Students with ADHD grow up hearing comments such as, “You’re just lazy,” “You’re not really trying,” “You’re doing this on purpose,” “Everyone else can do it, so can you,” and many more like this.

Adults with ADHD wonder what’s wrong with them. They wonder why they can’t remember things, or get things done, or make things work out the way they want them to. They wonder why they repeat the same “stupid” mistakes over and over.

ADHD people of all ages often struggle a great deal with self-esteem, and can easily develop symptoms of depression and anxiety.

We all have strengths and weaknesses, but unfortunately, the weaknesses of ADHD students are often things that they’re graded on in school. The weaknesses of adults are often things that make others frustrated or unhappy with them. With the proper education and help, adults and children with ADHD can learn to use their gifts and talents to their benefit, and learn coping skills and tools to help with their areas of weakness. It may take time to develop the strengths, or to get to a point in life where the strengths can be used as an advantage, but it can be done.

At The Attention Center, we strive to help people with ADHD learn to identify and use their strengths, and to feel good about themselves because of those strengths. When this happens, it makes it easier for them to accept their weaknesses, and also to accept help without feeling inferior or a failure. This is what’s most important in helping people with ADHD learn to lead successful and productive lives.

Read more about the strengths of ADHD.

Find practical help in Dr. Romereim’s Survival Rules.