8 Common Myths About ADHD

Posted on October, 16, 2024 by Susan Schaefer, M.Ed., M.A.T, Founder & CEO
 

It’s October, my favorite month of the year. The leaves are at their peak, the weather begins to cool, and, of course, the best thing about October is… it’s ADHD Awareness Month! Oh, and Halloween, which is almost as good. 

At this point, it’s hard to imagine anyone who isn’t aware of ADHD.  However, there are still aspects of ADHD that are often misunderstood.  

Let’s fact-check some common misconceptions:

Myth 1: ADHD Isn’t Real

Fact: ADHD is a recognized neurodevelopmental disorder. Research shows it affects brain function and behavior. It’s not just a fancy term for being a little forgetful or distracted!

Myth 2: Only Kids Have ADHD

Fact: While ADHD is often diagnosed in childhood, many adults also live with it. Some people aren’t diagnosed until they’re adults, and symptoms can make the demands of everyday life challenging.

Myth 3: People with ADHD Just Need more Discipline 

Fact: ADHD is not about will-power or laziness. It’s about how the brain processes information and manages attention. It’s like asking someone with glasses to see better without them.

Myth 4: All People with ADHD Are Hyperactive

Fact: ADHD comes in different types. Some people are hyperactive, while others might be more inattentive or a mix of both. You can have ADHD without bouncing off the walls.

Myth 5: ADHD Is Caused by Poor Parenting

Fact: While parenting styles can influence behavior, ADHD isn’t caused by how someone was raised. It’s influenced by genetics and brain structure, not parenting.

Myth 6: Medication Is the Only Solution

Fact: While medication can be helpful for many, it’s not the only option. Therapy, executive function coaching, lifestyle changes, and ADHD coaching for all ages can play a big role in managing symptoms.

Myth 7: People with ADHD Can’t Focus on Anything

Fact: People with ADHD can hyper-focus on tasks for hours they find interesting, sometimes to the point of losing track of time. 

Myth 8: ADHD Will Go Away with Age

Fact: While some symptoms may improve as a person gets older, ADHD doesn’t just disappear. Many adults still experience challenges related to it throughout their lives.

If some of these myths rang true to you at first, I am glad I could help clarify them. That’s really what ADHD Awareness Month is all about. 

Do you have any questions about ADHD? Feel free to reach out to me by clicking here, I’m happy to help!