by Kathie England

Perspective

As part of ADHD Awareness Month, I want to share a quote from Temple Grandin that appeared in the October 7, 2013 issue of TIME Magazine. The title of the article is “What’s Right with the Autistic Mind.” But I believe that Grandin’s perspective applies to all brain-based conditions, especially ADHD.

Grandin says, “For me, autism is secondary. My primary identity is as an expert on livestock. Autism is part of who I am, but I won’t allow it to define me. Some people’s difficulties are simply too severe for them to ever have the same opportunities I have. But for so many people on the spectrum, identifying their strengths can change their lives. Instead of only accommodating their deficit, they can cultivate their dreams.”

The TIME article was adapted from The Autistic Brain by Temple Grandin and Richard Panek (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013).

As a coach who specializes in working with individuals diagnosed with ADHD, I invite everyone to appreciate and apply Grandin’s perspective to ADHD too!

Celebrate strengths! Explore the possibilities for areas of challenge! Cultivate dreams!