The Gift of Hyperactivity: Finding the Spark Inside the Struggle

What made Albert Einstein so unique? Beyond the fame and brilliance, Einstein had ADHD. He struggled with hyperactivity, a short attention span, and other challenges. But instead of falling into despair, he viewed his struggles as a blessing and a gift.

Most of the world knows his name today, but few know he credited his imagination as his greatest strength. He once said, “When I examine myself and my methods of thought, I conclude that the gift of fantasy has meant more to me than my talent for absorbing knowledge.”

True focus often comes when we feel calm, secure, and safe. In the brain, this calm is linked to dopamine, a chemical that helps us concentrate.

Some might ask, “A gift? Really??” The answer is yes. ADHD is a wonderful gift just one that’s wrapped in unusual packaging.

People with ADHD experience the world in a powerful way. They feel things more deeply, notice more details, and sense things others might miss. They think differently, with imagination and depth. They see the world from broader, often more creative perspectives. That is a gift.

Many people with ADHD can picture things others can't even imagine. They’re often artistic, creative, and have a quick sense of humor. When a problem comes up, they may spot a unique solution long before anyone else does. In social situations, they can be the first to see what’s funny or meaningful.

They tend to think quickly and grasp new ideas fast. This way of thinking, lively, flexible, and imaginative is part of the special spark they carry.

People with ADHD often become entrepreneurs, business owners, inventors, engineers, artists, photographers, designers, or performers. Whether it's painting, theater, music, or technology, they often bring innovation and originality into whatever they do.

But like any gift, ADHD comes wrapped in packaging. And sometimes, it's hard to get past that wrapping. The “packaging” can come from how society sees and labels ADHD.

Someone with ADHD often hears painful comments like, “You’re just not trying hard enough,” “You’re always late,” “You’re irresponsible,” or “You never follow through.” Over time, they start to believe these labels and see themselves through the lens of failure instead of potential.

They get stuck seeing only the outer “packaging,” and they miss the incredible inner strength and creativity that Hashem (G-d) placed inside them.

This is why redefining ADHD is so important for parents, teachers, and anyone facing this challenge.

Our society tends to prefer things that are orderly, predictable, and one-size-fits-all. It helps us feel in control. But that model doesn't work for every child.

Children with ADHD don’t think in straight lines. They think in spirals, sparks, and leaps. Their minds jump from one brilliant idea to another. They’re not broken, they’re just tuned into a different frequency.

Yes, there are challenges. But there are also extraordinary gifts waiting to be noticed and nurtured.

When we approach a child with understanding, love, and patience, when we stop focusing only on what they can’t do and start seeing the beauty in what they can do, we help them see it too.

As Jewish tradition teaches us, every soul is created with its own mission. No two people are alike, and no one is here by accident. ADHD may bring challenges, but it also brings incredible potential. With the right support and belief, it can truly be a gift.

Taken from the book “Attention and Concentration” by Gilad Shama and Yechiel Elias.