Please Stop Calling ADHD My “Superpower”
I had a different post planned for today, but I need to get something off my chest.
I’m currently reading a book about ADHD in women. Supposedly it’s a life manual from the perspective of someone with lived experience. ’Great,’ I thought, ‘just what I was looking for!’. Finally, some realistic advice that wouldn’t feel out-of-touch.
Sadly, it only took until page 21 to leave a sour taste in my mouth with a whole chapter dedicated to the benefits of ADHD, framing many of the symptoms as ‘superpowers’. Sigh. It’s not the first time I’ve seen this narrative perpetuated, and I’m sure it won’t be the last.
I can see where this kind of toxic positivity comes from - the desire to make a stand against a world that tears down neurodivergent people. I’d be lying if I didn’t agree that ADHD does come with some advantageous traits, like hyperfocus, empathy, and creativity.
But, it’s considered a disability for a reason. Every one of my ‘superpowers’ comes with its kryptonite: something that holds me back from acting the hero, and instead leaves me feeling like the damsel in distress.
Sure, I can hyperfocus on a task for hours.
But what about the times I get stuck on the wrong task? There are days I get stuck scrolling through TikTok or reorganising a cupboard or reading a book for hours on end, while neglecting the items on my actual to-do list.
What about the times I neglect my health for a task? Sometimes I’ll forget to eat, drink or use the bathroom for hours on end because of the time blindness that comes with being locked into a task.
Sure, my ADHD opens up limitless creativity.
But what about the hours I spend in task paralysis? Endless creativity is useless to me when I find myself overwhelmed by options, unable to put any of it to use. Sometimes I can’t even wash the dishes, let alone write a book.
Sure, I’m sensitive and empathetic.
But what about the rest of my emotional extremes? I’ve had relationships and friendships end because I didn’t understand the effect ADHD has on emotional dysregulation. I feel stupid and immature after I blow up at something as insignificant as dying in a video game. My rejection sensitivity regularly sends me into negative thought spirals.
Sure, I’m resilient.
But what about the system that made me that way? My resilience has only built up thanks to the years of trauma that come with growing up undiagnosed in a system that wasn’t built for me.
These commentators mean well, but by telling us we’re superheroes, they’re telling us that we don’t need saving.
In reality, many people with ADHD are desperately crying out for support and receiving none. Framing ADHD as a superpower contributes to the harmful narrative that already perpetuates our society and healthcare system: that when ADHD presents as a struggle, it’s nothing more than an excuse and we should be able to manage it by ourselves.
A glossary of some of the terms I’ve used in this post:
Hyperfocus: a phenomenon that reflects one's complete absorption in a task, to a point where a person appears to completely ignore or 'tune out' everything else. (via National Institutes of Health)
Time blindness: a cognitive condition that causes difficulties in perceiving and managing time, often leading to challenges in punctuality and planning. (via Healthline)
Task paralysis: a combination of being overwhelmed by what's in front of you, disinterest in the task itself, and a negative expectation that you can accomplish it. (via Psychology Today)
Emotional dysregulation: when an individual has difficulty regulating their emotions. They may feel overwhelmed, have difficulties controlling impulsive behaviors, or have angry outbursts. (Medical News Today)
Rejection sensitivity: Someone high in rejection sensitivity will often interpret benign or mildly negative social cues—such as a partner not answering a text message immediately—as signs of outright rejection. They may disregard other more logical explanations, as well as reassurances on the part of the supposed rejector. (via Psychology Today)