In 1995, my world fell apart. My twin boys, then just 5 years old, were diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder—ADHD. At the time, much of the information available painted a bleak picture, suggesting they were destined for failure. I decided to fight back.
ADHD was first mentioned in 1902, when British pediatrician Sir George Still described it as “an abnormal defect of moral control in children.” He noted that while some children struggled to control their behavior, they were still intelligent. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) formally recognized ADHD as a mental disorder in the late 1960s. Fast forward to today: in 2023, an estimated 15.5 million U.S. adults (about 6% of the population) reported having an ADHD diagnosis—half of them diagnosed at age 18 or older. By 2022, more than 7 million U.S. children and adolescents (ages 3–17) had been diagnosed.
Personally, I see ADHD as a set of behavioral traits. After all, don’t we all sometimes have trouble sitting still, listening, or resisting the urge to scroll on our phones? We may be impulsive, preoccupied, or even hyper-focused. When I look at ADHD traits as potential strengths rather than weaknesses, it becomes easier to work with them.
Even though my boys are twins, each had his own unique traits. My first responsibility was to create an environment where they could succeed. School didn’t offer much flexibility, but as adults, I encouraged them to find work that fit them: jobs that allow physical activity, provide minimal distractions, or offer assistance with details. Like all of us, they developed coping mechanisms along the way. My role was not to excuse their behavior but to equip them with tools to thrive.
Here are a few practical tips I’ve learned:
- Focus on what you want to achieve. Never dwell on what you don’t want. Once an idea pops into mind, impulsivity makes it hard to filter whether it’s good or bad. ADHD often comes with strong drive—channel it positively.
- Keep it simple. Break things down one step at a time, with clear deadlines and frequent check-ins. Use bullet points—they’re easier to skim, especially if reading is a challenge. Be visual: pictures often communicate faster and clearer than words.
- Go beyond words. Engage touch, sight, and sound. If you can’t get their attention, gently place a hand on their shoulder and say their name. Use color to organize—red for urgent, green for sales, etc. Colored folders, paper, and ink can quickly focus attention. Even customized ringtones can sort messages and calls.
Interestingly, studies show that many adults with ADHD become entrepreneurs. They’re often skilled at juggling multiple activities, living in the moment, and bouncing back from setbacks quickly. My boys are no exception.
Living and working with ADHD—whether you have it yourself or support someone who does—can be challenging. But by focusing on strengths, keeping things simple, and engaging multiple senses, you can achieve great things.
Back in 1995, it felt like my world had collapsed. Now, nearly 30 years later, I find myself envious of my sons’ remarkable ability to adapt to whatever life throws their way.
Mary Guldan-Lindstrom, CPA