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In current society, people with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) tend to struggle if not suffer. Despite this, rather than a disorder, ADHD should be thought of as a particular neuro-cognitive profile; that is, a characteristic brain format that results in a different way of literally thinking. With so many people diagnosed with ADHD – and so many more undiagnosed — we must ask, where does ADHD come from and is it truly a problem in and of itself?

Salif shares a current hypothesis about ADHD’s root and an alternative perspective – including several benefits of the condition – regarding how we engage with it in our schools, homes and selves.

Eisenberg, D. T. A., Campbell, B., Gray, P. B., & Sorenson, M. D. (2008). Dopmaine receptor genetic polymorphisms and body composition in undernourished pastoralists: An exploration of nutrition indices among nomadic and recently settled Ariaal men of northern Kenya. BMC Evolutionary Biology, 8, 173-184. Salif is currently a doctoral student in the Experimental and Applied Psychological Program at USU. On a day-to-day basis he manages Dr. Kerry Jordan’s Multisensory Cognition Lab. His research investigates cognitive and neurophysiological outcomes of exposure to, and immersion in, natural environments.

Salif loves long walks in the mountains, hunting, fishing, camping, gardening, and planning his future homestead. Most of all, he loves having no idea whatsoever as to how to parent his two-year-old son, but trying anyway.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx

Nikki is a Pharm D. candidate that was diagnosed with ADHD when she came to the US, as it was not common in her own country and thus overlooked. She shares with us how this disease impacted her understanding of self, and how she learned to embrace her differences to make her a better person. Nikki Amini is a Pharm D. Candidate at MCPHS, with some great stories to tell! She is originally from Iran, but moved to Canada at the age of 19, and eventually to the US for her doctorate. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Stephen is a Senior Directing major at Carnegie Mellon. He is also the current President of Carnegie Mellon's Film Club. He recently completed his Thesis Project within the School of Drama: a production of Mac Wellman's "A Murder of Crows." He is currently working on creating a collective of Film Enthusiasts across Carnegie's Campus as well as other colleges and universities around Pittsburgh. You can find out more about Stephen and his talk on his website: www.stephentonti.com or follow his blog "Caffeine, Nicotine, and ADHD: a guide to maintaining sanity." In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

Brilliance is absent without the presence of darkness, no matter where you are or what you do, strive to be great in spite of your circumstances.

As you listen to Emily’s talk, reflect on what you believe it takes to be successful - What are the things that give you strength? What are the things that hold you back?

Emily completed her doctoral dissertation on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Success Without the Use of Medication, spending two years interviewing, transcribing, coding, analyzing, and writing about the ways in which certain people feel their ADHD has contributed to their occupational and financial success. Her current life crusade is about making psychotherapy more accessible and less stigmatized in our society.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx