« School Politics | Main | How the Charleston Changed America »
Sports and ADHD
By Neil Peterson | September 11, 2009
The Water Cube was filled to capacity, with thousands of fans waiting in anticipation to see one of the greatest Olympians of all time take the starting block. At the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps was under intense pressure, but you wouldn’t have known it. Amid his anxious competitors, Phelps calmly stretched his arms, adjusted his goggles – seemingly oblivious to the hubbub of the stadium’s crowd, and the watching eyes of a global audience of millions. His concentration before each race would become a thing of legend, a frequent conversation topic among sportscasters and his fellow athletes. Blocking out the distractions, Phelps prepared to achieve what he came to Beijing for – to win gold, and to become the most successful Olympian in history. With a 1000-yard stare, he stepped onto the block, knelt into starting position, and swam into the record books.
When Phelps stood on the podium to accept his medals, he represented his country, and his sport – but he also represented a community of people for whom he has become a role model, those with ADHD. In the mindset of the general public, there is a great deal of misinformation about ADHD, a neurobehavioral developmental disorder. Most are generally familiar with the characteristics – impulsive behavior, inability to concentrate, and difficulty to remain on task, but there is little social awareness of the significant challenges faced by ADHD children and adults alike. Phelps’ success, and his candid acknowledgment of his personal struggles, has marked a noteworthy moment in the social acceptance of the disorder. He has also proven what psychologists have noted (but rarely studied) during the past decade – for children with ADHD, involvement in sports has shown to improve their daily lives far beyond the playing field.
For children with ADHD, sports can become a haven from the ‘negative feedback’ they receive in other situations. (Some experts have estimated that children with ADHD encounter up to half a million negative comments a year – an alarmingly high statistic.) Activities such as swimming and martial arts have proven successful treatments (in conjunction with scholastic coaching, therapy or medication regimens) due to the intense concentration it engenders. This sports-driven focus extends to home and school life, as children are able to better control their impulsiveness and enjoy higher productivity as a result.
Kira Rosenberg, 8-year-old Champion
Another benefit of athletics is the opportunity to release the excessive energy that is a hallmark of the disorder, but doing so with a greater goal in mind. On the field, children also learn to better control their bodies, improve their decision making abilities, and are more capable of developing meaningful social relationships. Although sports should not be a replacement for other therapeutic methods, Phelps’ has given credit to his swimming regimen for the successful management of the disorder without the aid of behavioral medication.
There is still a great deal of research necessary before doctors (and parents and children alike) will be able to fully understand the causes of ADHD, and the best methods of treatment. While it may be decades before that medical understanding is reached, the positive gains shown by those involved in sports is another piece in the puzzle. Not all those with ADHD have the natural ability – or the desire – to follow in Phelps’ footsteps, but his success has proven to be a symbol of hope – and acceptance – for millions. When he stood on the podium to receive his 8th Beijing Gold, he stood as an athlete, but also as a representation of all that can be possible for those who share similar personal challenges.
Related Posts
- Uncovering the Role of Genetics in ADHD
- Uncommon Success in Sports – A Surprising Gift from ADHD
- The Power of ADHD Coaching
Share this Post
Topics: ADD & ADHD, Overcoming disabilities, Perseverance, Sports | No Comments »