Adult ADHDParenting ADHD ChildrenADHD TreatmentADHD and Learning DisabilitiesAttention Deficit
PrintEmailDiscuss 2 COMMENTS!RSS

Handling Criticism: Techniques for ADHD Adults

How attention-deficit adults can respond to criticism positively by being assertive and not attacking or surrendering to the critique.

 
PREV Slide 3 of 4 NEXT

ADHDCareer_meeting_boss_interview_0705

Improve Your Response

Ask questions. A lot of criticism is vague and needs to be clarified before you can decide how to respond. It can be especially difficult for ADD adults to control emotions but try to clarify details before you react. Stay away from "why" questioning and use "how," "what," "where" and "when" questions to clarify the details.

Example: If someone says that what you are doing annoys them, ask specifically how it is annoying and when it annoys.

Practice. Oftentimes people with ADHD receive so much criticism that they begin to react angrily and aggressively when criticized. Other times, ADD adults may become passive to others' actions toward them.

Which ever response you have, keep in mind that practice makes perfect and the first few attempts at responding in a new way may be awkward and not received as well as you had hoped. Hang in there, and keep trying until you become comfortable and relaxed with your new options for responding.

Next: Stand Your Ground

PREV Slide 3 of 4 NEXT

slide   1   2   3   4   next »

Privacy
ADDitude DirectoryFind Professionals
Find Schools and Camps
Find Products
Related Forums
Related Content
 
Free Newsletter
Free Gift with Sign Up
Adult ADHD
Managing your time, money, career & relationships
Success at School
Keep kids learning! Tips for parents and teachers
Parenting ADD/LD Kids
Strategies for behavior, nutrition, friends & more
 
Copyright © 1998 - 2007 New Hope Media LLC. All rights reserved. Your use of this site is governed by our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
ADDitude does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The material on this web site is provided for educational purposes only. See additional information.
New Hope Media, 39 W. 37th Street, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10018