Does anyone have any statistics on how many people with ADD work in the high tech sector? ie computers, internet, networks etc. not a guess but an actual quotable number ie, 5%, 10%? Or know of any research, survey or article written on ADDers in hi tech jobs ?

thanks

Pete

I'm a web developer.

I work in the health field ...

I work in the Systems/IT field and have adhd. I went from a customer service rep, to a Systems Analyst to a Senior Quality Assurance Analyst. I thrive on hopping and popping, moving from one thing to another, breaking things, finding solutions, working with different departments/employees, multi tasking, big picture, giving out of the box ideas. I get great reviews and am well perceived by all. But there is no way I could be a Systems Programmer though. I could not sit quietly and code all day. No way. No how. I know it is very rewarding for the Programmers I work with daily to think of a program, code it and have it work as designed (until I find a way to break it) but I couldn't do it. Rather, I could do it, I choose not to. I have no interest in that. Of all the System People I deal with, there are a few that are spazzy like myself. Working on multiple projects, simultaneously and doing a great job. There is one that I have a very strong feeling is add/ocd. He starts all these wonderful programs but never finishes any of them. He gets everybody all pumped up on what he is working on but never comes through. I think if someone were interested in Systems, the ideal job for an add/adhd person is either analyzing, quality assurance or web design. I really enjoy web design but analyzing is my passion. An add/adhd per has to have a job they are extremely passionate about so they don't get bored. I have been at my job 25 years. I can't believe it. It has changed over the years which makes it new and different and I am able to do what I want pretty much when I want. It makes a big difference and you enjoy going to work.

Web Developer / Programmer here...

Don't know if you saw this --> http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=605

I've been a network/system admin, help desk tech, SW developer for about 17 years, 14 with the same group of people. I say it that way because I've actually worked for four companies from the same desk.

I work outside the home in the nursing field and inside the home as a research analyst for a banking firm...is that considered high tech cause I figure my in home job is so easy you could train a monkey to do it.

Interesting thread...

My current job sees me as a tech support person...which is cool cause I get to be online all day :D and they're really relaxed around here...which is GREAT for me.
Maybe we're drawn to high tech/computer fields because it's always changing, always new?

I work as an Exceptional Education teacher.

Computer engineer here!

I'm an SAP Basis System Administrator, been in IT for 10 years now.


Alexandra

Could you please mention whether you are on meds or not?

I have been in IT for about 12 years, with a few years break in the middle. Started in helpdesk and moved into desktop support and network support.
I'm on dex and have been throughout my IT career.

I agree with ADHDXYZ, I could never do programming either! I think my head would explode!

GIS Software engineering, no meds. Hyperfocus is a blessing in Engineering and the lack of focus is a true curse.

I'm a Environmental Consultant with an engineering firm, and I am a Certified Wildlife Biologist. Currently taking Desoxyn 80mg/day

I'm a program manager in the computer security field. Been in IT since 1982.

Spent time in operations, support, sales, product management and marketing.

NJTrout

Last five years split between Senior Developer on a Java project. And as a Project Manager on various multimedia and web projects. I am a totally visual person - i've done those visual:audio:touch tests to ascertain how you best respond to different situations and I can out almost entirely visual. I find this very useful in the technical areas (e.g. programming, development, high level management) where I can organise all the requirements into pictures - either mental or physical.

Other areas of IT (e.g Infrastructure, Low-level applications, Hardware, etc) I can't get to grips with no matter how hard I try.


I find mind-maps (Tony Buzan) really useful from the viewpoint of having to be a logical thinker, but having all the in-built issues relating to ADD.

You should make a poll and find out.

I worked 8 years as a field service engineer after going to college for computer science. I was in Computer and IT related sales for 12 years and now I'm in training development covering IT/Software.

I worked as a games designer briefly but lost my job, mainly because I found it hard to get up on a morning and because the producer was a massive tosser. I'm now working as a sound engineer though, self employed and seeking medical help for ADD because I can't keep track of anything :( . I have a natural knack for music and technology, built my first PC with no previous knowledge just by kinda looking at the bits and playing with them. My sound engineer work involves producing too though and I work in loads of different PC programs, cubase SX, acid pro, reason, photoshop etc - all self-taught.

Everything IT.
Web programming
SQL development [got my MCP from that]
Fixing PC's
Setting up servers, both Linux and Windows
Computer Forensics
Desktop development in VFP, VB.net, C#, and some old VB6
Cobol

I'm a wannabe programmer but I've had trouble finding jobs for the past 3 years since graduating from my 2 year diploma. I'm beginning to think my forgetful memory and my lack of attention to detail don't suit programming very well... I love the problem solving and creating software that a bunch of people will use I just haven't done well so far.

AV Show Tech here!!!

The only way to get this info is to statistically coherent surveys. It is my opinion that websites like his can provide the focus and raise the money to commission research like this. One of the things that the web helps with is showing the huge differences in medical practice and environment across different countries.

this site is very US orientated, in the UK there is little appreciation of Adult ADd and even across the UK or Scotland there are massive differences in diagnosis rates.

However using the web itself for these types of surveys does not produce statistically relevant information as the results are confounded by web access and use patterns.

It is likely that you will get a high response from those in the IT business as they are more likely to use the web for info gathering and interaction with specific non-geographically limited social groups.

The question therefore is how can communities like this provide the ways for this information to be gathered in a statistically relevant manner?

kilt

Does anyone have any statistics on how many people with ADD work in the high tech sector? ie computers, internet, networks etc. not a guess but an actual quotable number ie, 5%, 10%? Or know of any research, survey or article written on ADDers in hi tech jobs ?
I'm a UNIX sysadmin. Been a sysadmin for the last 15 years. It's a great job, very dynamic, lot's of different things to do - perfect for an ADDer. One thing I fear, though, is the looming ITIL certification that everyone is expected to undertake. That's all about processes, procedures, and plans. Aaaaargh!

I'm a student right now; I was a comp. sci. major, but I've switched to IT as I figured that there's no way I could sit there all day and write code or design hardware; I think my calling is to be a System Admin or Network Admin ;-)

I'm a student right now; I was a comp. sci. major, but I've switched to IT as I figured that there's no way I could sit there all day and write code or design hardware; I think my calling is to be a System Admin or Network Admin ;-)I suspect that the classic sysadmin has to have ADD to keep the job. I've seen a lot of sysadmins come and go - the only ones that can cope with it are the ones that seem to have ADD, (well exhibit ADD traits).

But, be carefull. There are some sysadmin jobs that ADDers will NOT flourish in. These are the jobs that have strict change management - basically ITIL the whole way, (just google it if you don't know what it is).