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| photo credit: ||-SAM Nasim-|| via photopin cc |
It turns out my teenaged son has an above average IQ along
with being a phenomenal writer and interpreter of information. I learned this
while sitting with his teachers, counselors and the school psychologist as we discussed
his lackluster academic performance. The psychologist asked if my son took the prescribed ADHD medication, and I said no. Incredulous and
frustrated, this guy threw his hands up as he asked, "Why not?" In
the most diplomatic fashion I could muster, I told him medication was not the
answer, while I really wanted to just give him the finger.
What if Einstein, Jobs or Davinci were medicated? It's hard
to "think different" while doped up on the latest ADHD super drug. No
wonder those with ADHD are 300% more likely to become entrepreneurs. Unable
to find a suitable work environment, they go about creating their own.
The Creativity Killer
Medication suppresses one of the hallmarks of those with
ADHD - creativity. In an effort to get them to face the blackboard, we destroy
the unique genius that makes ADHD kids who they are.
When JetBlue founder David Neeleman learned he had ADD, he
was relieved to finally understand his struggles with school as a child. Yet,
he refused medication for fear it would kill the creativity that helped him build
three successful airlines. Imagine if Neeleman took these drugs during childhood.
Perhaps today he would dawn a mask every morning as he pulls in to his dreaded
cubicle. Slowly dying inside as he tries
to fit in to a world he does not belong. We would not know his name and there
would be no JetBlue.
I can give many examples of successful entrepreneurs and
executives with ADD and ADHD, but the larger issue is for us to understand the
value of their genius.
Every human being is created with a unique gift, some of which
are appreciated, while others take time to understand. Now try to envision a
world where every gift or talent is something that requires fixing:
"I'm sorry Mrs. Jordan, but your son Michael jumps way
too high. Oh, and the tongue thing is a distraction in gym class..."
"Mr. Picasso, we need Pablo to paint inside the lines,
otherwise we will flunk him..."
"Mrs. Houston, Whitney sings in ranges far above the
other girls. This medication will help with the problem and keep her within the acceptable norm. Then, she can fit in better!"
These made up quotes sound ludicrous but are they any more
ludicrous than putting potential future founders or innovators on prescriptions
in an attempt to make them "normal?" If we continue down this road,
we will all miss out on the contributions these kids were created for.
An Appeal for Better Understanding
Adults need to do a better job understanding these kids instead
of medicating them in an attempt to force round pegs into square holes.
Perhaps we should be their
students for a while because we have a lot to learn from them. Most of all, let's
learn to be more patient with them and with each other.
So, the next time the school psychologist suggest I put my
son on genius killing medication, I will resist the temptation to give him the
finger and instead politely direct him to this blog post.
Destroy this with medication? No thanks.
Godspeed. See you in The Players Lounge.
Related posts...
Top 10 Ways to be More Average (Huh?)
My son at age 12 solving the Rubik's Cube with his eyes closed
Destroy this with medication? No thanks.
Godspeed. See you in The Players Lounge.
Related posts...
Top 10 Ways to be More Average (Huh?)
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