James,
Very interesting story.I find it fascinating that the "code" so to speak was for you to inquire about the employee's meds. In my experience, some may be offended by that and would actually prefer to discuss the actual behaviors. Thanks for sharing.
Sarah Smoger
Keeping a job in today's competitive environment can be particularly difficult for people with ADHD. In addition to having talent and drive, people are required to show excellent focus, attention to detail, speed, and organization. How significantly ADHD affects your job outlook depends on the severity of the condition. Some people with ADHD may have trouble staying on-task. ADHD affects job performance in a number of ways. For example, if a person can't sit still and have trouble organizing and focusing, they may find meetings excruciating, and keeping track of multiple projects and deadlines enormously challenging.
I have had employees that have told me that they have ADHD. At that time (15 years ago) the workforce was not as receptive to this issue as they are today. The employee usually was unaware that their behavior or lack of attention was an issue until I would bring it up to them. We had an understanding, per their request, that I should ask them if there was an issue with their meds and they would then know that they needed to examine their behavior. Sometimes it was just that, forgot to take meds or ran out.
I know there are managers and companies out there that do not care about meds, excuses or explanations. People are fired for the littlest things and those with this type of disability are truly at a disadvantage in the workforce if their management staff is uncaring or unwilling to help support and nurture their careers.
Communication is the key, patience is a virtue.
Bonnie,
Interesting view, Bonnie. I happen to know some very successful professionals with ADHD. What I typically find is that student's with these types of learning disabilities typically gravitate towards "non traditional" fields of study which allow for flexibility in the way they work.
Sarah Smoger
A student with ADHD has a very hard time maintaining a "normal" job. A student with this type of LD may want to consider this when determining which degree program they wish to attend so that they may be able to work in that field. One may want to consider being able to work from home after graduation where they can set their own schedules and pace.
