By EmptyCare | Updated on 14th Oct 2022
Myth #1: ADHD is not really a disorder and kids need to be trained better
Fact #1: It's a common neurobehavioral disorder, with about 11% of children ages 4 through 17 having been diagnosed.
Myth #2: ADHD is the result of bad parenting.
Fact #2: The problem is rooted in brain chemistry, not discipline. In fact, overly strict parenting can make ADHD symptoms worse.
Myth #3: ADHD affects only boys.
Fact #3: Girls are just as likely to have ADHD as are boys. But as this myth persists, boys are more likely to be diagnosed than girls.
Myth #4: A kid who can play video games for hours couldn’t possibly have ADHD.
Fact #4: ADHD means dysregulated attention. Highly stimulating environments or activities can lead to hyperfocus. Mundane & less stimulating settings see more distraction.
Myth #5: Children with ADHD eventually outgrow their condition.
Fact #5: Some adults earlier diagnosed with ADHD become asymptomatic with coping strategies, but they don’t essentially outgrow the diagnosis
Myth #6: Children who take ADHD medication are more likely to abuse drugs.
Fact #6: Actually, it’s just the opposite. Untreated ADHD increases the risk that an individual will abuse drugs or alcohol. Appropriate treatment reduces this risk.
Myth #7: People who have ADHD are stupid or lazy.
Fact #7: Celebrities who were diagnosed with ADHD, are Emma Watson, Adam Levine, Channing Tatum, Audra McDonald, Paris Hilton, Michael Phelps, etc.
Source: NIH, ADDitude
