Is having ADHD truly a hidden gift, or is this really just hype to cover up for the tremendous deficits the disorder presents? This year's CHADD conference was highlighted by two rare opportunities to explore both ends of the spectrum of how ADHD affects individuals. 

       First, we were treated to the antics of Canadian Comedians Patrick McKenna (from the Toronto Second City comedy troupe) and Rick Greene (The Red Greene Show).   With warmth and humor they exposed the raw emotional issues that impact those who have ADHD and have people in their lives who have ADHD.  Rick directed ADD and Loving It!, the award winning documentary.  In this one-hour film, Canadian comedy legend Patrick McKenna is after the truth.  "Everything you think you know about ADD and ADHD is wrong," he says. McKenna talks to researchers, specialists and doctors about ADHD. He also chats with ordinary Canadians & Americans who are dealing directly with the challenges of this common problem. Interwoven with these insights, Patrick shares his own life story and his struggle with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD, and his present success in taking on Adult ADHD.  I will be showing this film in January and leading a discussion following the film.  See the  Upcoming Presentations link on my website for details.

       The second event that captured the hearts of those in attendance was when two of the giants in the field of ADHD took the stage "debate" each others points of view.  Author/Researcher Dr. Russell Barkley (Taking Charge of ADHD) is often portrayed as  Darth Vadar or Dr. Doom as he highlights all the empirical evidence pointing to the higher incidence of school failure, social problems, addictions, accidents, and incarcerations that exists in the ADHD population.  Author/ Clinician Dr. Edward Hallowell (Driven to Distraction) is often perceived as Pollyanna as he spreads his message of hope and joy in having an "incredible" mind full of gifts and wonder.

       The take away message for the presentation was clear.  As Dr. Hallowell said, make no mistake about it, the challenges of having ADHD are real and they are daunting.  However, with proper diagnosis, treatment, self-acceptance, and loving support, the opportunity to harness the mind and "unwrap" its gifts exists for all.  The true enemy is the ignorance and lack of proper support that still exists in our schools, our media, our public policies, and unfortunately in many homes. I have a DVD of this presentation and would be happy to share it with groups to further explore the evidence and hope we must all embrace.