When you think of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) a image of a hyper, loud child running around the room causing chaos may come to mind. The disorder is often associated with kids, specifically boys, acting out and misbehaving.
Some may not even believe that ADHD is a real disorder. For the treatment of all those with ADHD and for them to be properly understand, we want to break down some of the most common myths.
Myth #1: ADHD is caused by lazy parenting
Many think that ADHD is really just code for a lack of discipline by the parents. They may think that the parents are lazy or ill-equipped to properly modify the behavior of their child.
ADHD is not something that can be cured by discipline, or solely with drugs such as Adderall. The disorder is a recognized medical condition that research has shown is hereditary. The symptoms of ADHD are not because of lazy parenting, but rather as a sign of their medical condition.
One can manage ADHD with compassion, support, education, and perhaps medication.
Myth #2: ADHD is only in children
Children with ADHD do not often outgrow it. Therefore, children with the disorder most likely become adults with the disorder. Although with the right tools and help, the symptoms of the disorder may lessen and be better managed. The disorder does not necessarily go away, the person just gets better at coping with it.
Myth #3: ADHD children are always hyper
Not all children with ADHD are hyper. They are not necessarily any noisier or louder than other children. The American Psychiatric Association has created three types of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined.
- Inattentive ADHD means that the person is not detail-oriented, have trouble following directions, and can be easily distracted.
- Hyperactivity-impulsive ADHD is characterized by a person that tends to fidget or bounce a lot. They may also want to talk a lot.
- Combined ADHD is simply that, a combination of inattentive and hyperactivity-impulsive ADHD.
Myth #4: If you can’t focus, you must have ADHD
Not being able to focus at all times does not necessarily mean that you have ADHD. There are many others possible symptoms to consider as well as a diagnosis from your doctor before you label yourself or worry about having ADHD.
Myth #5: Kids with ADHD will become unsuccessful adults
There are many succesful professionals who had ADHD. Some of these include Abraham Lincoln and Bill Gates. More than ADHD, the factors that will determine the success of the child are often the education, support, and understanding that they and others have about ADHD.
ADHD does not doom a child to an unsuccessful life. It just might mean that they need an extra set of tools.
Are you struggling with ADHD?