ADHD All-Stars

Looking to inspire your child with ADHD? Check out ADDitude magazine’s Famous People with ADHD for a veritable “Who’s Who” of stars from all walks of life with the condition. Included in the list are:

Simone Biles, Olympic gold medalist and world champion gymnast. Biles famously owned up to the condition saying, “I have ADHD and have taken medication for it since I was a child…having ADHD is nothing to be ashamed of…”

Adam Levine, lead singer of Maroon 5 and a coach on The Voice. When he’s not using his voice to make music, he’s often using it to remind fans that they’re not alone in their struggle with ADHD.

Emma Watson, the actress we came to know and love from the Harry Potter movies. Watson hasn’t let ADHD get in the way of her dreams. She graduated from an Ivy League college, has starred in several feature films and is a UN Goodwill Ambassador.

Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian in history with 23 gold medals for swimming. Diagnosed at age 9, his mother credits the focus and discipline required to be a competitive swimmer for helping him to manage his ADHD symptoms.

Lisa Ling, renowned journalist and host of the TV show “Our America with Lisa Ling.” Ling did not find out she had ADHD until recently, when she reported a story on the condition, which caused her to pursue an evaluation for herself. Sure enough she was diagnosed with ADHD. As she said at the end of the ADHD-themed episode, “My head is kind of spinning, but I feel a little bit of relief because for so long I’ve been fighting it and I’ve been frustrated with this inability to focus.”

Daniel Koh, chief of staff to Boston Mayor Marty Walsh. Koh may not be a household name, but this Harvard grad (with two degrees!) who was named one of Forbes magazine’s “30 under 30” has an ADHD story many can identify with. Considered a “lost cause” by his teachers, he now considers ADHD a plus: “ADHD has caused me to learn practices and habits that I wouldn’t have learned otherwise, and I see it as a strength.”

will.i.am, 7-time Grammy Award winner. This famous recording artist says music is his ADHD therapy because it helps him control his thoughts and stay focused.

Other noteworthy celebs mentioned in the article include:

  • Justin Timberlake, musician and entertainer
  • Solange Knowles, singer, songwriter, solo and group performer with Destiny’s Child
  • Channing Tatum, star of 21 Jump Streetand The Vow
  • Tim Howard, soccer star and World Cup record holder for most saves in a match
  • Ty Pennington, host of TV’s popular Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
  • Howie Mandel, comedian, actor and game-show host
  • Karina Smirnoff, professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars
  • Loyle Carner, hip-hop artist
  • Shane Victorino, major league baseball superstar
  • Terry Bradshaw, Hall-of Fame, 4-time Super Bowl champion, sports analyst, and commentator
  • James Carville, political strategist

Use the stories of these highly successful people to show your child that ADHD does not have to prevent him from following his dreams—and in some cases may even be the impetus to achieve at the top of his field.