Forget Everything You Think You Know About ADHD

ADHD is one of the most commonly diagnosed neurological conditions in the world today, affecting nearly 10% of kids and a rising number of adults — BUT it’s also the most deeply misunderstood. The biggest misconception? That there are only challenges associated with having ADHD. The truth? There is an UPSIDE of ADHD.

Logo for Upside of ADHD

While the ADHD brain comes with some challenges that need to be managed through diagnosis and treatment, it also comes with some pretty impressive strengths. These strengths must be encouraged and allowed to flourish — not just for the good of individuals with ADHD, but for society as a whole. People with ADHD, that is properly managed, have the ability to become our top creators, innovators, entrepreneurs, and award-winning artists. In fact, there are countless examples of notable people with ADHD who have changed the course of history and even more today who are forging new paths in art, music, sports, business and technology.

We are at an inflection point in our understanding of neurodiversity and leveraging the strengths that neurodiversity brings to the table. It’s time to finally reframe our understanding of ADHD as not just a challenge, but also a strength. Join the Upside of ADHD movement to help millions of people unlock the incredible power and potential of the ADHD brain.

ADHD Resources

A.D.D. Resource Center

www.addrc.org

CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder)

www.CHADD.org

Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)

www.add.org

National Research Center on AHD

www.help4adhd.org

ADHD Experts

Ned Hallowell, M.D.

Neil is a board-certified child and adult psychiatrist and New York Times bestselling author of Driven to Distraction, which sparked a revolution in our understanding of ADHD.

Photo of Gail Saltz

Dr. Gail Saltz

Gail is a Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill-Cornell Medical College and a psychoanalyst with the New York Psychoanalytic Institute. She is the best selling author of The Power of Different: The Link Between Disorder and Genius.

Yamalis Diaz, Ph.D.

Yamalis is a clinical professor at NYU’s Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. In her practice, she focuses on behavioral intervention for young people diagnosed with ADHD.

Russell Barkley, Ph.D.

Russell is a clinical professor of psychology who has established research clinics for both child and adult ADHD patients. A clinical scientist, educator, and practitioner, he has published 25 books.

Media Resources

In 2021, Nancy Armstrong, founder of the Upside of ADHD and co-founder of The Armstrong Angel Foundation decided to address her own family's experience with ADHD in a breakthrough documentary film called, The Disruptors. Her singular focus is to educate and reframe how we think about ADHD based on what we now know from decades of research, and the knowledge and expertise from the world's leading ADHD doctors and experts. The Disruptors documentary shares experiences from a wide range of successful, game-changing professionals speaking candidly about their ADHD, and takes an immersive look at our approach and preconceptions around this deeply misunderstood neurological trait. The Disruptors debunks the most harmful myths, while taking an intimate look inside a diverse group of families currently navigating the challenges and surprising triumphs of living with ADHD.

Press

Dr. Yamalis Diaz and executive film producer Nancy Armstrong join "CBS Mornings" to discuss what they want people to know about ADHD.

Watch it here >

More Press >

The Documentary

View the trailer and learn where to watch full documentary here.

Learn More >

PSAs

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