The golden benefits of ADHD | Thomas Idem | TEDxArendal

Summary

This video script uses the analogy of a bar with absent bouncers to illustrate the challenges of ADHD, affecting attention, impulse control, and hyperactivity. It highlights the varying global perspectives on ADHD diagnosis and emphasizes the importance of self-definition and leveraging ADHD traits as strengths, such as energy, focus, and flexibility, to enhance life quality and personal identity.

Takeaways

• 🎶 The script uses the analogy of a bar with absent bouncers to describe the experience of having ADHD, where unfiltered information and lack of control lead to chaos.
• 🧩 ADHD is likened to having a low functioning filter for incoming information, affecting the brain's ability to process signals and impacting behavior.
• 📊 According to the Norway Public Health Institute, 3-5% of Norwegian children are diagnosed with ADHD, with two-thirds expected to still have it as adults.
• 🌍 Geographic disparities exist in ADHD diagnosis rates, with the U.S. having higher rates than Norway, and variations within the U.S. itself.
• 👶 Children living on the East Coast and near the poverty line are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD, suggesting potential socioeconomic influences.
• 🤔 The speaker, who is diagnosed with ADHD, emphasizes that the condition is not a barrier but a part of one's identity that can be leveraged positively.
• 🔑 The three main features of ADHD are hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity, which can be reframed as energy, focus, and flexibility.
• 🏋️‍♂️ Hyperactivity is described as having excess energy, which can be channeled positively rather than seen as a drawback.
• 🎯 Inattention can manifest as hyperfocus, where individuals with ADHD can concentrate intensely on a single task, a trait that can be advantageous.
• 💡 Impulsivity is reframed as flexibility, suggesting that the ability to act quickly can be a strength in certain situations.
• 🌟 The speaker encourages individuals with ADHD to view their condition as a set of skills and strengths, rather than limitations.

Q & A

What metaphor is used to describe ADHD in the transcript?

The metaphor used to describe ADHD is a popular bar with malfunctioning bouncers, leading to chaos as there is no control over incoming and outgoing people.

What does the bouncer metaphor signify in the context of ADHD?

The bouncer metaphor signifies the brain's ability to filter and manage incoming information, which is impaired in individuals with ADHD.

What are the three main features of ADHD mentioned in the transcript?

The three main features of ADHD mentioned are hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity.

How does hyperactivity manifest in individuals with ADHD?

Hyperactivity manifests as physical restlessness and fidgeting, both externally and internally.

What challenges do individuals with ADHD face in terms of attention?

Individuals with ADHD face challenges such as difficulties paying attention, getting easily distracted, and having problems following organized tasks and activities.

What is impulsivity in the context of ADHD?

Impulsivity in the context of ADHD involves difficulties waiting for one's turn, interrupting others, and finishing others' sentences.

What statistics are provided about ADHD in Norway?

According to the Norway Public Health Institute, between 3% and 5% of Norwegian children are diagnosed with ADHD, and two-thirds of those are expected to still have the diagnosis in adulthood.

How do ADHD diagnosis rates in the U.S. compare to those in Norway?

In the U.S., the ADHD diagnosis rates are higher, with variations depending on the region, such as higher rates on the East Coast compared to the West Coast.

What is the situation of ADHD diagnosis in France?

In France, the percentage of children diagnosed with and treated medically for ADHD is less than 0.5%.

What positive traits are associated with ADHD according to the speaker?

The speaker associates positive traits such as energy, hyperfocus, and flexibility with ADHD.

How does the speaker view their own ADHD diagnosis?

The speaker views their own ADHD diagnosis positively, emphasizing the potential benefits and skills associated with it, rather than just the challenges.

Outlines

00:00

🍻 The ADHD Bar Analogy

The speaker uses the analogy of a bar with ineffective bouncers to describe the experience of having ADHD. In this scenario, the bar represents the brain, and the bouncers symbolize the brain's filtering system. With the bouncers not doing their job, the bar becomes chaotic, much like how ADHD affects one's ability to process information and maintain focus. The analogy further explains how this lack of filtering can lead to difficulties in various aspects of life, such as maintaining order, managing tasks, and interacting with others. The speaker also touches on the varying prevalence of ADHD diagnoses in different regions and emphasizes that while ADHD can be burdensome, it is manageable and not an insurmountable obstacle.

