"Is ADHD a Gift? No – But It Can Be Empowering."
A review of my children’s book criticized it for presenting ADHD as a problem. I laughed pretty hard. Clearly, the reviewer had never lived with ADHD. But it made me wonder: Can ADHD be empowering?
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What is your definition of “empowering”? The Cambridge Dictionary says that “Something that is empowering makes you more confident and makes you feel that you are in control of your life.” ADD has not given me more confidence neither does it make me feel that I am in control of my life. That is precisely why I need treatment. I am assuming you are using the term “empowering” for ADD or ADHD under treatment. There is nothing within me that is strong enough to combat it or appease it. Willpower, strength, intelligence or insight will never be enough to reverse a physiological condition, just as you can’t beat a flu by willpower alone. A gift, on the other hand, is meant to produce joy in the person receiving it and delight in the giver. I am certain of this, the One who gave me ADD meant it for my good. How? By giving me the privilege of depending entirely on His strength, knowing Him profoundly and releasing me from the belief that I I am sufficient for myself, despite the condition. I don’t expect anyone to understand this, but I do invite you to taste and see that this counter-cultural reality is solid. Yes, it is a gift.