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"The long term solution is, then, not eradicating ADHD's existence, but building a society in which individuals with ADHD can prosper in their unique ways." - Spot on the mark. Not that ADHD can be "eradicated" but having a society that makes it easier for people with ADHD to thrive is important. A lot of our institutions (education, employment etc) are a good fit for the "neurotypical" among us, which makes coping with ADHD difficult, even though it does go hand-in-hand with a lot of positive traits (empathy, creativity, "hyperfocus" etc). We can use the associated strengths to our advantage as much as we like, but for me, that means working staggered hours (my focus/drive follows a cycle that means I could be a 5am-er for a few days, then back to being a night owl when it comes to work output), and that just isn't possible with a day job, unless I put up with being half as productive. When I was consulting and working mainly from home, it was great as I could "surf the wave" of this cycle, so to speak, but with a day job, and the expectation that I can work regular hours alongside other people, it's no longer an option. That example is specific to me, but I'm sure there are loads of other ADHD traits that make life difficult simply because they don't fit the mold of "regular people" - my kids are a good example, especially my 11-year-old... he'll annihilate a book in a single sitting and he's an incredibly bright kid, but he's a straight-C student. |