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Michael Phelps Sportsman of the Year: ADHD edge or obstacle?
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Phelps making history again
(Photo by Heinz Kluetmeier / Sports Illustrated)
Michael Phelps has just made history once again. He became the first swimmer to be honored as Sports Illustrated's Sportsman of the Year. Phelps broke the Olympic record earlier this year by winning eight gold medals at the Olympics in Beijing China. He also has won more gold medals than any other Olympian in history with fourteen.
All of these accolades come despite or because of Phelp's attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Since Phelps tremendous achievements thrust him into the spotlight, he has also become the poster child of ADHD.
For years, many have debated whether being diagnosed with ADHD or other conditions means a lifetime of limitations or whether it can sometimes be a good thing.
Dr. Edward M. Hallowell, a psychiatrist, and author on ADHD who also has the disorder, says the current “deficit-based medical model” of the disorder results in low-self esteem. "It’s not an unmitigated blessing, but neither is it an unmitigated curse, which is usually the way it’s presented. We want to tell children, ‘You’ve got a difference, but not a disease. Michael Phelps is one of any thousands of examples of mega-successful people, C.E.O.s and brain surgeons and famous writers, inventors and entrepreneurs, who have A.D.H.D.”
Other experts, however, say that while such success stories can be inspiring, parents need to know that their children face real risks. Research shows that children with attention deficit have different brain patterns from other children, and are more likely to be involved in car accidents, drop out of school, and use illicit drugs.
Phelps mother says the qualities that often accompany the disorder are not always negative, although it may require extra effort and knowledge to help children harness their talents.
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