Being afflicted with ADHD, ADD, Dyslexia (or other learning disabilities) doesn’t necessarily mean that your child will be an outcast of the society. Of course not. Gone are the medieval days. In fact, this is should not be a hindrance for them to become the great big thing that they are; and they should be able to discover their innate talents and abilities just the same way as other people would.

To give you inspiration, here’s a list of famous people who grew up with their learning disabilities:

Artists and Artisans

Tommy Hilfiger is an internationally-known fashion designer.

Sculptor Robert Graham struggled with dyslexia. His wife, actress Anjelica Huston explains, “Robert didn’t realize he had a form of dyslexia until his own son was diagnosed. But Robert’s artistic gift immeasurably outstripped his difficulty.”

Robert Rauschenberg is a multi-media artist who has had significant influence in the world of modern art and has even been called the “Picasso of the 21st Century.”

Athletes

Jim Shea, Jr. earned a gold medal competing in the skeleton (a small sled) event at the 2002 Winter Olympics, making him the first third-generation Winter Olympian in U.S. history.

Neil Smith, NFL professional football player, is defensive end for the San Diego Chargers.

Jackie Stewart is a race car driving champion who has been inducted into the Grand Prix Hall of Fame.

Business Leaders

John T. Chambers, CEO of Cisco Systems, has revolutionized the technology industry and is recognized as one of the most fascinating business leaders of our times.

Barbara Corcoran, founder of one of New York City’s largest residential real estate agencies, recently authored Use What You’ ve Got & Other Business Lessons I Learned from my Mom.

Community Advocates and Activists

Erin Brockovich, inspiration for the movie of the same name, now serves as Director of Environmental Research at the law offices of Masry & Vititoe.

Dexter Scott King, son of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is President and CEO of The King Center in Atlanta, GA. His memoir, Growing Up King, was published in 2003.

Entertainers and Celebrities

Orlando Bloom, the popular English actor, played Legolas, the elf warrior in the film, Lord of the Rings.

Cher, an Academy Award-winning actress, is also well-known for her pop music and 1970s hit TV variety show. (Source: Barbara Walters Special excerpted in Everybody Has a Song, 2001.)

Whoopi Goldberg is an actress and comedian who has used her stardom to raise money to eliminate homelessness.

Salma Hayek is a Mexican-born actress who co-produced and starred in the film Frida, about artist Frida Kahlo.

Jay Leno is a popular comedian and late-night talk show host.

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To arm yourself with the weapon ready to combat Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), you must know the facts about them.

Myth No. 1: Only kids who are hyper have ADHD.
FACT: It is possible for a child to be suffering from the disorder without being hyperactive. ADHD actually has three subtypes: predominantly inattentive subtype, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive subtype and combined subtype. Most children who fit into only the first subtype may be suffering from ADHD without showing signs of hyperactivity.

Myth No. 2: Children can naturally outgrow ADHD.
FACT: If left untreated, ADHD continues into adulthood. However, by developing their strengths, structuring their environments, and using medication when needed, children with ADHD can grow up to be adults leading very productive lives.

Myth No. 3: Children on ADHD medications are more likely to take drugs when they become teenagers.
FACT: While it’s true that people with ADHD are naturally impulsive and more likely to take risks, those patients taking stimulants for this disorder are actually at lower risk of using other drugs. Children and teenagers who have ADHD and also have coexisting conditions may be at high risk for drug and alcohol abuse, regardless of the medication used.

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Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) are common disorders afflicting teenagers nowadays. If you are still in doubt, here are the numbers to prove it:

3 to 5 %, or about 2 million, of American teens suffer from ADHD or ADD.

7% of parents will have a teen with ADD or ADHD.

In an average class in school, at least one teen is likely to have ADD or ADHD.
Up to 50 percent of teens with ADHD or ADD may never be diagnosed, especially among those without health insurance.

ADHD is most common in childhood, with about 30 to 60 percent of patients continuing to be affected into adulthood.

About 80 percent of children who need medication for ADHD still need it as teenagers, and about 50 percent need it as adults.
Teen ADD and ADHD are 2 to 3 times more common among boys than girls.

Non-hispanic white teens are about twice as likely to be diagnosed with ADD or ADHD (8 percent) than Hispanic (4 percent) or African-American (5 percent) teens.

14 percent of white teens living below the poverty level have been diagnosed with ADD or ADHD.
Among teens who suffer from ADHD or ADD, 30 to 40 percent have another close relative who also has ADD or ADHD, suggesting a genetic component of ADHD and ADD.

15 to 20 percent of teens with ADD and DHD have specific learning disability, which affects a teen’s ability to understand or use language effectively.

20 to 40 percent of teens with ADHD or ADD also develop conduct disorder, which often leads the teen to steal, lie, bully, disrespect the rights of others, or act aggressively toward people and animals.

In their first few years of driving, teens with ADHD or ADD are four times more likely to get into automobile accidents, are three times more likely to get speeding tickets, and are more likely to be in accidents that cause bodily injury.

Because 18 percent of deaths due to speed-related accidents are teenagers, these are important numbers to consider for parents when deciding rules for ADHD or ADD teens who want to drive.

Stimulants are an effective treatment for 70 to 80 percent of ADHD and ADD sufferers, and non stimulants (Strattera) are effective for about 70 percent.

Resource.