4 Common ADHD Myths
1. People with ADHD are Just Lazy
Living with ADHD can pose many challenges to daily functioning and task completion. While ADHD can be problematic, it isn’t a matter of being lazy or a lack of motivation. More often than not, they are trying to focus much harder than you’d realize on the outside.
Their attention challenges stem from how their brain processes information, not from behavioral reasons or attitudes towards anything. When struggling to get through classwork, work tasks, or responsibilities, they may try to make excuses or save face by saying they’re too lazy. It might be easier to make a joke than admit to having a bigger problem due to social stigmas.
2. ADHD Always Means Hyperactivity
One common stereotype for those with ADHD is that they’re overly energetic and can’t sit still. While that may apply to some people, there are actually three different types of ADHD.
The first type is hyperactive-impulsive. It is characterized by fidgeting, difficulty sitting still, being overly talkative, impatience, hyperactivity, and making inappropriate comments or gestures to the task at hand.
The second is inattentive. This type may still experience some level of hyperactivity, but it isn’t the main symptom. They may demonstrate distractibility, reduced concentration, difficulty with organization, boredom, poor listening skills, and slower information processing.
Lastly, there is a combination type. Symptoms for this type may be a combination of both of the previous types.
The types tipped towards the inattentive side are less likely to display the hyperactive symptoms to the people on the outside.
3. You Will Outgrow ADHD
ADHD most often develops in childhood. Once parents start to notice their children having symptoms, there is a common misconception that they will outgrow it or suddenly learn how to deal with it.
Most children don’t outgrow their symptoms or their ADHD. It’s possible that symptoms may shift as the child becomes an adult. Some symptoms may become less severe, while others could fade away.
Over the years of living with ADHD, it’s normal to learn some mechanisms for managing symptoms to make them less apparent or disruptive to daily life. Either way, none of these are officially outgrowing the ADHD.
4. ADHD is a Learning Disability
Another misconception is that ADHD is a learning disability. ADHD can, in fact, make learning a bit of a challenge when in school or starting a new job. It isn’t, however, a true learning disability. ADHD actually falls under the category of a neurodevelopmental disorder.
A learning disability impacts how a person can receive and retain information. They can affect skills like listening, reasoning, reading, writing, or speaking. With neurodevelopmental disorders, there is a group of things that influence brain function. They can impact communication, social interaction, and behavior. The impact of neurodevelopmental disorders has a wider range than learning disabilities.
ADHD symptoms can impact learning, but they don’t typically cause a challenge in writing or reading skills, for example. For some people who struggle with ADHD, they may also have a learning disability impacting their functioning.
If you or someone you know is struggling with ADHD, we can help. Contact us for a consultation to formulate a treatment plan.