Is ADHD a sign of human evolution?

picture from Canva pro.

What if ADHD is not a disorder at all? What if they are part of the Divine Plan to disrupt life on Earth?

People whose brains work differently respond differently, often in unpredictable ways. They are not as likely to fall into line and accept everything at face value.

These are the kids who are disruptive in class, the adults who create chaos in meetings by asking questions that stop the flow; annoying when it occurs and often found to be cost and time saving in the long run. They are the why and what if people in the world more often than not.

At this time on the planet, there are many things needing to be addressed, food, space, fuel, the environment, and the oceans. Doing things the way we have always done them will net more of the same results. We need to think and do differently, don’t you think?

“Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is marked by an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with function or development.” Per the National Institute of Mental Health.

“…Interferes with functioning and development.”

Development of WHAT?

If a true accounting happened whereby, we tallied the makers of art, music, and the grand inventions of all time I would guess that many of these humans would check the boxes for ADHD. What would our world be like without those who think differently?

Why does this topic intrigue me? My three sons have all been identified on the spectrum. One son was deemed borderline autistic, the others with ADHD, providing me with loads of time to observe their minds in motion.

A favourite moment of mine occurred when my youngest, when asked if he wanted meds replied, “No. I embrace the randomness of my brain.” I love that response and I fully support his choice.

The father of my children discovered he had ADHD accidentally. Employed as an automotive technician, he heard a recording of a medical conference while working on a physician’s vehicle, recognizing himself in the signs listed. He was evaluated shortly after to confirm the diagnosis.

When the oldest son was four, his kindergarten teacher suggested he be assessed. I will never forget the first day we administered Ritalin. I watched as the medication took hold and the light faded from his eyes. His father, familiar with the medication himself, found it amusing; our son was stoned, he said.

I cried, hard. I wanted ALL of my boy’s presence. I loved his bright self, his random ideas, and sweet, interesting take on the world.

“…Interferes with functioning…”

What functions are being judged here? What IS normal? Is it normal for children to sit still at a desk and listen for six or more hours, five days per week? Is it normal for them to be expected not to squirm, not to ask questions or blurt things out?

What determined who is “functional”? Schools, for instance, have not changed nearly enough to keep up with the times. Most kids have access to the internet and many hold the internet in their hands. They can look up facts, dates, and all the static information they are expected to memorize.

Every species on the planet has changed and evolved over time. Human beings have stayed fairly stagnant for a long time, or so it seems. What if we are evolving our brains to stay around?

My sons think differently; they learn fast, act fast, solve problems quickly; which can be a great thing. Are there times things do not work out as planned from impulsive action? Yes, but then they recover fast and try again.

There are also downsides, of which I am aware. There is depression and disappointment; isolation can also happen to someone who thinks and behaves differently. There are two sides to everything; I simply think that we could make room for differences in humans. Who knows what could magically appear from a world ready to embrace alternative thoughts with an open mind?

When I was in the corporate world, I witnessed Gen Z’s doing things differently and I loved it! They would come to the organization in temporary positions as students; upon graduation, some would get hired and not necessarily into the fields of their studies. When told it would take ten to fifteen years to build seniority to get to their desired positions, they dust off their resumes and find jobs elsewhere.

“How could you leave such a good job?!!”

It is not the job I want and I can buy my own gold watch working somewhere I enjoy, thank you.

I love the disruptors. This world could use some positive shake ups.

Embrace your randomness! Shake off the labels and just be who you came to be in this world.

In Oneness,