05:03

🏃‍♂️ Hyperactivity, Inattention, and Impulsivity

This paragraph delves into the three main characteristics of ADHD: hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. Hyperactivity is described as a physical restlessness and an internal tension that contrasts with the ability to pay attention. Inattention is portrayed as a struggle to focus, especially when there are more interesting distractions available. The concept of 'hyperfocus' is introduced, where individuals with ADHD can intensely concentrate on a single task. Impulsivity is discussed as a tendency to act without thinking, which can be both a challenge and, in some contexts, a positive trait. The speaker also addresses the societal and self-perception issues associated with ADHD, encouraging a shift in perspective from viewing these traits as symptoms to recognizing them as skills with potential.

10:04

💡 Embracing ADHD as a Source of Potential

The final paragraph emphasizes the importance of self-definition and the potential inherent in individuals with ADHD. The speaker argues that by focusing on the positive aspects of ADHD, such as energy, focus, and flexibility, individuals can improve their life quality. The paragraph discusses the challenges of self-regulation, procrastination, and the tendency to seek novelty, which can lead to frequent changes in relationships and jobs. However, it also highlights the unique ability of people with ADHD to hyperfocus and the positive aspects of impulsivity, such as flexibility and creativity in problem-solving. The speaker concludes by encouraging those with ADHD to view their condition not as a limitation, but as a source of strength and potential.

Keywords

💡ADHD

ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. In the video, ADHD is likened to a bar with bouncers who aren't functioning properly, symbolizing the disorder's impact on the brain's ability to filter information and manage behavior. The script discusses the prevalence of ADHD and its effects on daily life, emphasizing the importance of understanding and managing it.

💡Filter

In the context of the video, a 'filter' refers to the brain's capacity to process and manage incoming information. The analogy of a bar with bouncers not working suggests that individuals with ADHD may have a 'low functioning filter,' leading to difficulties in focusing and being easily distracted, which is a central theme in understanding the disorder.

💡Hyperactivity

Hyperactivity is one of the three main features of ADHD, characterized by excessive movement and restlessness. The video uses the term to describe the physical aspect of ADHD, such as being fidgety and having difficulty staying still, which can manifest both internally and externally in individuals with the disorder.

💡Inattention

Inattention is another key feature of ADHD, which involves struggling to concentrate or pay attention to tasks. The script uses examples like a child who finds it hard to sit still and focus in school, illustrating how inattention can affect daily functioning and be mistaken for disinterest or lack of discipline.

💡Impulsivity

Impulsivity, the third main feature of ADHD, is the tendency to act without thinking or considering consequences. The video describes impulsivity as having difficulties waiting in line or for one's turn, and the tendency to interrupt others, which can lead to social challenges for individuals with ADHD.

💡Diagnosis

The term 'diagnosis' in the video refers to the process of identifying ADHD through medical assessment. It is mentioned in the context of varying rates of ADHD diagnosis in different countries, highlighting the disparity in how ADHD is recognized and treated globally.

💡Self-regulating skills

Self-regulating skills are the abilities to manage one's emotions, behaviors, and attention. The video suggests that individuals with ADHD may have low self-regulating skills, which can lead to issues with procrastination, prioritizing, and organizing, affecting their overall life management.

💡Hyperfocus

Hyperfocus is described in the video as the ability to intensely concentrate on a single task, often to the exclusion of everything else. While it's a characteristic often associated with ADHD, the video points out that it can be a unique trait that, when harnessed, can be beneficial.

💡Identity

Identity in the video refers to an individual's sense of self, which includes how they perceive their strengths and challenges. The speaker encourages those with ADHD to define themselves by their potential and abilities, rather than being limited by their diagnosis.

💡Potentials

Potentials are the latent abilities or qualities that individuals possess. The video emphasizes focusing on one's potentials as a way to achieve a good and lasting life quality, suggesting that by recognizing and developing these, individuals with ADHD can overcome challenges and thrive.

💡Energy

Energy in the context of the video is both a literal and metaphorical concept. It refers to the high levels of physical activity associated with hyperactivity but also to the enthusiasm and drive that individuals with ADHD can channel into positive actions, contributing to their identity and success.

