[Sen-si-tiv-i-ty, adj. easily offended, embarrassed, and angered; hurt feelings from tone of voice; cares about others.]
I’m 6’4” tall and weigh 250 pounds. I’m an amateur boxer. I lift weights. Oh, did I tell you that I’m also a sensitive guy? Yeah, you heard right; sensitive. Being sensitive can have a downside and an upside. On the downside, sensitivity can cause an ADHDer to wear their emotions on their sleeve. We’re often easily hurt and offended when people confront us, even if they do so in a kind way. We tend to read into situations much more than we need to and our tendency is to assume the worst. When we’re upset, our ADHD mind can blow situations out of proportion and create that uncontrollable titan of hurt feelings, a.k.a. “The Incredible Sulk”.
On the upside, people with ADHD have tender hearts and are usually kind and generous to their peers, especially when they recognize that the other person is hurting. Because ADHD children are acutely aware of their surroundings, even when it doesn’t seem that way at all, their gift of compassion will tune them into other children and even adults who needs some love. They may need some guidance on appropriate ways to “give some love” and also be sure to praise them for their caring heart. It will be a great encouragement to them and should pay off dividends for you as well.
