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AUGUST 2024

The superpowers of ADHD

With more than 14,000 Costco employees or their family members diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), many of us are familiar with the struggles of ADHD. Being easily distracted, forgetful or fidgety are just a few. The condition can be challenging for kids, teens and adults, and may look different for everyone. But did you know that ADHD often comes with superpowers?

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ADHD is not the same for everyone

ADHD is a variety of symptoms that can be grouped into two main types:

ADHD in males

Males are three times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than females, often because the combined type symptoms are more visible at school, at home or at work.

ADHD in females

Women may go undiagnosed for decades as their symptoms may be less noticeable. Girls with ADHD are often good at masking or flying under the radar by hiding their condition.

ADHD superpowers

In a recent employee podcast, Costco Director of Employee Benefits, Celeste Parker, spoke with Brightline* about her family’s challenges with ADHD and anxiety, as well as the “superpowers” she sees in her son, who was diagnosed with ADHD. 

Here are some of the many strengths and talents that can be found in those with ADHD: 

• Lots of energy: Enthusiasm for life can bring drive, motivation and lots of activities to enjoy. This extra energy can also help kids with ADHD excel at sports, which can be a source of pride for them.

• Strong problem-solving skills: Most kids with ADHD are very good at thinking on their feet. 

• Creative thinking: Thinking outside the box means different ideas and perspectives that can lead to innovative solutions.  

• Ability to zone in and focus: Hyperfocus is a state of intense concentration, which can be very helpful when a big project is due the next day, or if there’s a topic your child wants to learn more about.  

• Multi-tasking and flexibility: The ADHD brain can jump quickly from one topic to another, allowing for adaptability and the ability to thrive in chaos.  

How to help develop your child’s superpowers

The challenging behaviors naturally get a lot of attention. Some of the qualities that come along with neurodiversity have a positive side, too — including instincts and skills that can be nurtured to help your child grow steady, confident and strong. You can help your child identify and focus on their strengths and build their self-esteem.

Wondering if your child has ADHD?

Your Costco benefits can help. Take Brightline’s Pediatric Mental Health Quiz. Answer a few questions about your child to get important insights into what they may be experiencing, plus helpful tips and guidance on when more support may be needed. If you’re ready to seek help for your child, visit HelloBrightline.com/Costco to get started. 

Parenting a child — with ADHD or without — is not a perfect science. Strive for balance between the good moments and the hard ones, and give everybody some grace when that balance is hard to find.

Wondering if you have ADHD?

We all experience some of these symptoms from time to time. But if they are severe enough to impact daily life, help is available. Coping strategies, therapy and medication when needed can make life more manageable and help you flourish. Call Resources for Living at 833-721-2320 (TTY: 711) or visit RFL.com/Costco to access six free counseling sessions per issue yearly, for you, each of your household members regardless of age, and each of your dependent children up to age 26 who may live away from home.

*Available on the mainland only.

Sources:
Brightline. Your child has been diagnosed with ADHD. What now?
Brightline. Blog: The Superpowers of ADHD 
Brightline. Infographic: Good girls don’t have ADHD.
Mayo Clinic. Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) – Symptoms and causes
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)