfavorable situation. For instance, it is very surprising that ADHD patients have such psychological strength despite being considered mentally ill. With such knowledge, I will provide more suitable care to ADHD and other patients throughout my career.
Reference
(2013). Retrieved 13 September 2021, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uU6o2_UFSEY