Highlights

ADHD can be described as having a low functioning filter for incoming information.

An analogy of a bar with bouncers not working properly to illustrate the challenges of ADHD.

Difficulty in maintaining service levels in the bar due to the influx of unregulated guests, similar to the challenges faced by individuals with ADHD.

The importance of proper ordering of supplies and maintenance in a bar as a metaphor for the need for structured support systems for those with ADHD.

Approximately 3-5% of Norwegian kids are diagnosed with ADHD, with two-thirds expected to still have the diagnosis as adults.

Regional differences in ADHD diagnosis rates, with the U.S. having higher rates than Norway.

The speaker's personal experience with ADHD and working as a coach to help others manage their symptoms.

ADHD characterized by three main features: hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity.

The potential positive aspects of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity when reframed as energy, focus, and flexibility.

Challenges faced by individuals with ADHD in traditional educational and work environments.

The concept of 'hyperfocus' among individuals with ADHD, the ability to intensely concentrate on a single task.

The negative impact of using ADHD as an excuse for lack of effort or failure.

The importance of self-definition and viewing ADHD as a part of one's identity rather than a limitation.

The potential for individuals with ADHD to excel in areas that align with their unique strengths and abilities.

The speaker's personal journey and the various roles and experiences they've had, emphasizing the positive aspects of living with ADHD.

A call to action for individuals with ADHD to recognize and utilize their 'golden benefits' of energy, focus, and flexibility.

The conclusion emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and the potential for a high-quality life with ADHD.

Transcripts

[Music]

