Name your own strengths
Not ratedADHD evidence
Name real strengths with examples, and skip the ADHD-as-superpower story.
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 An editorial priority for the general list, weighted by certainty. It does not predict 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.