ADHD Superpowers We Should Be Talking About
Posted on October, 20, 2025 by Susan Schaefer, M.Ed., M.A.T, Founder & CEOIt seems like whenever there is talk about ADHD, it’s all negative. It’s even in the name; Attention DEFICIT Hyperactivity DISORDER confirms it is bad. This message very often causes those who have ADHD to experience low self-esteem and poor self-confidence. And sure, there are challenges like disorganization, time management, planning, and focusing on tasks that are of low interest that can make life difficult at times.
But in honor of ADHD Awareness Month, let’s flip the script. As someone with ADHD myself, I want to shine a light on the unique advantages of the ADHD brain, the ones that often get overlooked.
Here are six ADHD “superpowers” that deserve more attention:
1: Creativity & Passion
ADHD brains don’t just think outside the box, they forget the box ever existed. That spark of imagination, paired with deep passion, can lead to brilliant, boundary-pushing ideas. Just ask Greta Gerwig. She’s learned to channel her ADHD energy into filmmaking, becoming the first solo female director to create a billion-dollar movie (hi, Barbie!). She’s spoken about using her ADHD-driven creativity to bring bold, original visions to life.
2: Hyperfocus & Curiosity
One of the most surprising ADHD traits? Hyperfocus: the ability to dive deeply into something that truly interests you. Take Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx. She hyperfocused on perfecting every aspect of her product until she built a billion-dollar brand. ADHD brains crave stimulation, and when curiosity is sparked, they can learn at lightning speed.
3: Creative Problem Solving & Quick Decision Making
ADHD minds are wired for thinking fast and seeing connections others might miss. This can lead to innovative thinking, especially under pressure. David Neeleman, founder of JetBlue, credits his ADHD for helping him generate bold ideas and make decisive choices. What looks like impulsivity is often intuitive, agile thinking at work.
4: Resilience & Adaptability
Living with ADHD means navigating ups, downs, and adjusting to a world that doesn’t always feel designed for your brain – and that builds resilience like nothing else. Simone Biles has been open about her ADHD and how she’s learned to bounce back stronger after challenges. Her ability to adapt, reset, and come back stronger is a testament to the mental strength that often comes with ADHD.
5: Interpersonal Skills & Empathy
Many people with ADHD experience emotions intensely. That emotional attunement can make them natural connectors, incredibly empathetic, socially aware, and strong leaders. Michael Jordan has spoken about how his ADHD contributed to his drive, leadership, and ability to rally his team. When you can read a room and feel what others need, connection becomes your superpower.
6: Spontaneity & High Energy Levels
The ADHD brain runs on “go.” That restless energy can look like chaos, but when it’s aimed right, it’s unstoppable. Michael Phelps turned his endless energy into Olympic gold – 28 times. Spontaneity and high energy can be unstoppable when aligned with passion and purpose.
ADHD might make life a little messier, louder, and more unpredictable, but it also makes it more brilliantly alive. The same brain that forgets where it put its phone can dream up billion-dollar ideas, connect deeply with others, and find joy in spontaneity.
Your brain isn’t the issue, it’s your secret weapon. And when you learn how to work with it, those “symptoms” start to look a lot like superpowers.
Do you have any questions about ADHD? Feel free to reach out to me by emailing me at sue@acacoaches.com or click here to schedule a time for us to talk, I’m here to help!