ADHD it can be described as having a low

functioning filter for incoming

information and imagine a bar a popular

bar it's Saturday it's summer the band

is playing and it's full of happy people

there is only one problem the bouncers

the bouncers they are not working

properly they're just sitting in a

corner playing poker or something like

that I don't know so there there is no

one at the door checking their arrival

arriving guests and there is no one to

throw out the ones that are not supposed

to be there anymore

so the bar keeper's they try to maintain

a certain level on the service but after

a while it gets hard for the waitresses

to get all the glasses back into the bar

again because of all the people of

course

so they swap from draft beer to selling

bottle beer but after a few hours there

they run out of bottles up just in

desperation they gives up and started

mixing free drinks of course straight

into the mouths of the guests and what a

night what a party it isn't until the

early morning hours that the party

gradually terminates itself to run a bar

like this it's okay for a short period

of time but after a while it will suffer

ordering of supplies isn't working

properly

maintenance is bit wobbly the manager is

definitely grumpy and the rest of the

stuff well they're not quite happy

either to have a small malfunction like

in like in the bouncer department that

will give a burden to the rest of the

system and this goes for people with

ADHD too having small malfunction in the

brain causes the brain the ability to

process signals in some areas to be

reduced and this have a huge effect

sometimes

on the person's behavior ADHD according

to the Norway Public Health Institute

somewhere between three and five percent

of Norwegian kids are diagnosed with

ADHD and two-thirds of those are

expected to still have the diagnosed

when adult that means in this room today

we are approximately 500 people I guess

in this room today about 16 of you have

ADHD ish but that number if we've been

to the u.s. that number would be higher

it would be maybe 26 maybe 30 it depends

on where in the u.s. you would have been

like in the in the western part of the

United States they have much lower ADHD

rates than on the East Coast and if

you're a kid living on the East Coast

and living close to the poverty line

then you definitely you are in

definitely in the danger zone of getting

an ADHD diagnosed but there is hope move

to France yeah we're the amount of kids

diagnosed with and treated medically for

ADHD is less than 0.5% there are

mystical variations here and there are

even those who don't believe that ADHD

exists me I'm diagnosed with ADHD and I

work as a coach amongst other things of

course well as a coach my job is not to

medicate people or diagnose them my job

is simply to help people sort out their

lives existence or not ADHD can be

characterized by three main features and

these are hyperactivity inattention and

impulsivity

and these are great character traits to

have as a pupil as a student employee as

a partner president

I'm not judging anyone

hi I'm hi I'm a struggling with the

hyperactivity inattention and a low

impulse control will you be my

girlfriend will hire me vote for me

maybe not

well hyperactivity it's a physical thing

it's about being restless and a bit

fidget also on the inside and in the

tension that is the opposite of paying

attention like having difficulties

paying attention at school getting

easily distracted having problems to

follow organized tasks and activities

like a yo-yo Thomas did you not get the

message well sir actually I got the

message I just didn't know exactly what

to do with it because I didn't pay

attention in the first place but and

then we have the impulsivity you know a

little bit here a little bit there and a

little bit of having difficulties

waiting in line waiting for my turn on

the other hand it's very easy for us to

interrupt and this to disturb other

people and it's very easy for us to

finish other people's sentences ah

especially when we know what were they

what they are supposed to say anyway

ADHD can appear as having low self

regulating skills it can appear as a

procrastinating postpone mania and

generally having problems with

prioritizing and organizing we get tired

of things and we get easily bored and

quite a few of us we we have this eager

to more or less constantly try something

new something exciting which leads us

into things such as high frequency real

monogamy and us regularly changing jobs

which again leads us to well not keeping

up to date with friends or colleagues

regarding

career advances and increased income and

we can take me for a for an example I'm

only forty four years also I expect this

list to grow in the future I've done a

few thing in my life and this is a few

of them and there I I was diagnosed as

an adult and I'm fine with that

I really am because I met people great

people that have been trained by parents

and other role models they have been

trained to use the diagnose as an

argument not to try betray trained to

user diagnosed as an excuse not to fail

resulting in lack of important learning

so you shouldn't go there you got ADHD

and you with your ADHD oh no one

definitely not go and no and no and no I

know because you've got ADHD no well I'm

glad I didn't know any better and I'm

definitely glad that my parents didn't

know any better

so we're worried yes hyperactivity

inattention and impulsivity vote for me

and you'll never go hungry again and

this is this is the description of a

person with ADHD for instance me but

it's not it's not me

I mean well according to some people

it's me actually but those are just

psychiatrists and stuff I just well

anyway I mean the point is who really

wants to be something like this if any

one and one one you want it to be okay

that's you jiggle-ator hyperactivity if

we dive into this well what does it mean

hyperactivity at least it entails having

energy in some way and if I ask you what

sounds better being hyper or having

energy I am willing to bet my diagnosis

that most of you would choose having

energy

and energy is a good thing to have in

attention I

I admit that sometimes it can be a bit

hard to pay attention especially if

there is something more interesting to

do and there is often something more

interesting things to do but that kid

that 7 year old kid who until one year

ago was running freely around in

kindergarten thinking about life is

great he's now in a totally different

situation he's in in a situation where

he's supposed to sit down and shut up

for 45 minutes a time and when he or she

is not paying attention it's not

necessarily because they don't have the

ability to concentrate it might as well

be because they are 100% occupied with

something completely different that

happens hyper focus the ability to

maintain focus on one assignment and

that assignment only a lot of people

with ADHD have that ability and adults -

and that is a unique trait to have

impulsivity a little bit here a little

bit there can it be positive yes of

course it can and I just get straight to

the point and say it but it's it can be

possible possibly positive because it's

not still civilly I choose to call it

flexibility because that's what it is

and I'm not trying to swipe the dirt

under the rug here and pretend that

everything is clean because after all

dirt is dirt where whatever wherever

they it is but I do mean that we will

get more of what we choose to give

attention to and by focusing on our

potentials we will achieve good and

lasting life quality when I work with

people ADHD or not it's a precondition

for me to work with people's views of

themselves energy focus and flexibility

those are words less limiting more

positive and with great

tential and these words there are

definitely not symptoms these words

there are skills important skills of an

and being an important part of our

identity having the energy to do what we

believe in to do more what we enjoy

because that will create more of the

right kind of energy which again

increases our chances of being satisfied

so that we one day or maybe everyday can

look in the mirror and say I am a human

resource a high ability to focus on the

key focusing on work on family and to

our personal important goals in life

having the flexibility to solve problems

in the creative way to move gallantly

between obstacles that come in our way

because they will come for me well for

me is pretty simple it boils down to one

thing defining oneself defining

ourselves and why on earth should we not

define ourselves in the best possible

way

this too is ADHD this is my ADHD and for

those of you out there especially those

16 or was it 19 in this room having ADHD

please do remember that these are our

golden benefits and thank you very much

for listening thank you

you