>It is akin to saying losing a leg is not a disease
Well, it's not. Losing a leg is losing a leg. It is not a disease.
It is, however, a disability, which is something ADHD may be.
But, unlike losing a leg, ADHD is not just a disability. It comes with a different set of abilities. Understanding that is key for a fruitful life and relationships - and that applies to both people with ADHD and without.
>ADHD is executive function disorder where person is unable to manage time and memory which is required for basic living. It may also come with issues in emotional regulation and other problems.
Note that we are not in disagreement here.
A disorder is not a disease. And executive dysfunction and time (mis)management are not the only ADHD traits. There are many others.
ADHD traits become symptoms when they impede one's life. Those can be treated and managed, but not cured (unlike diseases).
>It is NEVER an asset.
This statement is patently wrong and harmful.
People with ADHD are known to handle emergencies better than neurotypical people, for example. Having an immensely diverse set of skills and interests (which ADHD people are amenable to) is an asset.
So is hyperfocus[1].
There's a reason why you are more likely to find people with ADHD among software engineers and musicians.
It would be wrong to say that ADHD is an asset in today's world. But it can be, if you understand how your brain functions like, and have the right expectations.
What you say is akin to saying that a racecar is NEVER an asset because it gets stuck in the mud, unlike a tractor. Well, duh! It doesn't belong there.
>You-problem becomes me-problem if you want to keep job/friends/partner or simply you want to keep track of the keys and turn off the gas.
Sure, but again, you are not evaluating ADHD from the perspective of the person that has ADHD. Of course if you only look at how it inconveniences others, you will arrive at the conclusion that ADHD only inconveniences others.
Garbage in, garbage out.
Also, your comment is just the example of the society having idiotic/unreasonable expectations that creates a problem. Let's look at it again:
>or simply you want to keep track of the keys and turn off the gas.
Or you can simply install a door with a code lock (or put a spare key in a lockbox) and use an electric stove with auto shut-off (or instant pot/air fryer/microwave) to cook.
Presto! The problem isn't caused by ADHD, it's caused by having an expectation to do things that are hard for ADHDers when other solutions exist.
Which is another perspective of how ADHD is an asset: ADHD-friendly devices, interfaces, and ways of doing things are, in general, more human-friendly.
ADHD makes it hard to remember to switch off the lights, and easy to invent the automatic shut-off sensor. Which, ultimately, is good for everyone.
Well, it's not. Losing a leg is losing a leg. It is not a disease.
It is, however, a disability, which is something ADHD may be.
But, unlike losing a leg, ADHD is not just a disability. It comes with a different set of abilities. Understanding that is key for a fruitful life and relationships - and that applies to both people with ADHD and without.
>ADHD is executive function disorder where person is unable to manage time and memory which is required for basic living. It may also come with issues in emotional regulation and other problems.
Note that we are not in disagreement here.
A disorder is not a disease. And executive dysfunction and time (mis)management are not the only ADHD traits. There are many others.
ADHD traits become symptoms when they impede one's life. Those can be treated and managed, but not cured (unlike diseases).
>It is NEVER an asset.
This statement is patently wrong and harmful.
People with ADHD are known to handle emergencies better than neurotypical people, for example. Having an immensely diverse set of skills and interests (which ADHD people are amenable to) is an asset.
So is hyperfocus[1].
There's a reason why you are more likely to find people with ADHD among software engineers and musicians.
It would be wrong to say that ADHD is an asset in today's world. But it can be, if you understand how your brain functions like, and have the right expectations.
What you say is akin to saying that a racecar is NEVER an asset because it gets stuck in the mud, unlike a tractor. Well, duh! It doesn't belong there.
>You-problem becomes me-problem if you want to keep job/friends/partner or simply you want to keep track of the keys and turn off the gas.
Sure, but again, you are not evaluating ADHD from the perspective of the person that has ADHD. Of course if you only look at how it inconveniences others, you will arrive at the conclusion that ADHD only inconveniences others.
Garbage in, garbage out.
Also, your comment is just the example of the society having idiotic/unreasonable expectations that creates a problem. Let's look at it again:
>or simply you want to keep track of the keys and turn off the gas.
Or you can simply install a door with a code lock (or put a spare key in a lockbox) and use an electric stove with auto shut-off (or instant pot/air fryer/microwave) to cook.
Presto! The problem isn't caused by ADHD, it's caused by having an expectation to do things that are hard for ADHDers when other solutions exist.
Which is another perspective of how ADHD is an asset: ADHD-friendly devices, interfaces, and ways of doing things are, in general, more human-friendly.
ADHD makes it hard to remember to switch off the lights, and easy to invent the automatic shut-off sensor. Which, ultimately, is good for everyone.
See my point?
[1]https://romankogan.net/adhd/#Hyperfocus