If you or your child have been diagnosed with ADHD please consider the following information.
We are born with a personality type and one type in particular has almost all of the traits of ADHD. A psychological study taken from Don Lowry in 1978 divides personality trait’s into colours. If you have been diagnosed with ADHD you might actually be an orange personality type. This type can do many different tasks at the same time without feeling the need to finish any of them. They seem to be disorganized and live at a fast pace. They thrive on accomplishing tasks at the last minute. After all, the last minute wouldn’t have been invented if we didn’t need it. Orange personality types focus on what’s next instead of what they are doing now, and they change their minds frequently. They don’t need a lot of structure or boundaries. They tend to dislike making plans far in advance and enjoy just winging through life. They love adventure and being the life of the party.
The confusion between orange personality types and those with ADHD is understandable as the traits are very similar.
Both exhibit high energy and a lack of discipline when approaching projects. This is understood as restlessness and hyperactivity. As a result, They both seem disorganized and have trouble focusing on the tasks at hand. Most Orange personality types have just as much difficulty finishing projects as those with ADHD.
People with ADHD have difficulties with authority figures and following rules. For entirely different reasons, orange personalities feel the same. Obeying rules requires the kind of focus neither Oranges or those with ADHD have. It suppresses their need for active learning that help them accomplish tasks. Neither can thrive in a structured and orderly environment. Their minds just don't work that way.
They both are impulsive emotionally which can be seen as a detriment to interpersonal relationships both socially and occupationally. Going with your gut can have unpredictable results in a world that seems to thrive on predictability.
On the outside looking in it would be difficult to differentiate between Orange personalities and those with ADHD, especially in children which would explain the tragedy of children being prescribed medication for ADHD as early as age four. Children can not properly articulate their wants and needs. So happy, energetic and creative kids are medicated out of their personalities and have their creativity suppressed. This can have residual effects that can last a life time.
What differs the most between Oranges and ADHD sufferers are the seemingly built in coping mechanisms one has and one does not. For the most part, people with ADHD find themselves overwhelmed by their difficulties functioning in the the day to world. They often feel trapped by this dysfunction both in social settings and in the work place. They sometimes can't relate at all to those with typical brain activities and can suffer with feelings of depression or anxiety as they try to fit in. Orange personalities seem to rejoice in their differences and are social butterflies. They are well aware that they function differently than most but are not usually bothered by this and can admire others who present skills that differ from their own.
People with ADHD in scholastic or employment situations often feel a sense of underachievement, of not meeting their goals even if they have accomplished a great deal. This is not true of orange personalities. They normally revel in undergoing many tasks and love the projects as they move along. Although finishing projects is recognized as a great thing, it is not necessarily that which is required to boost their self esteem. It isn't the destination but the journey that appeals to them.
Due to the tendency to feel overwhelmed people with ADHD often procrastinate and have difficulty getting started on a project. This is not always the same for Orange personality types. They are the go-getters. They love beginnings and newness. Fresh projects are something they thrive on and they are fearless in their pursuits.
ADHD leaves people with chronic self-esteem problems that lead to many negative behaviors. Fortunately this is not usually an issue with Orange personalities. They generally like themselves and others. Although often, due to confusion by others, they can feel different and even less valuable, they don't feel this for themselves on their own. They do not have egos so fragile that they fear asking for input of others with skills needed to finish what they can't. They are confident in their own abilities. ADHD seems to prevent those sufferers to do the same and they often feel looking to others is an admittance of weakness. Over all most orange personality types are happy, well adjusted people most of the time and do not suffer negative effects from being so different. Unless suggested by others they do not have negative thoughts about themselves and feel free with their individuality rather than bogged down by not fitting in.
In scholastic and employment environments they lack the focus required by routine, structured projects. Their skills tend towards active learning. Experiencing and performing projects suit their personalities. This is often misunderstood by others and unless they can properly articulate their needs, school and work can become very disheartening places to be. They are competitive by nature however, so if a goal is required, putting it to this kind of test might be the motivation they need. They need to make learning fun for them or they just lose interest. Hands on work is the best way to accomplish anything for them. Too much theory based information and boredom sets in. Thus causing them distraction and they will move on to the next new project.
Orange personality types are wonderful in social situations. They are witty and charming and make good spokes persons for companies. They are eager and optimistic. This trait can be contagious so they can boost the moral in the workplace or classroom.
If put to good use, these personality traits can be a asset to any social, academic or employment situation. Just as therapy can assist those with ADHD, understanding will assist those with Orange personalities.
~reference materials:
Drs. Hallowell and Ratey, authors of 'Driven to Distraction'
Gillian Andries, Certified True Colors Facilitator
Don Lowry , founder of the concept of true colours personality types
