Attention Disorder And A Child’s Success

Attention Disorder And A Child’s Success

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When parents are concerned about a learning disability affecting their children's development, it helps to know that many celebrities and famous people have suffered with debilitating challenges that only blossom later in life. 

One of the more common symptoms of ASD is a challenge with managing one's attention span. These challenges can make it very difficult for a child to stay focused or pay attention. It can cause problems controlling behavior and mood. It may also sometimes lead to bouts of manic energy. In spite of this, the fact that many people with similar challenges have been able to use skills to cope and live productive and fulfilling lives should inspire those seeking treatment.

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1. ALBERT EINSTEIN, THEORETICAL PHYSICIST

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The world knows you're smart when you're called a genius based on your last name. Albert Einstein was a classic case of a young mind with an Attention Disorder. He was forgetful and frequently appeared inattentive to his surroundings. Then there’s the hair. He didn’t fit in with the crowd, a renegade who lived by his own set of rules, and yet with guidance as a child, he was able to learn skills that enabled him to develop into a spectacular success.

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2. WALT DISNEY, DISNEYLAND’S FOUNDER

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In 50 years, Walt Disney remains one of the most influential businessmen of all time. An instantly recognizable brand was created from some scribbles. He developed an empire and created a product that people loved and demanded despite having suffered with an Attention Disorder. Yet, Walt learned coping skills that helped him stick to efforts that eventually gave us one of the most iconic entertainment brands in the world. 

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3. MICHAEL PHELPS, THE ALL-TIME MOST DECORATED OLYMPIAN

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There has never been a better athlete than Michael Phelps. The most decorated Olympian of all time, he has won 14 gold medals. He attributes a large part of his accomplishment to his Attention Disorder. Phelps’ mother highlighted her son’s display of classic symptoms, such as the inability to sit still or focus. On the other hand, with proper guidance, Phelps was able to redirect his energy and challenge into a focused goal in swimming. The olympian acknowledges that he found the motivation he needed through “constant praise and positive reinforcement”. It is not surprising that this form of encouragement is a key component in reinforcement therapy.

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4. BILL GATES, THE EARLY COMPUTER PIONEER

Gates has admitted in the past that he’s struggled with symptoms of an Attention Disorder and he likely struggled with symptoms popularly associated today with ASD. Gates has discussed how he still even has trouble learning new things. Most people wouldn’t know it though, as he is an early computer pioneer and one of the wealthiest people in the world.

These are just a few well-known people with Attention Disorders and other challenges who have proven it is possible to thrive in life despite the challenges of a mental health disorder.

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