Don't count out employees with ADD
by ANITA BRUZZESE Gannett News Service
And yet, it's estimated that some 8 million adults in this country
have ADD, not taking into account those who only suspect they have the
condition.
"ADD is not the kiss of death, but there is still a stigma
attached," says Blythe Grossberg, a career consultant with a
doctoral degree in organization psychology. "Employees who have
admitted to having ADD to their employees find that it really
backfires."
That's partly because many employers have little true understanding
of adult ADD, and partly because bosses often don't understand the
strengths those with ADD bring to the workplace, she says.
For example, while those with ADD may find it difficult to focus on
tasks they find boring, or beginning or ending projects on time,
Grossberg says those with the condition often are creative and lively
and have endless energy and focus on projects that interest them.
"Sometimes it's a dance between the employer and the employee to
find the right fit for a job," she says. "Someone with ADD may
be able to say that they'd love to work on the creative aspect of a
project and will come up with great new ideas. At the same time, they
may also have to say that they will have to close their door so that
they can concentrate when it comes to other tasks."
The Attention Deficit Disorder Association has declared Sept. 14 as
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Day. Their Web site, www.add.org,
offers information, resources and networking for those who know they
have the disorder, or suspect they might.
"You know, there are a lot of adults who recognize they have the
disorder once their own children are diagnosed," Grossberg says.
"But it's still tougher to have it in the workplace than in the
school, because it's more difficult to manage."
That's one of the reasons that Grossberg has written "Making ADD
Work: On-the-Job Strategies for Coping With Attention Deficit
Disorder," (Perigee, $13.95). In the book, she offers strategies
and skills for staying focused at work, finding the right job and
maximizing strengths.
Grossberg advises in her book that those with ADD should:
 | Find their passion. It's important that those with the disorder do
a job that allows their interest "to propel them through
periods of less activity and excitement and keeps them motivated and
concentrated." One teacher with ADD told Grossberg that the
constant stimulation of teaching helped keep her energized and
focused on a variety of tasks, subjects and students.
| Recognize natural strengths. Another woman with ADD found that
office work was "outrageously difficult" for her, even
though she was trained for it. Instead, she found that on-the-spot
reporting and camera work - along with her "seat of the
pants" style - was something that she was naturally good at and
kept her interest.
| Look for variety and stimulation. This doesn't mean that every job
has to involve high-wire work. Even sedentary work can be
stimulating if it's structured in the right way. A college professor
with ADD found she was well suited for her job because of the
constant multitasking, which allowed her to move to another task if
she became bored and her mind wandered.
| Look for acceptance from co-workers. Successful ADD employees
often rely on others to help them deal with tasks that are difficult
for them or that they don't like to do. Environments where they feel
criticized makes those with ADD feel defensive, "and their
already strong tendency for self-criticism becomes even more
virulent when others are offering constant negative feedback,"
she says.
| Create a productive workspace. Those with ADD can get off track if
a workplace is too loud and busy, or if it's so quiet their minds
wander. Many of those with the disorder find that playing music
while they work helps them focus better. At the same time, experts
advise that those with ADD may have to experiment with a variety of
workspace ideas to get a good fit for their needs. |
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