Spotlight: Creativity! Study Finds ADHD Kids Are More Creative

Assessing Thinking Patterns

Subjects were also asked to complete a questionnaire to help determine their preferred method of thinking when solving a problem. The study found that for the most part, those with ADHD clearly demonstrated more creative processes compared to their counterparts.

For example, those with ADHD were more likely to brainstorm several different approaches to one problem and to develop several problem-solving scenarios before settling on the best solution. The non-ADHD subjects were more likely to brainstorm and follow only one possible solution. The study credits the subjects' inhibition (or lack thereof) to help explain these differences.

It is important to note that this questionnaire measures preference — not ability. Individuals with ADHD prefer to use creative styles to solve problems. Whether they are good at it wasn't applicable.

The study found no significant difference among the ADHD subjects who were on medication, and those who weren't.

The Powers of Creative Thinking
People with ADHD usually have many different processes colliding in their heads at one time, making it less likely for them to rule out any possibilities when arriving at a solution. Therefore, their creative minds allow them to explore possibilities outside what is considered the "norm."

Creativity also allows an individual to gain confidence in his ideas and abilities, which can increase self-knowledge and morale. Some studies have even shown that creativity leads to a healthier lifestyle and fewer visits to the doctor.

With so many hurdles for ADHD kids to jump, such as lack of focus and difficulty with task completion, this new study brings light to a positive aspect of this disorder. The lack of inhibitory control, the same thing that makes people with ADHD so distracted, also gives way to some wonderful traits--creative minds and unlimited imaginations.