Debunking Common Myths About ADHD: Facts, Misconceptions & Support

As an individual with ADHD, has anyone ever said to you, “Everyone’s a little ADHD,” “ADHD isn’t real,” or “You just aren’t trying hard enough”?

Statements like these are all too common. But that doesn’t make them any less harmful. 

These myths about ADHD contribute to stigma, misunderstanding, and misdiagnosis.

According to the CADDAC, about 4–6 percent of adults and 5–7 percent of children in Canada are diagnosed with ADHD. Yet, many individuals, particularly adults and marginalized populations, remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.

At Bee Kind Counselling, a team of neurodiversity-affirming therapists is committed to creating a space where ADHD is understood as a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference, not as a reflection of laziness, poor parenting, or a lack of motivation. 

Let’s delve into the most common myths about ADHD and the facts to debunk them. 

What Is ADHD?

ADHD, also known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental difference and a form of neurodivergence. 

This means that it affects key brain areas involved in attention, impulsivity, activity levels, and emotional regulation. 

While many people think that ADHD looks solely like hyperactivity, this trait is not present in all cases of ADHD. 

ADHD presents itself in three different types:

• Inattentive Type ADHD: Traits are primarily the inattentive type, with hyperactivity or impulsivity being minimal or absent. Individuals experience challenges with focus, organization, memory, and sustaining attention. 

• Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: Marked primarily by hyperactive and impulsive traits with minimal or absent inattentive traits. Those with hyperactive-impulsive ADHD type experience restlessness, impulsive actions, and high energy levels.

• Combined Type: Individuals experience traits from both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive types.

  
  

Common Myths About ADHD

Despite the fact that there has been increased public awareness on the topic of ADHD, the misconceptions about ADHD continue to be widespread. 

These myths limit access to support, contribute to a reduction in help-seeking, and delay diagnosis. 

Below, we’ll delve into the most common myths about ADHD and the facts that debunk these common misconceptions. 

Myth 1: ADHD isn’t real.

There is no single universal test for the diagnosis of ADHD. 

This leads some people to doubt if ADHD is legitimate.

But the truth is that ADHD is a well-researched neurodevelopmental difference. 

For example, some brain imaging studies show differences in key brain areas, brain structure, and connectivity that correlate with ADHD traits. 

In addition, many medical and psychological organizations recognize ADHD as a legitimate diagnosis. The American Psychiatric Association, for instance, recognizes it in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

Myth 2: ADHD is overdiagnosed.

While ADHD is diagnosed more frequently today than in past decades, many people wrongfully assume that this increase is the result of an ADHD epidemic or that ADHD is overdiagnosed. 

But, in reality, experts attribute the increase in ADHD diagnoses now to several key factors. 

Historically, ADHD has not been taken seriously, especially if it was experienced by marginalized individuals. 

This pattern resembles that of left-handedness. 

In the past, left-handedness was viewed as something to fix or hide. 

Many individuals attempted to change to right-handedness just to be accepted by society. 

The same is true for those with ADHD.

Because ADHD was heavily stigmatized in the past and viewed as something to be fixed, many people hide their ADHD traits. 

As a result, fewer individuals were diagnosed with ADHD, not because of a lack of ADHD cases, but because stigma kept them from seeking a diagnosis. 

Recently, ADHD cases have increased due to improved understanding and acceptance of ADHD as a real neurodevelopmental difference. 

In addition, many adults, women, BIPOC individuals, and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals went undiagnosed due to outdated diagnostic practices or a lack of research on diverse populations.

With an increase in the diversity of studies on ADHD and the understanding of diagnostic criteria for individuals who don’t display the “typical” traits of ADHD, this has understandably led to an increase in ADHD diagnoses. 

Myth 3: You can’t have ADHD if you’re not hyperactive.

Because the name Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder contains the word “hyperactivity” in it, some people assume that ADHD is solely about being hyperactive. 

If you are one of these individuals, you might have pictured a boy jumping off the walls and being unable to pay attention in class. 

However, not everyone with ADHD experiences hyperactivity. 

ADHD is now classified into three types, with inattentive ADHD being one of them. 

Therefore, hyperactivity is not required for an ADHD diagnosis, as many individuals have ADHD without exhibiting hyperactive behaviors.

For those who experience inattentive ADHD, there are challenges with focus, organization, and memory, but hyperactivity isn’t usually a trait experienced in this type of ADHD. 

Myth 4: Only boys have ADHD.

ADHD research has historically focused on cisgender white boys. 

As a result, this created a very narrow view of ADHD, which tended to look at ADHD as hyperactivity. 

But ADHD affects all genders, and increased research is needed to understand presentations across diverse populations.

For girls and assigned female at birth (AFAB) individuals, the presentation of ADHD often looks far different. 

Typically, ADHD may present with more subtle or internalized traits, which can be overlooked and remain undiagnosed. 

Girls and nonbinary individuals often present with subtler or internalized traits, which can be overlooked.

Myth 5: Bad parenting causes ADHD.

Some people assume that ADHD is a reflection of poor parenting and that children with ADHD are just not disciplined enough. 

In reality, ADHD is a real neurodevelopmental condition that deserves the same understanding and acceptance as any other condition. 

The traits of ADHD, including impulsive behavior, difficulty focusing, and emotional dysregulation, are not something that a child consciously controls or that the parent causes in the child. 

They are rooted in brain-wiring, not parenting style.

In addition, if a child is struggling in school or other aspects of life, punishing or blaming the child can worsen challenges, rather than helping. 

Myth 6: ADHD can be cured.

ADHD is a neurotype and a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference. 

It has to do with differences in brain structure and involves a different way of navigating the world. 

While those with ADHD can develop strategies to manage the challenges that may come with ADHD, the neurotype itself doesn’t disappear.

Some traits may change with age, but ADHD is not something that can be cured.

Myth 7: People with ADHD are lazy.

This damaging myth that those with ADHD can just willpower their way through their challenges or that they are just lazy ignores the reality of ADHD. 

However, ADHD is not a reflection of motivation. It reflects differences in brain function.

Navigating life with ADHD typically requires much more effort than it does for those without ADHD. 

Tasks that involve executive functioning, such as planning, organization, and sustained attention, are inherently more challenging for ADHDers.

Myth 8: ADHD is only diagnosed in childhood.

While some individuals with ADHD do receive a diagnosis in childhood, it can be diagnosed at any age. 

In fact, long-term studies indicate that ADHD remains lifelong, persisting in 50%–80% of cases into adolescence and in 35%–65% of cases into adulthood.

Myth 9: ADHD is a learning disability.

Although ADHD can affect an individual's ability to learn, it is not classified as a learning disability itself. 

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition, not a learning disability.

The reason for this is that it doesn’t primarily impact specific learning and academic skills.

Instead, ADHD impacts executive functioning skills, which makes attention, organization, and impulse control difficult. 

These challenges can indirectly impact learning. 

In addition, ADHD may also co-occur with learning disabilities. 

Book a Free Consultation With Bee Kind Counselling

Debunking myths about ADHD can help to create a more inclusive and understanding society. 

If you or someone you know is seeking support for ADHD, consider booking a consultation with Bee Kind Counselling. 

Neurodiversity-affirming therapy and coaching can help you navigate life with ADHD in a way that feels authentic and empowering.

Email info@beekindcounselling.ca or visit the website below to book a free consultation with a neurodiversity-affirming therapist at Bee Kind Counselling.

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