Benefits of ADHD - Sport

It’s not often that two areas of interest collide for me, but in this case they have, warranting a discussion and mention —ADHD and sport. 

A recent correlational study, while unable to establish causation, uncovered a fascinating link: athletes performing at higher skill levels in university settings (age 18 and above) were found to be four times more likely to have ADHD than those at intermediate or lower levels. This finding is intriguing because it suggests that ADHD may offer certain benefits to athletes, especially at advanced skill levels.

Although much of the discussion surrounding ADHD focuses on its challenges, this study provides a refreshing perspective, highlighting potential advantages of having a nervous system like ADHD in the realm of sport. It’s important to note that while the study doesn’t prove that ADHD directly enhances athletic performance, it does point to the idea that ADHD might confer unique strengths in specific contexts.

This reinforces a broader view I believe in—that ADHD, while presenting certain challenges, also brings strengths. It’s a reminder that we shouldn’t only view ADHD from a deficit perspective but recognise the full spectrum of its effects. Like all people, those with ADHD have areas where they excel, as well as areas where they may struggle, and this nuanced understanding is essential.

Link to the article - https://lnkd.in/g_icaSiv