Month: August 2021

Responding to ADHD Doubters: Learn history and science that debunks 5 common ADHD myths

ADHD doubter giving a doubtful look to someone who is discussing ADHD with them.

It’s a sad but true fact. Many people still, even after the surge of ADHD research over the past 30 years, don’t believe it’s real. Whether they are misinformed about – or deny – the existence of neurodiversity, their denial likely affects you in some way at work, school, religious groups or social functions. Dealing with doubters means educating them instead of responding to them with anger, frustration or avoidance. Whatever blame, shame and criticism you receive from the doubters in your life tarnishes your relationships. When they deny your reality, they minimize your experience. Support yourself and your neurodiverse kids by challenging myths with these facts.

5 myths commonly believed by ADHD doubters, and why they’re not accurate:

Myth #1: ADHD is not real.

Actually…

ADHD traits have been recognized and studied for centuries.

Man in a suit surrounded by newspapers holding a magnifying glass up to a plastic head filled with colorful plastic letters that are spilling over the table, looking like he is researching the brain

The first time a disorder resembling ADHD appears in history is with findings by Scottish physician and author Sir Alexander Crichton in 1798. Since then, reports of ADHD-like traits have been discovered throughout history with neurodivergent explanations and types of treatment. The American Psychiatric Association did not recognize ADHD (as hyperkinetic impulse disorder) until 1968, in its second edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).

In fact, it took until 1937 for medication to be formulated for ADHD, and it was discovered completely by accident. Dr. Charles Bradley was originally tasked with creating something that would alleviate headaches in children under the care of staff at Emma Pendleton Bradley Home (now Bradley Hospital in Road Island). It was the first children’s psychiatric hospital in the nation.

ADHD has had many names.

Previous names used to identify ADHD before its current definition was set forth include:

        • brain-injured child syndrome,
        • hyperkinesis (1968 DSMII),
        • hyperactive child syndrome,
        • and minimal brain dysfunction.

Researchers in the 1970s observed that hyperactive children are likely to experience chronic inattention issues. Both symptoms improved with stimulant medications. Thus, the third edition of the DSM outlined the meaning of ADD in 1980.

More research and awareness has led to more diagnoses.

Because there was a more thorough and accurate diagnostic description, and the terms have become more common in households around the world, official diagnoses started climbing in the 1990s. More parents were able to recognize symptoms in their children. There was also increasing awareness in the medical and expanding mental health fields.

The most recent definition of ADHD was outlined in DSM 5 in 2013. This current description of ADHD in the DSM 5 outlines hyperactivity/impulsivity, inattention and other factors that are specific to people with ADHD. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) gives more details on diagnosis factors, allowing the general public to be better informed when it comes to caring for and interacting with people with ADHD.

Myth #2: ADHD is caused by poor parenting.

Actually…

ADHD is not at all caused by a lack of discipline for children and teens.

Child with ADHD learning to knit with mom next to her on the living room rug.

ADHD is a biologically based condition. According to the CDC, it is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder of childhood. Additionally, it is the most highly inherited mental health issue reported, as over 50% of adults with ADHD will have a child with ADHD. If one child in a family is diagnosed with ADHD, there is a 33% chance that another child has – or will have – it.

ADHD is not just hereditary. Often, difficulties during pregnancy or premature delivery can cause your child, and other children down the line, to experience symptoms. Prenatal exposure to ethyl alcohol, drugs and tobacco are all exposure risks that could impact the neurodiversity of children. Teach your children about these risks as part of supporting a healthy lifestyle. 

Myth #3: ADHD is over-diagnosed and medication is over-prescribed.

Actually…

More research and awareness has led to more diagnoses.

As we discussed earlier, it was just a few decades ago that the medical community really got a grasp on this condition. A lot of research is recent and ongoing. So, of course, there were fewer diagnoses until more recently. At the time of this article, around 10% of children in the United States are diagnosed, with a reported 5% worldwide. The rate of adult ADHD diagnoses is 6.76% and steadily rising.

Getting an ADHD diagnosis isn’t easy.

The ADHD diagnosis process, and what it takes to get there, is complicated and thorough. It’s more than filling out a form. Rather, it involves a complete history and assessment of cognitive abilities, learning capabilities and attention.

Medication for ADHD management is closely regulated.

