ADHD Accommodations and Support

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Recently, someone had asked me what my view was on the following, in regards to ADHD:

- What should a person with ADHD reasonably expect from society in terms of accommodations and support?

- To what extent should society make accommodations or allowances for ADHD disabilities?

- How hard should a person work to make their ADHD behavior/performance conform to that of people without disabilities?

My deepest belief is that we cannot rely on the government to take care of every individual in every circumstance. Unfortunately, we live outside the bell curve when it comes to "normal" needs. Therefore, I think we have to strive to do more with less. Condoleezza Rice was taught by her father early on that, as a black person years ago, she would have to work twice as hard to be considered half as good. She clearly has risen to the challenge. Sometimes adversity makes us stronger.

That being said, where accommodations exist, a person with ADHD should seek to use those accommodations. Why would we take a bright child, who has difficulty staying focused during a test and punish them, providing them a damaging label of a failing grade, and hurt their self-esteem? There are those who would see extra benefits of additional testing time, as an example, to be an unfair advantage. As a society, do we not have an obligation to reach the greatest potential of each of our citizens, even if they think differently? This seems to benefit the society as a whole if we can help all to hit their potential.

The person who has ADHD equally has an obligation to society, as well as themselves. We should always strive, in our lives, to self-improve and grow. We are equally responsible for our own success. This means that we should come to understand our differences - strengths and weaknesses alike. The more we can reduce our negatives and strengthen our positives, the more we are improving the overall society.

Conforming is not always the answer. In general, the best situation for a person's mental health and well-being is one in which we have built a life around our strengths. If you are a scatter-brained artistic type, then build a life celebrating your creative ability and have someone else manage the mundane details that drag you down. I wouldn't suggest that someone force themselves to conform to an environment that does not bring out the best in them.

Remind yourself that the only one who can change you or your life is you. No one will do it for you. Find your balance, seek self-improvement and then celebrate your ADHD!