Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is often misunderstood, leading to misconceptions that can affect how individuals with ADHD are treated and supported.
At our recent multi-disciplinary conference, our team shared insights into these common myths, helping to spread awareness and challenge outdated ideas. Below are some key takeaways from the presentation.
Myth: All ADHDers are hyperactive
From a diagnostic standpoint, there are 3 distinct subtypes of ADHD. These are (1) Hyperactive, (2) Inattentive, or (3) Combined (with both hyperactive and inattentive features). People with the inattentive subtype do not experience any of the symptoms of hyperactivity typically associated with ADHD.
In addition, hyperactivity is not always visible to others. In particular, many girls and women with ADHD experience mental hyperactivity rather than physical hyperactivity. Their racing thoughts and internal restlessness make it difficult to focus or relax.
Myth: Kids outgrow ADHD
ADHD presents differently in adults than it does in children, but kids do not outgrow ADHD. Some adults will be less impacted by their ADHD traits as they grow up. Others will learn to hide them, which means their struggle is internalised. And some adults with ADHD still openly struggle a lot.
Myth: ADHDers should change their behaviour to “fit in”
Society often tells us that we need to change ourselves in order to fit in. This is even more prevalent for ADHDers who have unique or "obscure" ways of approaching situations. This is actually somewhat of a super power - to think differently sets them apart. The neurodiversity-affirming paradigm encourages others to recognise these strengths (see our previous blog post for more information about this here).
So instead of telling our ADHDers they need to change things about themselves to fit in, we can recognise their deep interests and different ways of thinking are an important part of their neurodivergent identity, and give them opportunities to share these strengths with others.
Myth: If I did it yesterday, I should be able to do it today
People with ADHD are often unfairly labelled inconsistent or unreliable. This is a result of fluctuating capacity, where their executive functioning skills and energy level vary from day to day. One day they might be roaring to go and super efficient and then the next day they need to recharge and lay in bed literally ALL DAY. Respecting fluctuating capacity means accepting that our ADHDers may not be able to do something today, even if they could do it yesterday. By saying things like "you're just not trying hard enough" we are setting unreasonable expectations and labelling them as lazy, when they legitimately can't do the thing today.
Myth: Regulated means calm
Lots of people think that self-regulation is about learning to calm yourself down. However, regulation actually means being able to match your internal energy level to what's required for a task. Someone falling asleep during a football match is just as dysregulated as someone jumping around during a quiet lesson.
Myth: People with ADHD are selfish
ADHDers experience executive function difficulties that affect their interactions with others (e.g., having trouble focusing or saying something impulsively without thinking about the consequences). This can be misperceived by others as a lack of caring or selfishness. In reality, these actions often result in highly self critical thinking and a deep sense of shame or remorse.
Myth: If meltdowns only happen after school, that means it’s a “home problem” not a “school problem”
Some kids with ADHD can hold everything together and mask their ADHD behaviours at school. However, this takes a lot of effort. By the end of the day, not only are they exhausted, but they return to the safety of their home, where they feel able to truly be themselves. This can result in massive emotional meltdowns, which impact the whole family.
Myth: Medication is the only way to treat ADHD
Clinical studies have shown the best treatment for ADHD is a combination of medication and therapy. Things like healthy eating, sunshine, music, exercise, meditation, and regular breaks are all used to help manage ADHD. Smart phone alarms and apps are also really great tools to assist memory, motivation, and time management.
Myth: People with ADHD can’t focus
It is often thought that people with ADHD can't focus. However, ADHDers can actually experience periods of intense concentration known as ‘hyper-focus,' when they become deeply engrossed in an activity. During these periods, they may be so absorbed in a task that they lose track of time and neglect basic needs like eating or sleeping. This is most likely to occur with tasks that involve their special interests.
Myth: Everyone has ADHD these days
Although it may seem that everyone has ADHD these days, professionals don't diagnose ADHD freely. The increase in ADHD diagnoses in recent years is mainly due to increased awareness, especially about how it presents in girls and women. Reducing stigma also means we are more open to talking about ADHD now than in the past.
Supporting Those with ADHD
By dispelling these myths, we can better understand and support individuals with ADHD. If you or someone you know is struggling with ADHD, our team of psychologists is here to help using a neurodiversity-affirming approach.
Feel free to reach out for guidance or to learn more about our services by calling us on 8373 5655 for Malvern or 08 7078 0303 for Magill or emailing us on info@nlcpsychology.com.au
For more information on ADHD in the meantime, you can browse the list below:
Books:
"This is ADHD" by Chanelle Moriah
"A different sort of normal" by Abigail Balfe
"Different, not less" by Chloe Hayden
"How to ADHD" by Jessica McCabe
"ADHD for smart ass women" by Tracy Otsuka
"Unmasked: The ultimate guide to ADHD, autism, and neurodivergence" by Ellie Middleton
“The Year I Met My Brain” by Matilda Boseley
Online resources:
"How to ADHD" (YouTube)
"NeuroWild" (Facebook/Instagram)
Comments