Medication is more stringently prescribed than in the past. Studies have found that when kids and adults with ADHD are given appropriate medications that work for them, medications reduce the need for substance abuse, or self-medication.

It is important to remember that medications do not help everyone who has ADHD. Some people can’t tolerate the side effects or don’t see noticeable positive changes. Of course, pills don’t teach skills. The most effective treatment has been found to be a combination of medication and cognitive behavior therapy, family dynamic and personal education that includes (sometimes extensive) parent training. 

Myth #4: Most kids with ADHD outgrow it.

Actually…

While children diagnosed with ADHD do have the ability to outgrow it, that is not always the case.

Three neurodiverse adults working together on a team, focused and looking at a plan on tablet.

In fact, only around 20% of early diagnoses tend to outgrow their symptoms. In addition, adult ADHD can be more complicated to diagnose, especially in women. Just as the tools to identify ADHD in kids have become more robust over the years, the measures to assess ADHD are better understood and more reliable. However, because of the recency of these developments,  some adults who were told they had ADHD as kids may have been misdiagnosed or their symptoms were (due to a lack of information) completely overlooked in their childhood.

Another very likely factor is that adults have developed personal strengths and habits over the years to help them live more effectively. They simply have more choices and autonomy than children and teens. They can change their environments – home, work and otherwise – and encourage themselves in different, more sophisticated ways. For these reasons, ADHD symptoms may be less likely to interfere with their everyday life.

Myth #5: ADHD is actually a lack of self-discipline.

Actually…

ADHD is a biologically-based disorder related to the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine.

ADHD is a chronic condition marked by many notable symptoms, including persistent inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity. While these traits can exist in neurotypical children, teens and adults, they are often observed more frequently and at a much higher intensity in those with ADHD compared to others in similar age and cultural groups.

ADHD is often associated with the belief that there is a lack of self-discipline and inability to participate, focus, or achieve. There is an overall misconception that people with ADHD are lazy and unmotivated. It just isn’t true. It’s not about laziness or purposeful distractedness. In fact, I don’t like the word “lazy” at all!

Neurodiverse family painting and making crafts at the table. You see their arms painting nature paintings and paint supplies on the table.

It is common that people with ADHD focus more easily on things they like or excel at. This is a trait we can all access to some degree, an indescribable satisfaction with a project or outcome. The focus on this idea or that result is derived from an interest in the activity itself, and the satisfaction of the journey. More engaging activities do find more appeal.

People with ADHD often find lengthier pursuits, things that require concentration or more time on the finite, overwhelming and daunting.

These types of activities include work meetings, classroom lectures, loud events or shows, homework and an array of athletic endeavors. Even with the benefit of of  hyperfocus, folks show adverse feelings toward completing projects, homework sheets and forms. Often, people of all ages with ADHD find the ability to focus on more interactive pursuits like video games and television for more extended periods of time. These activities are inherently captivating – the rewards are built right into them!

While defending the existence of ADHD can be a bit complicated sometimes, it is definitely worth knowing the facts. Have a few go-to facts to rely on when you need help the most. Create a few phrases based on this information that you can use when you encounter a doubter. To keep up your morale, make sure you keep people who acknowledge the truth of ADHD and know about it near and dear. The more support the better!!

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Create Successful Neurodiverse Family Outings Today: Time to connect with the great outdoors!

Neurodiverse family of 4 smiling and taking a selfie on the hood of a car on a sunny day in front of mountains on a family outing.After 18 months of dealing with the stress of indoor COVID living, using screens for social connections, and managing the stress of hybrid education, most of us have been hankering for some much needed rest and relaxation this summer. As we head into the last weeks of summer and for some, the early return to school, it’s worth taking some time to savor time outside as part of this reset. Connecting families with the great outdoors benefits individual family members and improves family bonds as a whole. Creating neurodiverse family outings that go smoothly and have everyone feeling like a happy camper, however, can be challenging. It’s important to find ways to improve family outings so they work for everyone in your family. Even small adventures can make a big difference. Let’s finish off the summer by making memories that are as positive as possible for everyone.

