Name your own strengths
Say what you do well, with real examples, and skip the ADHD-as-superpower story.
Not ratedADHD evidence
Start with the time you have
1 minute
Jot down a situation you handled well and the skill you used.
5 minutes
Write two concrete examples of your strengths, including one outside productivity or work.
15 minutes
Ask a trusted person for an example of a valued contribution, then compare it with your own view.
How sure the science is
Not rated, ADHD evidence
No pooled trials to rate. This rests on single studies, expert consensus or clinical practice. Measured in people with ADHD.
NICE names strengths as a post-diagnosis discussion topic, not a recommended self-help action; NHS self-esteem guidance. No evidence that a strengths exercise improves outcomes.
The number, drawn
Building on strengths is a post-diagnosis topic
Why it matters
NICE lists identifying and building on individual strengths among topics a clinician can cover after an ADHD diagnosis. NHS self-esteem guidance suggests recognising what you are good at. That supports learning about your own abilities, without claiming that ADHD makes everyone creative, resilient or suited to a particular job.
How to do it
- Recall something you handled well and name the skill it took.
- Ask someone you trust for a concrete example of what they value in what you bring.
- Put that description next to your support needs when you talk about work or relationships.
Putting it into practice
In real life
- 'I explained a complicated idea clearly to a colleague' is evidence about a skill.
- 'I am good at noticing when a friend needs support' describes a strength outside paid work.
Watch out for
- Common mistakeA list of supposed ADHD superpowers may not fit you, so use your own examples.
- Common mistakeHaving strengths does not remove a disability or support need, so include both in the conversation.
Trusted guides
How we rated it
- Evidence grade
- C Small or mixed studies, expert consensus or clinical practice. Worth knowing, not worth betting on.
- The number
- Building on strengths is a post-diagnosis topic (NICE, public HSC Northern Ireland copy, 2018)
- Benefit
- 42/100 The benefit score is an editorial prioritization for the general list, weighted by certainty. It is not a prediction of what will happen for you.
- Effort
- Quick win
Sources
- Tier 1 guidelineADHD: diagnosis and management, NG87, information and supportNICE, public HSC Northern Ireland copy, 2018
- Tier 1 guidelineRaising low self-esteemNHS, 2023
General information about ADHD, not a diagnosis or an individual treatment plan. Tailoring changes the order of suggestions; it does not assess you. Medication decisions belong with you and a qualified clinician.