5 Myths About People with ADHD
When Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is mentioned, the image of a white cis male child unable to sit still in class and an exhausted teacher still permeates. There is so much more richness to the story beyond the dominant discourse of the white cis male narrative and the discomfort of others. “Deficit” is in the very name of this set of characteristics, which unfortunately also serves to perpetuate a lot of myths about people with ADHD. Though the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) recognizes ADHD as a disability, not everyone with it would agree. This recognition may allow access to needed support or services, but some people bristle at the idea that the way their beautiful brain works is somehow disabling them. Quite the contrary. People with ADHD have access to a wellspring of energy, creativity, and different ways of thinking. Let’s now uncover and debunk some common but often unspoken myths that do a disservice to the vibrant and fabulous ADHD community.
Myth 1: People with ADHD are always disorganized and can’t follow through on tasks
While chronic disorganization can be a characteristic of ADHD, it is certainly not impossible for those with ADHD to figure out a system or tricks that allow them to more seamlessly navigate their day and meet their goals. That process may just look different than it does for neurotypical folks. While some routine/schedule may feel constricting for people with ADHD, they can find a “sweet spot” of structure and flow so that their performance can reach its peak. This may include having list to help keep track of tasks and deadlines as well as perhaps taking more frequent breaks to get up, stretch, and move around.
Myth 2: Inability to focus is just a fact of life
What if I were to tell you that people with ADHD actually can have super-focusing power? It certainly runs contrary to the dominant narrative, but it’s true. If there is a task or project that a person with ADHD is passionate about and genuinely interested in, they may actually lose track of time because they are so focused on a particular thing — perhaps even forgetting to eat and take breaks! I don’t mean to imply that one should aspire to pursue interests to one’s own detriment, but it’s important to poke holes in the ubiquitous inaccuracies surrounding ADHD and how people with it function. If people with ADHD find a job/coursework that they are passionate about and are able to strike that balance between passion and self-care, they’re unstoppable.
Myth 3: Managing people or exceling in leadership positions isn’t possible for people with ADHD
Coordinating, networking, mobilizing, and introducing people to each other for a common cause can actually be a strength of people with ADHD. Because their brains process information quickly and in ways that may not be readily apparent to neurotypical people, they can link ideas (and people!) together in unique ways to help meet collective goals.
Myth 4: People with ADHD intentionally disrupt
When overflowing with ideas and creative energy, it may sometimes seem like people with ADHD intentionally disrupt the flow of a conversation or the classroom experience. Others may not connect the ideas that they share to the topic at hand. Keep in mind that executive functioning can look different for people with ADHD and if they appear impulsive at times, they likely are not trying to derail a conversation. Some of it is more out of their control, particularly for young folks as their brains are still developing.
Myth 5: They are selfish and only attend to their own experience
If you have a friend with ADHD or have been in a relationship with someone with ADHD, you may have had a similar thought. People with ADHD can certainly be selfish, but it’s not a symptom of ADHD! Interacting with someone with ADHD can be energizing, but if you find yourself frustrated — consider the following. If you’re trying to connect with someone with ADHD and it feels like you can’t get a word in edge wise, it may be because they are in their “flow” and are excited to share something with you or drive home a point. Being honest about wanting to share your own experience/thoughts is important. If someone doesn’t know what you want, they certainly can’t give it to you! That includes time, attention, and feedback. So, when it feels safe to do so, give some genuine heartfelt feedback and then you may start relating to each other in new ways that are beneficial to everyone involved. People with ADHD are by no means oblivious to the emotions of others or unfeeling — they feel and interact with the world around them in a very deep and fast-paced manner. This doesn’t mean that they aren’t interested in you 😊
Differing brains are beautiful things. Connecting with people who process the world different from you contributes to the growth of all parties involved. If you find yourself succumbing to some of these myths about ADHD — challenge yourself with the ideas presented here. There are so many connections to be made, projects to collaborate on, and awesome people to meet.