Why getting outdoors for neurodiverse family outings is worth it:

Spending time in nature is beneficial and fun for all of us: we can kick off our shoes and wade into the ocean, hike to a beautiful vista or just have a picnic in our own backyards. It’s especially great for neurodivergent kids–those youngsters with ADHD, LD, ASD, 2e and/or mental health issues. When any of us venture outside to a beach, park or any green spot, our entire demeanor shifts. We shed some of the stress of our daily lives, feel more relaxed and connect with the atmosphere around us. Children, teens and adults start to feel a welcome sense of spaciousness and freedom. Neurodiverse family of 4 on a family outing sitting in the trunk of a hatchback, outside on a road during a sunset, wearing masks and backpacks, looking happy together. For neurodivergent kids, especially those living with anxiety or depression, this freedom is often sorely needed. These children and adolescents need a chance to let go from the pressures of all things that they struggle to remember to do and from not feeling good enough at doing them. They spend so much time trying to focus, stay organized and correct their mistakes, that a break to wander, play and explore is a welcome (and necessary) relief. On neurodiverse family outings and excursions outdoors, youngsters and adults alike can just be in the moment. They can enjoy the wide range of outside activities and explore the beauty of the natural environment. They may be happy just to be in a different physical space and do nothing at all. These experiences in nature can be very restorative for them and for you as parents, too. Family outings also provide ideal times for family fun as the ‘shoulds’ of our daily routines are transformed into games, explorations and discoveries.

Tips to having a successful summer family adventure with neurodiverse kids and teens:

Pick a location that offers something for everyone and doesn’t require much planning.

Talk with your family about the available options and what people want to do so you can all work together on making a good experience for everyone. Brainstorm first, and then negotiate any necessary compromises. These outings with your neurodiverse family involve the entire family, so make sure everyone’s voice is heard.

Limit your expectations.

Whatever happens has to be okay with you and okay with your family. Share your hopes for the day and listen to theirs. Be open to and make room for spontaneity and go with the flow. The less control you need to exert during the day, the better it will be for you and for everyone else. Remember to play!

Give your teen or child a few specific, simple tasks.

Neurodivergent girl with ADHD looking at a list to pack for a trip next to an empty suitcase on a bed with clothes laid on it. In preparation for your neurodiverse family outing excursion, make a list and write down items that can be checked off. This gives kids more practice in developing those ever-needed executive planning and organizing skills. They’ll be less anxious about thinking they’ll arrive unprepared or left something important behind, too. Remind them to bring items that help them relax, or a go-to activity if times are tough.

Create some guidelines about appropriate behaviors for your day.

Limit these to 2 things, because the kids aren’t likely to remember more than that. These guidelines should revolve around safety primarily, and be logical and explicit (e.g. swim with another person, not alone, and ask beforehand; stay with the group when hiking; play around the picnic area where we can see you).  Remind your child or teen of these 2 guidelines as you arrive at the location. Then ask them to repeat them back to you. This verbal repetition signals to you that they’ve got it.

Focus on the positive.

Family of 4 sitting outside in front of a fire while camping, they're next to a glowing yellow tent by pine trees under a starry night sky. There will likely be a blip or two on your neurodiverse family outings. Something may happen that may frustrate you or other family members. That’s a normal part of being together and doing an activity. Take a deep breath, focus on what’s most important and help your son or daughter recalibrate. Ask your family what would help them move on and/or make amends if there’s been an argument. Practice forgiveness and refocus everybody’s attention on the positive goals of the day such as exploring a different place or trying a new activity. This especially helps neurodiverse kids overcome the negative memory bias that often leads them to focus more on the negatives than the positives. If they have trouble shifting, look around and notice something in their environment–an adaptation of “I spy”–to become more present. Say something like: “I see a hawk in the sky. How big do you think it is?” “Wow, that biker just rode by so quickly. I wonder how fast she is going?” “Can you pick a cool spot for our blanket so we can have lunch?” 

Enjoy your adventures!

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ADHD Support Talk Radio: Perfectionism, Shoulds & Adult ADHD

“If you can be your own worst critic, and you find yourself avoiding, delaying or putting off things that you intend to do until you have the time/energy/bandwidth to do them right, this episode is for you! Dr. Sharon Saline joins co-host Lynne Edris to help find a better way to peace of mind if you’re tired of trying to get things “just right,” or living up to impossible standards of perfection. Listen as we discuss the challenges of living with ADHD and perfectionism and offer 5 practical, easy to use tips.” Click play below to listen to the interview, or listen at ADHDSupportTalk.com.