ADHD As A Difference In Cognition, Not A Disorder: Stephen Tonti at TEDxCMU
TLDRStephen Tonti, a multifaceted individual with ADHD, shares his journey of exploration and self-discovery in a humorous and insightful speech. He discusses the challenges and misconceptions surrounding ADHD, emphasizing that it is not merely a lack of focus but a unique way of processing information. Tonti highlights the importance of embracing cognitive diversity and the need for a more nuanced understanding of ADHD in society. He advocates for a healthier relationship with medication, the exploration of alternative methods, and the support of individuals with ADHD through understanding and encouragement. By sharing his personal experiences, Tonti challenges the audience to redefine what it means to be 'normal' and to embrace their own 'spark of madness'.
Takeaways
- 🎭 Stephen Tonti is a multifaceted individual with a wide range of interests and skills, including directing, writing, acting, and various physical activities.
- 🏥 He was diagnosed with ADHD in second grade by a teacher, not a medical professional, highlighting the sometimes informal methods of ADHD diagnosis.
- 🤸♂️ Stephen's experience with ADHD has been one of exploration and discovery, leading him to try numerous activities and eventually find his passion in storytelling.
- 🧩 ADHD is often misunderstood as a lack of focus, but for Stephen, it's about difficulty in selecting one thing to focus on when there are many interests competing for his attention.
- 🌟 When something captures his interest, he can enter a state of hyperfocus, allowing him to deeply engage with tasks that excite him, such as filmmaking or theater production.
- 📚 Stephen finds it challenging to complete tasks that don't excite him, like reading uninteresting textbooks or dealing with taxes.
- 🎓 His educational journey was supported by teachers who were understanding of his ADHD and provided him with the flexibility and support he needed to thrive.
- 🤝 The contrast between Stephen's and his roommate Adam's experiences with ADHD in school highlights the varying levels of understanding and support that students with ADHD can receive.
- 💊 Stephen advocates for a healthier understanding of ADHD and the importance of tailoring educational and medical approaches to the individual's needs rather than a one-size-fits-all treatment.
- 🌱 He believes in the power of cognitive diversity and that society should embrace different ways of thinking and learning, as represented by organizations like Specialisterne.
- 🧘♂️ Stephen emphasizes the importance of self-teaching and finding personal strategies to manage ADHD, such as using weighted pads or engaging in tics that help with focus.
- 🌈 He concludes with a message of empowerment, urging individuals with ADHD to embrace their unique cognitive traits and not let societal norms dictate their path, drawing inspiration from Shakespeare and Robin Williams.
Q & A
What is the name of the speaker in the transcript?
-The name of the speaker is Stephen Tonti.
What is ADHD and how was Stephen Tonti diagnosed with it?
-ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. Stephen Tonti was diagnosed with ADHD by a second-grade teacher during an interview for a new school after his first-grade teacher in New Orleans suggested checking for signs of ADHD.
Why did Stephen feel he was set up when diagnosed with ADHD?
-Stephen felt set up because during the interview for ADHD evaluation, he was distracted by a large window behind the teacher that looked out onto a field with many kids playing with an inflatable beach ball, causing him to fall out of his chair.
What is the difference between the way Stephen and his roommate Adam were treated in high school regarding their ADHD?
-Stephen attended a school where the teachers were more understanding and would advise his doctors to change his medication if he reacted negatively. In contrast, Adam's teachers at his high school had harsher penalties and were more focused on his quietness than his motivation and involvement in class activities.
What does Stephen believe is the upside of having ADHD?
-The upside of having ADHD, according to Stephen, is the ability to explore a wide range of interests and career paths. This exploration can lead to discovering one's true passions and can provide a broad perspective that can be beneficial in various fields, such as storytelling.
What is Stephen's view on the treatment of ADHD?
-Stephen believes that ADHD should not be seen as something that needs to be 'fixed'. He advocates for a healthier understanding of ADHD, suggesting that it is a difference in cognition rather than a disorder. He also believes in the importance of cognitive diversity and adapting society and educational systems to accommodate different learning styles.
What is the name of the school that Stephen attended after being rejected from Middle School?
-Stephen attended the Episcopal School of Dallas after being rejected from Middle School.
How does Stephen describe his experience with medication for ADHD?
-Stephen describes his experience with ADHD medication as one that requires careful monitoring and adjustment. He mentions that reactions to new medications can vary widely, from calmness to depression or aggression, and emphasizes the importance of adjusting medication promptly based on the individual's response.
What are some alternative strategies to medication that Stephen mentions for managing ADHD?
-Stephen mentions several alternatives to medication, including the use of weighted pads for comfort, rubber-coated pencils for those who chew on them, and teaching kids to self-regulate and manage their own focus.
What is the message Stephen wants to convey about embracing cognitive diversity?
