Momference: A Meeting of the Moms

Do you find yourself in situations where you hear people saying things like, “ADHD is an excuse for laziness,”  “You are just overprotecting your child,” “He could do it if he really wanted to”?

There are many myths about ADHD and they can be very counterproductive for children and adults with attention deficit. 

Below are a few of those myths and the truth regarding each myth:

• MYTH #1:  ADHD is just an excuse for laziness.
  FACT: ADHD is a neurological disorder caused primarily by diminished dopamine in the prefrontal cortex.  It is characterized by distractibility, impulsivity, limited executive function (primarily inability to plan, organize and manage time effectively), difficulty in concentration and other issues. According to epidemiological data, 4%-6% of the U.S. population has ADHD. In addition, ADHD has been recognized as a disability by the courts, the United States Congress, the National Institutes of Health, and all major professional medical, psychiatric, psychological and educational associations.
• MYTH #2:  ADHD kids learn to make excuses, rather than take responsibility for their actions.
  FACT:  Any child who is working with a professional in the field of ADHD has been told that ADHD is a challenge, not an excuse.  In addition, they have been told that there are many positive aspects to ADHD including being very talented and artistic.  These children are encouraged to seek their talents and use them.
• MYTH  #3:  ADHD is caused by bad parenting and lack of discipline.
  FACT:  It is not possible to make a child with biologically-based issues, like self-control, act appropriately simply through applying severe discipline.  The concerned, observant, involved, consistent, encouraging and loving parent is the one who will prevail.
• MYTH #4:  If a child can focus on video games, TV, playing with Legos, he can focus on what is going on in school.
  FACT:  Children and adults with ADHD have the ability to hyperfocus on things that interest them (video games, a good book, an interesting lecture, the internet) to the point where they can shut out all distractions. 
  At the same time, they have great difficulty focusing and concentrating on things that do not interest or bore them (certain subjects in school, boring lectures, lengthy reports, family discussions). 
• MYTH #5:  People outgrow ADHD.
  Fact:  A number of studies have shown that ADHD generally persists for a lifetime.  More than 70% of children diagnosed will continue to manifest all symptoms into adolescence and 15-20% will manifest these symptoms into adulthood.  In addition, if not diagnosed and treated, additional symptoms such as depression, anxiety, academic and vocational problems and marital issues can develop.
   

About the Author:  Sharon Howell

My diagnosis of ADD was a great relief. It provided a reason for the confusion that plagued my daily life. But it was coaching that provided the answers for dealing with my individual challenges. Through coaching I learned to slow down, accept myself, develop coping skills, advocate for myself and learn to create my own standards for living my life (instead of other peoples standards). You can too!  Sharon can be contacted at sharonh75@optonline.net.