ADHD Myths
There are tons of misconceptions surrounding ADHD which makes it an often misunderstood condition. Here we will cover some common myths associated with having ADHD. Many people believe that ADHD only looks like hyperactivity and inattention in young children, but ADHD can be very complex and vary among individuals and ages. Understanding ADHD is necessary to effectively manage its symptoms and understand others that may be struggling because of ADHD. This is especially true for parents and those who work in childcare, or a school setting.
Myth 1: “Only Boys” or “only children” have ADHD
ADHD affects both boys and girls, although it often presents differently. While young boys are more often diagnosed due to hyperactive behavior, girls may exhibit more inattentive symptoms such as difficulty focusing on one thing at a time. Because it is not uncommon for children to be inattentive, this unfortunately leads to underdiagnosis in girls.
Myth 2: ADHD is caused by poor parenting or playing too many video games
ADHD is a medical condition with genetic and neurological origins. It is not determined by parenting styles or the use of video games. Parents often get frustrated wondering “why can my child pay attention to video games for hours but they can’t seem to focus on their schoolwork?”.
If you notice that video games effectively hold your child with ADHD’s attention but they have trouble concentrating on schoolwork or remembering chores, it is important to know the connection. Video games require a different kind of focus and attention than schoolwork and chores. Video games are fast-paced and designed to capture and hold the attention of children. Video games provide constant stimulation and instant rewards. All of these things work well for kids with ADHD. Kids don’t have the experience and world view to understand the importance of doing their schoolwork and learning their times tables. There is no instant gratification or reward for finishing their work. Because a kid can focus on video games for hours at a time, does not equate to that kid not having ADHD. Remember, ADHD is a neurobehavioral disorder. It is not your fault as a parent!
Myth 3: ADHD can be fixed by more strict parenting or a more firm teacher
No amount of planning, scheduling, or punishments can “whip a child with ADHD into shape”. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) outlines ADHD as a complex medical disorder. It is not a thing to “fix”. The better informed parents and teachers are about ADHD, the better they can steer children with ADHD through early life while creating good habits, coping mechanisms, and knowledge about their condition. While certain lifestyle changes can help manage ADHD symptoms, there is no cure for this condition. Treatment options often include a combination of taking medication, therapy, and behavioral interventions. Not taking action and not addressing how ADHD is playing a role in one’s life can be very damaging. Especially in young children, primarily girls (because young girls are underdiagnosed).
Myth 4: People With ADHD Can't Focus On Anything For Long
A common stereotype about people with ADHD is that they cannot focus long enough to complete work or home tasks. This perception often leads to misunderstandings about their capabilities and work ethic. Research shows that adults and kids with ADHD can experience periods of intense concentration known as 'hyperfocus'. This phenomenon occurs when a person becomes deeply engrossed in highly stimulating or interesting activities. During periods of hyperfocus, an individual may become so absorbed in a task that they lose alertness in what is going on around them. Hyperfocus might cause them to lose track of time and forget to do things like eat or other responsibilities, like appointments or meetings.
Hyperfocus is a double-edged sword. It can be a significant advantage when channeled into productive activities, such as work projects or creative endeavors. However, it can also lead to challenges, particularly when it causes neglect of other important tasks or responsibilities.
These are just a few myths about ADHD that have been perpetuated for decades. It’s crucial to recognize that the challenges people with ADHD face are not about a lack of willpower or effort. Instead, they reflect how the ADHD brain processes information and stimuli. With this information, we can reshape our approach to supporting individuals with ADHD, especially in academic and workplace settings where we can provide accommodations to allow people with ADHD to harness the unique way they focus and find productivity.
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