THE MODEL OF SUCCESS FOR ADULTS WITH ADHD
The following is a summary of an article, which appeared in the ADHD Report edited by Russell Barkley and Associates. This article appeared in the August 2001 issue. The author of the article is Paul J. Gerber, Ph.D.
THE MODEL OF SUCCESS FOR ADULTS WITH ADHD: EXTERNAL MANIFESTATIONS (ADAPTABILITY)
Gerber outlines four qualities in this area that maximize success. They are: 1. Persistence 2. Goodness to fit 3. Learned creativity and 4. Social ecologies.
Persistence
Persistence is the ability to maintain control by taking extra time to accomplish things. It is working extremely hard to compensate for the limitations of ADHD. It is a willingness to undergo great sacrifice to complete a job correctly. People with ADHD must put forth an extraordinary effort to get things done in a way that is acceptable both to them and to others. It is going the extra mile to complete a task even though everyone else is finished.
Goodness of Fit
This refers to maximizing your success by focusing on your "islands of competence". It is fitting in and being successful as a result of taking the right niche. Many adults with ADHD have become successful by finding environments in which they can succeed and where their skills and abilities are maximized. These individuals have capitalized on their strengths.
Learned Creativity
Learned creativity is the ability to apply many strategies, techniques, and devices to improve performance. It is a way to adapt to the environment to increase success. People who do well in this area give themselves permission to think creatively and divergently. They may get from Point A to Point B in a different way, but still get there successfully.
Social Ecologies
Because it is impossible to do everything by yourself, developing social systems to help is necessary. Social ecology is the ability to surround yourself with supportive and helpful people. These people can be colleagues and co-workers, or friends, neighbors or your spouse. This may include hiring people to perform skills that the person with ADHD does not have such as cleaning and organizing your house or office.
Lessons of Success and Implications for Resilience
Developing the skill for flexibility and adjustment is important for individuals with ADHD. If the individuals with ADHD can incorporate these seven items to enhance success the author indicates: "reports of its effectiveness are excellent from a variety of sources."
THE MODEL OF SUCCESS FOR ADULTS WITH ADHD: EXTERNAL MANIFESTATIONS (ADAPTABILITY)
Gerber outlines four qualities in this area that maximize success. They are: 1. Persistence 2. Goodness to fit 3. Learned creativity and 4. Social ecologies.
Persistence
Persistence is the ability to maintain control by taking extra time to accomplish things. It is working extremely hard to compensate for the limitations of ADHD. It is a willingness to undergo great sacrifice to complete a job correctly. People with ADHD must put forth an extraordinary effort to get things done in a way that is acceptable both to them and to others. It is going the extra mile to complete a task even though everyone else is finished.
Goodness of Fit
This refers to maximizing your success by focusing on your "islands of competence". It is fitting in and being successful as a result of taking the right niche. Many adults with ADHD have become successful by finding environments in which they can succeed and where their skills and abilities are maximized. These individuals have capitalized on their strengths.
Learned Creativity
Learned creativity is the ability to apply many strategies, techniques, and devices to improve performance. It is a way to adapt to the environment to increase success. People who do well in this area give themselves permission to think creatively and divergently. They may get from Point A to Point B in a different way, but still get there successfully.
Social Ecologies
Because it is impossible to do everything by yourself, developing social systems to help is necessary. Social ecology is the ability to surround yourself with supportive and helpful people. These people can be colleagues and co-workers, or friends, neighbors or your spouse. This may include hiring people to perform skills that the person with ADHD does not have such as cleaning and organizing your house or office.
Lessons of Success and Implications for Resilience
Developing the skill for flexibility and adjustment is important for individuals with ADHD. If the individuals with ADHD can incorporate these seven items to enhance success the author indicates: "reports of its effectiveness are excellent from a variety of sources."
