As a parent, you may wonder what jobs are a good fit for your child with ADHD. Rest assured that whatever their interests, there is a job that will utilize their talents and meet the needs they have with their ADHD diagnosis.
Guide Your ADHD Child to the Right Career
For the parents of a child with ADHD, you often worry about their future. While they are struggling to finish their school work, you may be wondering how they will ever be able to hold down a job. The good news is that there are professions that are a great fit and even utilize the talents of those with ADHD.
Children diagnosed with ADHD have amazing talents that are valuable in the workforce. They often thrive in high pressure jobs and have the ability to hyperfocus on tasks that interest them. Additionally, they can be creative problem solvers. When trying to identify potential future jobs for your child with ADHD, look for opportunities for them to apply these traits in an area they are passionate about.
Computer Science
Those with ADHD tend to thrive in technology-infused careers for many reasons. First, working with computers is a detail-oriented job that requires the ability to hyperfocus on the task at hand, which is a skill those with ADHD tend to possess. For example, those with ADHD tend to perform well at jobs such as computer programming because they can hyperfocus on the task of creating and troubleshooting thousands of lines of code.
While some computer science positions require a bachelor's degree, other technician positions require only an associate's degree and appropriate certifications. Technicians work in just about every environment you could think of, from hospitals to commercial businesses. They may resolve computer issues over the phone or work in an IT department within a company or organization. The task at hand changes frequently, which helps alleviate any boredom that comes with the job. One day you could be installing new computer hardware while the next you could be troubleshooting network programs. The variety of tasks helps keep the ADHD mind engaged and interested in the job.
 |
Entrepreneur
For people with ADHD, becoming an entrepreneur and being their own boss is often a good career choice. To be successful in entrepreneurship, one needs the ability to focus intensely on a task of interest as well as be a risk taker. Those with ADHD tend to exhibit these traits and be able to apply them, turning their passion into income.
Entrepreneurs can set their hours, be their own boss, and create a work day that fits their needs with ADHD. Some entrepreneurs open small businesses around their passions. For example, if your child is nuts about cars, they could open their own auto repair business or even a custom car shop. Other times, entrepreneurs work from home on a contract-to-contract basis. Some work as writers or editors, while others manage websites and social media marketing for local businesses. Whatever their passion, they can use the skills of entrepreneurship to turn it into a source of income.
Emergency Responders
People with ADHD find that adrenaline-generating jobs are a good fit for them. In the typical person, the rush of adrenaline that comes from working in stressful situations can create a sense of panic or lack of focus. For those with ADHD, it is the opposite. A person with ADHD finds the rush of adrenaline helps them focus better so they can identify problems and solve them quickly. As a result, for those with ADHD, a career as a first responder can be a good fit.
First, unlike other fields in the health professions, first responders don't need a bachelor's degree. The training they need can be completed at a community college or technical school in just a semester or two. In some cases, the training can even be completed in a single course. In addition to the course, emergency responders need to be certified in first aid. After that, all that is left is to pass the exam!
 |
Medical Careers
Children with ADHD can grow up to thrive in a medically-oriented career. Those with ADHD tend to work well in environments of urgency that are fast-paced and hands-on. Many jobs in the medical field meet all three of these criteria. While becoming a doctor is certainly an option, there are other medical fields for those with ADHD. For example, registered nurses work in environments such as emergency rooms where stress and speed are the nature of the job.
Some medical fields, such as radiology, have jobs for a variety of education levels. For example, radiology technologists can earn licensure with an associate degree or undergraduate certificate and work as x-ray techs or assistants in cath labs at hospitals. Full radiologists go through the education path of a medical doctor, completing medical school and a residency before they can practice.
Careers in the Arts
Another talent that often corresponds with ADHD is creativity, so careers in the arts may be a good fit. Colleges and universities, such as the University of California at Berkeley and the University of Florida, offer a wide variety of arts-related career programs for students. While some art careers are the more traditional ones we think of - such as illustrators or actors - there are many other lucrative career options for your child with ADHD.
 |
Graphic designers, for example, create the eye-catching designs on advertisements, products, and websites. Others may choose to go into art therapy, using their artistic talents to work with those dealing with mental illness in schools, hospitals, or community organizations. Even a career in fashion or textile design can be a good fit for the artistic talents of someone with ADHD.
Teacher
Believe it or not, becoming a teacher can be a good fit for the ADHD individual. First, they can teach whatever subject is their passion, whether it be mathematics or physical education. Second, having ADHD will grant insight into working with children who struggle with ADHD. Finally, teachers also need to be creative and think on their feet, which are skills typically inherent to those with ADHD.
Teaching can also be an opportunity to use a particular talent those with ADHD have - creativity. To keep young minds engaged, it takes some serious creativity to make mundane topics interesting. Additionally, teaching is often a fast-paced job that requires switching between tasks and groups of students, often several times a day.
Help Your ADHD Child Identify Potential Careers
When trying to identify potential careers for your child with ADHD, you want to consider the strengths they bring to the job. Begin by asking them what they are passionate about or interested in. From there, they can explore careers and consider the amount of education required. In the end, your child has to find a job that suits their needs with ADHD, including the amount of education they wish to pursue in the process. Whatever path they choose, remember that they need to find a job where they can let their talents shine.