Being identified as having a developmental disability such as ADHD, Asperger's Syndrome, or LD can be very painful and make you feel insecure about your future.
However, even a genius like Edison was considered to have a developmental disability, so we should not deny our own potential for growth.
If you work hard, you will surely grow.
It is important to know the truth of our soul and live with faith in our own growth and bright future.

From the teachings of Master Ryuho Okawa, we have selected the following prescriptions to lighten the worries and suffering caused by developmental disabilities.

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) often changes

 

There is a medical term known as "ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)". Certainly, there are children who are hyperactive, but they do not stay that way all the time and often change, so it is best not to assume this too much. If parents assume it to be the case, the children themselves will think that they are hyperactive and unfocused, that they cannot stop doing something all the time. And if they feel too inferior about this, it will have a negative effect on their self-transformation.

 

From "Growing Old and Not Decaying" by Ryuho Okawa

 

 

“Edison-Type” Geniuses Tend to Get Lost in Their World

 

 

Thomas was not dim-witted; he was just difficult to deal with because he did not work well in a group environment.

Elementary school teachers do not like to be bothered by their students. They want them to pay attention or nod in affirmation as the teachers write on the chalkboard.

First graders who do as they choose or those who do not follow the teacher’s instructions are generally labeled “bad kids” while those who instantly fall right in line with the teacher’s demands are considered to be “good kids.”

However, “Edison-type” geniuses tend to get lost in their own worlds, even at an young age. The idea that a genius may be in the class most likely did not occur to his teacher.

This is also an example of how, generally speaking, elementary school teachers lack the ability to recognize a genius; most teachers are simply interested in making sure their lesson plans go well.

They base evaluations of their students on whether the student helped or hindered their curricula.

Thomas’s teacher had no idea that Thomas was a genius. Of course, the chances of such a genius showing up in class are about the same as a meteorite striking the surface of the Earth, so in the eyes of that teacher, Thomas probably appeared to have some sort of a learning disorder similar to what we know today as ADHD or LD.

But this was not the case. Thomas could focus and get down to work when presented with something that perked his interest. On the other hand, he wouldn’t give the time of day to a subject that didn’t appeal to his curiosity. He was indeed a child with a sharply defined personality.

 

From "The Laws of Creation" by Ryuho Okawa

 

 

Some children with "Asperger's Syndrome" have the personality of an "angel of light"

 

 

Asperger syndrome, a species of autism, is known to be a high-function disorder. Physicians characterize Asperger syndrome patients as having extremely high intelligence, but as being, in a way, autistic.

The fact, though, is that these children are actually geniuses. Many child prodigies are different from everyone else.

If we apply the definitions that doctors use, then even Einstein would have to be declared autistic, and to have been suffering from Asperger syndrome. How in the world can we classify such a towering genius as having Asperger syndrome?

Thus, you have to take everything that doctors say with a grain of salt. Do not take doctors seriously when they spout off such phrases as “high-function disability.”

The characteristics of those with Asperger syndrome overlap in many ways with the features of those who are angels of light. Namely, both are very particular about cleanliness, have strong senses of justice and fairness, and always fight against evil.

If we go by the definitions that doctors have come up with, then everyone who has battled diligently against the forces of evil, and everyone who has brought about religious reforms in the past, was suffering from Asperger syndrome. If we let doctors have their say, then all of these people would be left in obscurity, which would be a shameful thing to have happen.

Angels are very particular in their love of cleanliness, and engage in battle with great forces of evil, which makes them look highly irregular in the eyes of physicians. If we are not careful then doctors will have us convinced that they are all sick. There are many different kinds of people in this world. Human beings can transform through the power of faith, so please supply your child's soul with strength.

 

From “healing from within” by Ryuho Okawa

 

 

You shouldn't assume it's a learning disability

 

In psychology, there is such a thing as "LD (Learning Disability). It is "easy" to use as an explanation. When a child does poorly, you can just say, "My child was born with a learning disability ..." If you make everything LD, you don't need further explanation.

But there is no such disease. There have always been "good students" and "not so good students." If a child cannot study as well as a child who can, it is a learning disability, but if the child can do better than a child who cannot, it is not a learning disability. It is a matter of comparison. However, if you just call it "LD" and explain the situation, there’s no more room for improvement.

 

From "Growing Old and Not Decaying" by Ryuho Okawa

 

 

The Best Learning in a Given Environment

 

Regarding ADHD, etc., in general, it is better to think that it is a matter of individuality and diversity of souls, and to believe that not all children are suited to today's controlled society. And you should consider that everyone is a child of Buddha.

Sometimes there are real disabilities, but even in those cases, there is some soul-learning purpose that makes it so. [omitted].

However, no matter what conditions we are placed under, we must strive to make the best of the environment we are given, thinking, "Here is where I can learn my best."

You may look at people without disabilities and think, "I envy them," but everyone lives with their own challenges, and it is important to make efforts within each environment.

 

From "How to Develop Your Personality" by Ryuho Okawa