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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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The ADHD Advantage summary
Dale Archer
What you Thought Was a Diagnosis May Be Your Greatest Strength
11 mins
Brief summary
The ADHD Advantage by Dale Archer is a guide for individuals with ADHD or ADD. It explores the strengths of the ADHD brain and offers practical tips for managing symptoms and unlocking one's full potential.
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The ADHD Advantage
Summary of 4 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 4
ADHD is seen as a terrible affliction and is extremely overdiagnosed.
ADHD is often considered a serious medical epidemic that’s currently sweeping America. Being diagnosed with ADHD is viewed as a curse that can break up relationships and tear families apart.
However, all is not as it seems when it comes to this disorder.
The reality is that ADHD is massively overdiagnosed. There are, of course, clinical cases of ADHD that should be treated as such. But the number of misdiagnoses is shocking. Research has revealed that as many as 1.1 million children and young people in the United States have been diagnosed inappropriately.
Why does this happen?
Well, the reasons are fairly easy to pinpoint. For one, the criteria used in diagnosing ADHD are poorly formulated, and based on the assumption that cases of ADHD are black-and-white. If an individual exhibits five out of twelve possible ADHD symptoms, they don’t have ADHD. But just one additional point leads to a positive diagnosis. This leaves no room for the fluctuating and diverse nature of the condition. ADHD occurs on a spectrum, and so should be diagnosed according to a continuous scale.
On top of this, the list of symptoms itself is flawed. ADHD symptoms are based on subjective observations by parents and doctors. Evaluative statements such as “Is often easily distracted” or “Often fails to pay close attention to details” are based on how a child’s behavior appears to the observer, which often makes diagnoses unclear and uncertain. Moreover, some symptoms don’t belong on the list at all. Hyperactivity – typically associated with ADHD – is something exhibited by nearly every child, and most grow out of it.
Finally, there are far too few ADHD specialists. There are only about 8,300 of them in the United States. Compare that with the number of family doctors – roughly 54,000 – and you see the problem. Because of this, family doctors often make diagnoses, and their lack of experience in the field makes a misdiagnosis all the more likely.
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What is The ADHD Advantage about?
The ADHD Advantage (2015) provides new insights into ADHD, debunking false assumptions and unveiling the positive sides of this condition. These blinks explore how anyone with ADHD – children, young people and professionals alike – can be nurtured and supported to reach their full potential.
The ADHD Advantage Review
The ADHD Advantage (2015) is an insightful book that explores the strengths and advantages of having ADHD. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Offers a fresh perspective on ADHD, highlighting its unique benefits and emphasizing how to capitalize on them for personal and professional success.
- Presents practical strategies and techniques based on scientific research and real-life examples, allowing individuals with ADHD to thrive and reach their full potential.
- Engages readers through compelling narratives and relatable stories, making the book both informative and enjoyable, breaking the misconception that ADHD is boring.
Who should read The ADHD Advantage?
- Parents of children with ADHD seeking a different perspective on the condition
- Teachers who want to support children with ADHD in the classroom
- Anyone who’s struggled with ADHD
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The ADHD Advantage FAQs
What is the main message of The ADHD Advantage?
Discover the strengths of ADHD and learn how to leverage them for success.
How long does it take to read The ADHD Advantage?
The reading time for The ADHD Advantage varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The ADHD Advantage a good book? Is it worth reading?
The ADHD Advantage is a valuable read for anyone interested in understanding ADHD better and finding ways to utilize it as an advantage in their life.
Who is the author of The ADHD Advantage?
The author of The ADHD Advantage is Dale Archer.
What to read after The ADHD Advantage?
If you're wondering what to read next after The ADHD Advantage, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- ADHD 2.0 by Edward M. Hallowell and John J. Ratey
- The Better Brain by Bonnie J. Kaplan and Julia J. Rucklidge
- ADHD an A-Z by Leanne Maskell
- The ADHD Effect on Marriage by Melissa Orlov
- What Your ADHD Child Wishes You Knew by Sharon Saline
- Faster Than Normal by Peter Shankman
- Scattered Minds by Gabor Maté
- The Couple's Guide to Thriving with ADHD by Melissa Orlov & Nancie Kohlenberger
- The Human Condition by Hannah Arendt
- Lost and Founder by Rand Fishkin