Whether individuals with ADD or ADHD are have special skills or abilities is an intriguing question. I agree that there are individuals who have ADD or ADHD and who are capable of making tremendous contributions to society. What intrigues me is whether there is a higher proportion of such individuals among the population of people with ADD or ADHD than there is among the population of people who don’t have ADD or ADHD. If there is, then we might be justified in considering the condition both a blessing and a curse. I don’t know, however, of any careful research on it. Perhaps other readers do; if so, I hope they’ll point us to it.

Thanks, again, for the thoughts.

I think there’s a point, to be explored, though. Dyslexic students often tend to develop other skills as a way of retreat. It may or may not be inherent to the condition, but being alienated from the commerce of print tends to lead one to other paths.

Attention Deficit (Hyperactive) Disorder, however, is a whole different ball of wax. I think that there are some brilliantly naturally divergent thinkers there, who, given the skills and ability to execute tasks, can and have made tremendous contributions.

What’s important though, si to see these conditions as something other than pure deficits. As educators we know that these individuals are capable of greatness and brilliance, and it’s critical to teach that these can be tapped and brought out to the world. You know?

Thanks for blogging. I’m enjoying your posts very much.