October was ADHD Awareness Month so we’ve been mythbusting some common misconceptions.
And, whilst I wholeheartedly support the concept and the initiative to raise awareness for that month, we must talk about ADHD and other neurodivergences all year round – and I do!
Watch my video, where I talk about some of the common myths and misconceptions we’ve been busting over the past few weeks.
Let me explain in a little more written detail if that’s easier for you…
During October, we posted some common ADHD myths and misconceptions on our social media channels..
Starting with… “ADHD is what ‘naughty boys’ have”
This is not true. ADHD affects boys and girls – some girls present differently to the original criteria for ADHD and so may not be loud and disruptive, which means their difficulties may not be recognised.
“ADHD is a childhood condition which we grow out of”
This is a big misconception. ADHD is a lifelong condition; we may develop skills and strategies to support many of the difficulties, but the struggles often continue and can become more pronounced at times.
“All people with ADHD are hyperactive and energetic”
This is tricky. The difficulties around ADHD can be less about being hyperactive (although this can manifest itself in the mind as well as in the body) and more about being inattentive and impulsive.
“ADHD is only diagnosed in young children”
This is so untrue. Anyone can be diagnosed as ADHD and in fact it’s becoming more and more common for teens and adults to seek diagnosis.
“People with ADHD can’t focus”
People with ADHD can focus and even hyperfocus on the things they are truly engaged in. It’s a common misconception that ADHD presents a lack of attention, when in fact it’s more often it is a difficulty directing the attention.
And finally, on Halloween, we went with…
“ADHD children are little terrors”
Children with ADHD are like any other children; doing their very best to feel seen and safe in their environment. The behaviour we see is because this environment often demands and values skills that their brains find the most difficult.
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