During my recent interview on WEWS News Channel 5 in Cleveland about ADHD Awareness Month I separated Fact from Fiction by debunking 3 common myths of ADHD…
FICTION: “Well, everyone is a little ADHD.”
FACTS:
Sure, everyone CAN be distracted / forgetful… sometimes
Those of us with ADHD experience this with greater intensity / severity than neurotypical brains
In order to receive an official ADHD diagnosis, someone must exhibit symptoms for at least 6 months, in a way that is excessive, pervasive, and persistent!
FICTION: “ADHD is for kids. They will ‘grow out of it’ eventually…”
When most people thing of ADHD, they envision a grade school-aged boy who can’t sit still in his seat…
FACTS:
While males tend to be diagnosed 2-3x more often than girls, this condition effects BOTH boys AND girls…
Contrary to biased beliefs, someone cannot simply “grow out of” ADHD!
FICTION: ADHD is an EXCUSE (…for being LAZY!)
FACTS:
ADHD is a REAL, brain-based neurological disorder!
Our brains are anatomically different! This is a result of the neural messages in our brains not being transmitted as effectively as those with typical brain wiring.
Estimated that 5-7% of the world’s population (~450M people) are impacted by ADHD!
