Every Thursday night, my Queens of Distraction group meets with me to discuss a new topic each week. Last week, it was ADHD and Creativity.
One definition of creativity is the ability to generate ideas that are both novel and useful, but let’s not get so technical here. What I’ve read in research journals is that it’s not really all that clear whether people with ADHD are more creative than those without ADHD.
But as a clinician in the field and someone who’s talked to MANY adults with ADHD, I see so much creativity within us.
Some famous, creative people who have shared that they have ADHD are Emma Watson, Whoopie Goldberg, Liv Tyler, Solange Knowles, Justin Timberlake, Johnny Depp, Adam Levine, Howie Mandel, will.i.am, Michele Rodriguez, and many more.
Personally, I have many friends and acquaintances with ADHD who are super creative artists and musicians.
Creativity can show itself not just in the visual arts, music, writing, etc., but in how we find novel ways to solve problems. We also see a lot of ADHD in the world of entrepreneurs as well as in marketing, computers, PR and wow…let me share this: I have been interviewed by the media many times over the years and I cannot tell you how many of the interviewers have quietly (secretively) shared with me that they have ADHD.
Getting back to my group discussion. I was wondering: are we more creative because we have to be, in order to get through life, ie get things done, not be late for meetings, etc? Or are we born creative and are more apt to go into creative endeavors?
Another explanation for our creativity could be that we cannot tolerate boredom. Creative thinking, creative pursuits are extremely stimulating. The question I posed to the group and now ask here is:
Is creativity a part of our ADHD so we don’t get bored or are we easily bored so we find ways to have creative outlets?
Are you a creative type? Do you think it’s part of having ADHD? If so, why? Share your thoughts and your areas of creative interests in the comment section, below.
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Terry’s Top Hits
I was recently a guest speaker at Bob Dietrich’s ADHD Toolbox LIVE.
I covered a topic that dug deep into my soul- my daughter’s story of her illness as a toddler that made me think about how we parents must work through some hard, painful feelings in order to be effective in raising and caring for our children with differences, whether that be ADHD, a chronic medical condition, psychiatric illness, etc.
This session is not for the faint – hearted but I hope those of you who listen, will come away with a deeper understanding of what we need to do to come to a place of acceptance.
Listen to my session HERE: Challenging Kids: We Need to Work on Ourselves, First
* The ADHD Toolbox LIVE features 11 interviews with 11 experts on ADHD and other behavioral and learning challenges.
In this program, some of the topics discussed are:
Why do you need a diagnosis? How a leaky gut can look like ADHD. How to overcome early childhood trauma. How Brain Development can help overcome children’s challenges Strategies to manage anxiety, and more.
Additionally, each speaker provides a free gift to help you on your journey, and each speaker will receive a recorded two -hour workshop to help you understand what’s happening in your child’s brain that causes they challenges.
Purchase a lifetime access to the ADHD Toolbox Here.
Terry’s Top Picks
Popper Fidgets: 4 great fidgets to help you or your child stay calm, stay focused, stay happy! Who doesn’t love to pop bubbles?
Check it out HERE.
ADHD Top Reads
This one is flying off the shelf!
My friends, Drs. Ned Hallowell and John Ratey blew this one out of the park. These two started it all with their first book, Driven to Distraction. Now, they return with this gem.
Struggling to tackle paper piles, toy piles, projects and more?
Then join me and your fellow Queens of Distraction online in a private, secret room where we Get Things Done. We “get” it and are here to help you.
EXCLUSIVE! LOOKING FOR ONE-ON-ONE HELP WITH ME?
ZOOM CONSULTATIONS!
Feeling stuck? Need to get your life back in order? I can help!
Let’s work together to help you get back on track (or get started on your journey!).I provide short-term sessions offering psycho-educational information, resources, support, and mini-coaching to help you get started- whether you’re looking to find someone to evaluate you or if you’ve been struggling your whole life and are ready to get unstuck, I can help.
I get it. Because I have ADHD, too, and over 25 years of experience working with adults with ADHD.
Learn more and set up an appointment here
(I have a limited number of slots available; if you don’t see a time that works for you, email me at terry@ADDconsults.com).
* Like this article? I write about all kinds of ADHD experiences here on my website in the blog section, and if they spark something in you, talk to me! I offer online consultations for men and women with ADHD.
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*Disclosure: If you buy any products above via my affiliate links, I may get enough money to buy a few candy bars and popcorn (but not enough for a pony)!
