I want my ADHD strengths to be valued
ADHD and your neurodiversity strengths!
By using brain scans we can see that there are differences in how brains think, learn, and process information.
This is called neurodiversity. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD] is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects behaviour and can result in inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. One in eight people have ADHD and it affects everyone differently.
ADHD is one of a range of neurodiverse conditions, others include dyslexia, dyspraxia, autism and Tourette's.
If you have ADHD you are likely to have strengths in specific areas. For example you may be really good at a sport, computer gaming or cooking, as you have been able to focus on developing your skills in something you enjoy.
These days employers don't want to employ all the same sorts of people who think the same - they want creative people who think and behave differently. They are also changing the working environment to make sure that everyone can enjoy their job and be successful.
There has been research looking at what you may be good at or enjoy if you have ADHD.
Do any of these strengths sound like you?
- Passionate about things that are important to you.
- Creative thinking and practical problem solving
- Tend to be more comfortable taking risks and pushing boundaries.
- Calm in high pressure and fast pace situations
- Can hyper-focus on specific tasks
- Can you do well in ultra structured environments and stay on track.
Famous people with ADHD include; Simone Biles, Justin Bieber, Jamie Oliver and Richard Branson
Selection of jobs using the value of I want my ADHD strengths to be valued
- Actor
- Architect
- Business development manager
- Chef
- Dancer
- Emergency care assistant
- Entertainer
- Fashion designer
- Firefighter
- Hairdresser
- Hospital doctor
- Interior designer
- Musician
- Nurse
- Paramedic
- Personal trainer
- Police officer
- Religious leader
- Roadie
- Social worker
- Special educational needs (SEN) teacher
- Speech and language therapist
- Stage manager
- Stagehand
- Stockbroker
- Street food trader
- Tattooist
- TV or film camera operator
- Web designer
See more jobs...
Check out more than 800 other job profiles. The above list is just a selection of jobs where your ADHD talents will be valued, there will be loads more!
These job sectors might be good places to start if you want a job where your ADHD talents will be valued, there are jobs in lots of other sector too, click through to the job profiles to find out the details.
Inspirational talks:
Tedx - Making ADHD your Superpower - George Cicci
Tedx - what its like to live with ADHD? - Jessica McCabe
Ways to find a job that will value your ADHD
Many employers understand the benefits of a neurodiverse workforce - and are seeking ADHD employees who can offer different ways of creative thinking and problem-solving.
- The Employers network for Equality and Inclusion is keen to employ a diverse workforce. Check out the list of 400 members here.
- Evenbreak advertises vacancies from employers committed to looking at what people can do.
- Employability run internship, and graduate programmes, as well as vacation schemes with large employers such as Bloomberg, JP Morgan and Google. They say; ‘Applying through us, you can be confident that you will be competing on a level playing field, and be provided with full support. You can also benefit from our employer insight days and skills workshops to maximise your chances of success.’
- Many employers are demonstrating they are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce by signing up to the government's disability confident scheme.
- There is also money you can apply for to help you in your job through Access to Work. For example some people with ADHD have used the support to access coaching in the work place.
Further Information
If you think you may have ADHD and want to find out more about what it is and how to get a diagnosis - check out these organisations for advice.
Other Careerpilot tools you can use to find jobs that suit you
Do the Job Quiz and see what sectors match what you want from work.
Do the Skills Profile to see what skills you have now and save them to talk about on applications