Career Challenges and ADD: We Have a Choice!

It isn't always easy to smile. Over fifteen years ago, I became painfully aware of the challenges, and sometimes cruel ramifications of an Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). In those years, we knew relatively little about the causes, manifestations, and emotional toll of ADD. This was long before it was"fashionable" to be interested in ADD/ADHD, and the number of knowledgeable experts was limited.

As our family struggled to cope with the erratic, tension-producing nature of ADD, I learned how deeply rooted it was in our physiology. I realized that I had always lived inside an ADD body, and as with many adults, painful childhood memories began to make sense. I built my practice in career counseling with special interest for those individuals experiencing similar challenges.

Challenge can be the start or end of our "whole picture." We have the choice to live our lives "leading with our strengths," or offering our challenges as excuses for our failures. We can refer to ourselves as "disabled" or we can show the world our special "gifts." As a career counselor, I work to assist clients in identifying their special talents. If we, as humans, are made up of hundreds of "puzzle pieces," does it not make sense to first define ourselves by referring to those parts that shine brightly? When we look at Christopher Reeve, who was paralyzed when he was thrown off a horse, do we see disability, or do we see outstanding strength of will and character that catapults him into productive action?

When we assess our many "puzzle pieces" and find that we do have a list of strengths, what process should we use to make the most them? First, build heavily on the assets. Find out just how strong they are and how they can best be utilized. Work with a counselor or mentor to delve into the extent of the skill or ability, and where it can be appreciated in today's world. Don't just consider the interest areas, but also include talents, temperament factors, personality types, and value systems that make up the whole person.

Second, identify the challenge areas. Furthermore, identify how the barriers reveal in the individual, as combined with the strengths. No two people experience their disability in exactly the same way, as we have seen with Christopher Reeve. If we understand how it "manifests" in each case, only then can we competently address the appropriate "remedy."

The third step is to learn about the various avenues for remedy. That is, to acquire the tools necessary to offset the challenge. That is not to say that for every disability there is a "cure." What it does suggest however, is that there are strategies, modifications, accommodations and often medications that can assist in allowing the long list of strengths to be in control. Often it requires trying out several of these interventions until the right one(s) are identified. Yes, this does take patience and a lot of work, but the reward is great.

Finally, the fourth step is acceptance of what cannot be altered. The use of humor, sensitive dialogue, and support can adjust the strength of will and character. In my book, The Other Me: Poetic Thoughts on ADD for Adults, Kids and Parents, I have tried to offer the use of humor, sensitive dialogue and support in dealing with ADD. As with any other disorder, we possess the choice to live our lives, not offering our challenges as excuses for our failures, but rather "leading with our strengths." We can choose to hide, or we can choose to persevere, smile and be The Other Me.

About the author: Wilma R. Fellman, M.Ed., is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a private practice in Career Counseling and Life Planning. She specializes in helping adults with ADD make career decisions and work-related modifications. Ms. Fellman has combined over 15 years experience in career counseling with an intense personal interest in Attention Deficit Disorders. She co-starred in the Specialty Press Video Series of Success in College and Career with Attention Deficit Disorders. She serves as a Professional Advisory Board Member for Eastern Oakland County CH.A.D.D., and organized the first Metro Area Adult ADD Network for professionals assisting adults with ADD. A former teacher of writing, literature, drama and debate, Ms. Fellman is an experienced poet and author of the book, The Other Me: Poetic Thoughts on ADD for Adults, Kids and Parents. Her counseling practice aims at informing and guiding adults. Her poetry aims at sharing the frustrations of ADD while lifting the burden through humor. She resides in Michigan and can be reached at E-Mail address WRZF@aol.com