ADHD: De-Bunking The Myths
There are many myths surrounding ADHD, particularly how the condition affects children and young people. This article, written by Rachel Varney, SENCO and Trainer at The ADHD Foundation Neurodiversity Charity, expels some of those myths.
Myth 1: ADHD affects more boys than girls
Even though there are currently more boys than girls diagnosed, ADHD affects both boys and girls equally. We know this because it is believed by adulthood, the ratio of men to women diagnosed is equal.
Currently, the ratio of boys to girls diagnosed is around 3:1. There are several recognised reasons for this. In girls, there is more of a chance of signs of ADHD being missed or misdiagnosed. Quite often, some of the common signs are misinterpreted. For example, for our girls, a common sign of ADHD (being easily distracted) could be put down to being a "Daydreamer". Another common sign (appearing to be withdrawn), could be put down to being "shy". Are they forgetful? Isn’t that just ditsy behaviour? Hyper-talkative? They’re just a chatterbox! Signs of exaggerated emotional responses? Oh, that is just them being a "Drama Queen". These unhelpful stereotypical comments are too often used to describe girls who are displaying potential strong signs of ADHD.
Other reasons for the misrepresentation of girls lie in historical studies being focused on boys, signs displaying more in later teens and adulthood, and the commonality of ‘masking behaviour’ in different settings (predominantly different signs in school and at home or internalising behaviour).
The problem with this myth is that because girls with ADHD often go untreated, their condition can progress, increasing issues with mood, anxiety, bipolar and other comorbid disorders in adulthood.
Myth 2: ADHD is linked to IQ
Research has shown that ADHD affects children, teens and adults in the same way, no matter what their academic ability is. In fact, people with high IQs and ADHD are more likely to have lower cognitive functioning. While people with ADHD are good at the tasks they really enjoy, this doesn't necessarily mean they have a high IQ. ADHD may diminish the acquisition of intellectual skills to a small degree.
Myth 3: ADHD is 'Naughty Child Syndrome'
Children who have ADHD are often misdiagnosed as 'naughty children', and even if they're officially diagnosed with ADHD, many kids are still simply labelled as naughty. However, ADHD is a recognised medical condition that affects around 3-5% of children and 2% of adults. One of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions in childhood, it is described by the NHS as: "A condition that affects people's behaviour. People with ADHD can seem restless, may have trouble concentrating and may act on impulse."
Myth 4: Having ADHD isn't that serious
While ADHD isn’t life-threatening, it can have serious implications on a person’s overall quality of life. Compared to the general population, people with ADHD are more likely to have anxiety, mood and substance use disorders.
One common experience among adults with ADHD is that it’s difficult to keep up with work responsibilities, and this can lead to problems with their employees around timekeeping and/or workload.
This means they live in continual fear of losing their jobs and not being able to keep up financially, which can take a toll on their personal life.
Adults and young people who have ADHD may require more time to complete tasks in order to thrive. Unfortunately, while these sorts of accommodations may be available in educational settings (reasonable adjustments including additional time in exams or being able to sit exams in smaller or quitter rooms), employers may not be as willing to accommodate or recognise this as an employee’s ADHD acting as a barrier to workplace efficiency.
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