-Stephen wants society to embrace cognitive diversity by recognizing the strengths and unique perspectives that individuals with ADHD and other cognitive differences bring. He cites the example of The Specialist, a Danish organization that trains people with autism and ADHD for roles in IT and other technical fields.
How does Stephen relate his personal experience with ADHD to Shakespeare's Sonnet 121?
-Stephen relates his experience with ADHD to Shakespeare's Sonnet 121 by emphasizing the theme of not letting others' false judgments dictate one's self-perception or actions. He encourages others to be true to themselves and not to conform to societal pressures that may not align with their authentic selves.
What advice does Stephen give to people with ADHD or those who know someone with ADHD?
-Stephen advises people with ADHD to explore their interests fully, as this can lead to discovering their true passions. For those who know someone with ADHD, he encourages understanding, support, and allowing the individual to express themselves freely. He also suggests that society should adapt to accommodate the diverse ways in which people with ADHD can contribute.
Outlines
🎭 The Multifaceted Life of Stephen Tonti with ADHD
Stephen Tonti introduces himself as a multi-talented individual with ADHD, listing his various roles from director to magician. He humorously recounts his ADHD diagnosis by a second-grade teacher during a school interview, after moving from New Orleans to Dallas. Tonti's inability to sit still, captivated by children playing with a beach ball outside the interview window, led to his rejection from middle school. Despite this, he explored a wide range of activities and eventually found his passion in theater. He explains that ADHD is not a lack of focus but a challenge in selecting what to focus on, highlighting his ability to hyperfocus on tasks that capture his interest.
🌟 Embracing ADHD as a Difference in Cognition
Tonti discusses the benefits of having ADHD, such as the compulsion to try everything, which allowed him to explore various career paths. He emphasizes that ADHD is a cognitive difference rather than a disorder and criticizes the common treatment approach of attempting to 'fix' it. Tonti shares his positive high school experience where he was given the freedom to express himself, contrasting it with his roommate Adam's experience with less understanding teachers. He calls for a healthier understanding of ADHD, both at home and in schools, using examples like the Eagle Hill School, which tailors teaching to different learning styles. Tonti also touches on the need for a healthier relationship with ADHD medication and advocates for alternatives and self-teaching.
🌈 Advocating for Cognitive Diversity and Personal Spark
In the final paragraph, Tonti stresses the importance of embracing cognitive diversity, citing the Danish organization Specialisterne, which employs individuals with autism and ADHD in tech fields. He challenges societal norms and encourages non-conformity, quoting Shakespeare's sonnet 121 to denounce hypocrisy and the negative judgment of others. Tonti urges the audience to let society adapt to them, not the other way around, and concludes with a quote from Robin Williams about the importance of preserving one's 'spark of madness,' advocating for the acceptance and celebration of individual differences.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡ADHD
💡Hyperfocus
💡Cognitive Diversity
💡Stigma
💡Misunderstanding
💡Theater
💡Medication
💡Support System
💡Alternative Treatments
💡Self-Teaching
💡Carnegie Mellon
Highlights
Stephen Tonti, diagnosed with ADHD, has pursued a diverse range of interests including directing, writing, acting, and more.
Tonti's ADHD diagnosis was initiated by a second-grade teacher rather than a medical professional.
ADHD is not merely an inability to focus but a challenge in selecting what to focus on.
Tonti's experience with ADHD includes both struggles with mundane tasks and the ability to hyperfocus on areas of interest.
Tonti's exploration of various hobbies and career paths has been influenced by his ADHD.
ADHD should be seen as a difference in cognition rather than a disorder.
Supportive educational environments, like Tonti's high school, can make a significant difference for individuals with ADHD.
The need for a healthier understanding and dialogue around ADHD and its treatment.
Alternatives to medication for ADHD management should be considered and tailored to the individual's needs.
Tonti emphasizes the importance of cognitive diversity and societal acceptance of different cognitive styles.
The story of David Neeleman, CEO of JetBlue and fellow ADHD individual, illustrates the ability to excel despite ADHD.
Tonti's personal anecdotes provide insight into the lived experience of someone with ADHD.
The importance of family support in nurturing a child's interests and managing ADHD.
Tonti's perspective on how ADHD can enhance one's ability to tell stories by drawing from a wide range of experiences.
The challenges faced by Tonti's roommate, Adam, highlight the varying experiences of individuals with ADHD in different educational systems.
The potential benefits of schools adopting a more progressive approach to teaching students with ADHD.
Tonti's call to action for society to embrace and leverage cognitive diversity, citing the example of Specialisterne.
The use of Shakespeare's Sonnet 121 to convey a message of self-acceptance and defiance against societal pressures to conform.
Robin Williams, as an influential figure in the ADHD community, is quoted to encourage embracing one's unique traits.
Transcripts
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