The ADHD Strengths Iceberg

Source: Training Development Resources/ADHD — Jesse J. Anderson (2021), social graphic

Contrasts what people assume ADHDers are good at (talking fast, creativity) against what ADHDers are actually good at, once you look beneath the surface: problem-solving under pressure, working on literally anything they find interesting, hyperfocus, empathy, unique intuition, crisis management, risk-taking, learning, brainstorming, entrepreneurship, getting a lot done in a short amount of time, forgiveness, optimism, competitive drive, sense of humor, imagination, authenticity, and mastering new hobbies/challenges. Useful as a strengths-based reframe to offer a young person who's only ever heard ADHD described in deficit terms.

ADHD & Low Self-Esteem: Tips for Building Confidence

Source: Training Development Resources/ADHD — @adhdactually social graphic

Confidence-building tips specific to the ADHD experience: don't downplay any win, no matter how small; catch and stop self-deprecating jokes about yourself; share your wins and encourage others to share theirs; limit time with people who don't see you as amazing; and be mindful that what you read online isn't just reinforcing negative ADHD stereotypes. Names explicitly that confidence-building with ADHD is slow and often invisible progress, which is itself a useful thing to normalize with a young person who's frustrated by their own pace of change.

Tips for Staying Focused on Work

Source: Training Development Resources/ADHD — @adhdactually social graphic

A practical grab-bag of focus strategies: reduce impulsive phone use by turning off notifications and setting the phone to greyscale; stay hydrated and make sure to eat; use noise-cancelling headphones or familiar background video-game/instrumental music; use scent to create a focus-associated atmosphere; color or doodle while listening on audio-only tasks; keep to-do lists realistic by breaking tasks down and not overloading them; and try body doubling — having another person present (in person or virtually) simply to work alongside, which can meaningfully help with follow-through even without that person actively helping.