Positive ADHD statistics & studies that may surprise & inspire you:

There is no shortage of information out there reminding us of ADHD’s downfalls. And no doubt, having ADHD does come with its share of challenges. But in this post, we take a look at the ADHD statistics and studies that shine a light on the GIFTS that come with having ADHD.

We are not going to dwell on the drawbacks of having ADHD which is so often the focus. Instead we are going to take a look at studies that show us that if we have ADHD, we might also have some pretty special superpowers.  

Let’s start with some interesting general ADHD statistics:

The CDC (The Center for Disease Control & Prevention) cites national data that shows that more than 15 million adults in the US have ADHD. Approximately one-third of adults with ADHD take stimulant medication, and more than half of adults with ADHD were not diagnosed until adulthood…as was my experience. 

The following ADHD statistics and studies show above-average performances in the following areas:

Keep in mind that the following attributes may vary from person to person because ADHD manifests itself differently from person to person. Also, everyone is in a different place in their journey of learning to navigate their own ADHD.

I like to think of our brains as a fast car. While neurodivergent brains drive normal cars, we drive turbocharged ones. We start out not being so good at managing all that power. But as we get older, we get better at navigating our own super-powered brains. With time, we not only get better at driving, but we learn to start harnessing our special abilities.

1. We excel at being creative.

Multiple studies have concluded that those with ADHD are highly creative, especially when given a goal-oriented task.  A study conducted by the  University of Michigan found that 49% of adults with ADHD demonstrate above-average creative thinking abilities.

The National Library of Medicine also conducted a study that concluded that “People with ADHD often excel in specific creative tasks that match their preferences and abilities.”  People with ADHD are more likely to reach higher levels of creative thought and to experience more success with their creative endeavors.

2. ADHD statistics show that many of us are satisfied with our jobs.

In a survey conducted by ADDitude Magazine with nearly 1,450 ADHD adults half said they are “extremely” or “very” satisfied with their job.

According to this survey, “the majority of adults with ADHD are satisfied with their work and feel their current positions showcase and leverage their strengths”. According to ADDitude Magazine readers, the key to being happy in the workplace has to do with finding work that you love and that harnesses your strengths rather than showcasing your limitations.  

3. Many of us are good at being spontaneous.

Medical News Today states that “Many people enjoy the unplanned moments and adventures that keep life interesting and individuals with ADHD excel in this area.” I’d say that this is the upside to our tendency to be impulsive at times. I also think this is another way of saying that ADHDers have more fun, don’t you? 

4. We often possess superior hyperfocus capabilities.

Studies have shown that 78% of those with ADHD report experiencing states of intense concentration leading to exceptional productivity. This ability is particularly valuable in work that requires deep, sustained attention to specific projects.  

Of course, the catch here is that you have to be interested in the task at hand to maintain your focus. So while our minds have a tendency to wander when bored, on the flip side, we can stay razor-focused and be ultra-productive when we are motivated to do so.

5. We can be a powerhouse of energy and enthusiasm.

According to Healthline “Individuals with ADHD often have seemingly endless amounts of energy that they’re able to channel toward success on the playing field, in school, or at work”.  

We can often harness this energy to achieve goals and get things done. I know for me, this is my superpower. It’s how I can make so much rapid progress organizing a room with a client. I am enthusiastic about seeing the transformation and I can bring a lot of energy to whatever it is that I am doing.

There are numerous individuals out there who have been able to use this energy and enthusiasm to their benefit, to become dynamic and engaging presenters or exceptional athletes. The list of ultra-successful people with ADHD is long, including many celebrities and athletes.

6. We are excellent problem solvers.

According to Focus Bear “Adults with ADHD exhibit remarkable adaptability, and out-of-the-box thinking when confronted with challenges.” There is always more than one way to solve a problem and those with ADHD are able to see things from every possible angle when faced with challenges.

Our ability to problem solve can be tied into this and serve us well here.  We are able to find solutions to problems and adjust as needed by thinking outside of the box. Other studies also found that many ADHDers excel at divergent thinking which refers to an ability to generate novel, original, or ingenuous ideas.

7. We often are adventurous and courageous.

You likely are already aware that those with ADHD are often thrill seekers. But what you might not have known is that as a whole, studies suggest that we lean towards being nonconformists, being brave, and having a stronger sense of integrity.

We are not only good at seeking out fun and excitement, but we are also often not afraid to step out and try new things. This can also serve us well when it comes to taking necessary career risks that can lead to more success. 

8. We are resilient.

According to ADHD Direct, “Individuals with ADHD tend to develop remarkable resilience and adaptability skills. We learn to navigate unpredictable situations, manage symptoms, and persevere when the going gets rough.

Medical News Today states that “People with ADHD are able to build up resilience because they have practiced recovering from setbacks more often than other individuals.” By overcoming obstacles that get in our way, as a result of having divergent brains, we become resilient and strong. 

9. We are good at having conversations.

According to Medical News Today, “People with ADHD are often great conversationalists. This ability applies especially to those who have more of the inattentive type of ADHD.” Other studies also found that those with ADHD initiate social conversations with relative ease.

Being good at sparking up a conversation easily with others can be beneficial in many ways, especially if you have a job that requires you to communicate with others in a way that is natural and engaging. 

Other evidence shows that many individuals with ADHD have dynamic and engaging personalities and are generally good at being persuasive in their social interactions. This is why people with ADHD often make great sales professionals.

10. We may possess transcendence.

What is meant by transcendence? “Transcendence is the ability to notice talent or beauty in the environment and associated feelings of awe, wonder, elevation and admiration.” Studies show that those with ADHD possess a gift for noticing excellence and beauty in things like music, writing, and nature.

We experience the emotion that accompanies these feelings of awe. And we have the emotional responsiveness that is associated with it.  

I personally think this last attribute is pretty cool. 

If you would like to learn more about managing your ADHD, especially when it comes to staying organized and productive at home click here.