Re: Now I'm just mad

[Wgreen]

I want to weigh in on behalf of non-ADDers.

We’ve had this conversation before: linear v. random/circuitous. “Linear” is catchy, but what exactly does it mean? Are we to assume that non-ADDers have no talent for innovative thinking? And that all we ADDers do? Why would we say that? I’ve known plenty of very creative people who show no obvious signs of ADD. No less than Thomas Edison once famously said, “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.” That, I think, is very instructive. Sure, you need a bright idea, but you also need to be able to develop it. My guess is that there are far more non-ADD “do-ers” who have impressive imaginations out there than “random” ADDers who can persevere long enough to work up a sweat. Where does creativity without persistence leave us?

Although researchers like Russell Barkley reject the assertion that ADD confers any special talents, I’m inclined to think TooFat does have a point. ADDers I know—and I know a few—do seem to possess a facility to spot interesting patterns and connect dots. I can’t prove it, but it rings true. Moreover, the experience of other forum members here would seem to support that theory. But I think it’s important to understand we’re not the ONLY ones with a spark. And while our minds may be adept at thinking horizontally, I’m not sure it always compensates for an inability to persevere and think “vertically” (concentrate).

In any event, it seems to me just a bit disingenuous to suggest that impulsive, sometimes irresponsible, occasionally dangerously distracted behavior is just “different.” I don’t know of any ADD guru, not even the great champion of the gift camp Ned Hallowell, who would suggest that ADD isn’t potentially bad business if not somehow mitigated.

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