Common myths about ADHD

By Dr Beth Johnson

“Children with ADHD require different parenting strategies and may not respond to traditional parenting techniques. Hyperactivity, risk taking, difficulty concentrating, and difficulty with motivation are symptoms of ADHD, and can’t simply be disciplined away by the parent.” Dr Beth Johnson

MYTH | ADHD isn’t a real disorder, it’s just a by-product of busy lives and too much technology.

FACT | It’s a condition that has been documented since the 1800s, well before our technological advances, smart
phones and compulsory education.

MYTH | ADHD is something kids grow out of it.

FACT | 80 per cent of children go on to have ADHD in adulthood.

MYTH | ADHD is just an excuse for big pharma to sell medication to children.

FACT | No, medication is an effective support for many individuals with ADHD, young and old.

MYTH | People only want an ADHD diagnosis so they can legally access drugs.

FACT | Firstly, ADHD medications (stimulant and non-stimulant medications) are non- addictive. Secondly, for someone with ADHD not accessing medication, they will be more likely to abuse illegal drugs that are addictive, such as nicotine, methamphetime and cocaine.

MYTH | ADHD is just a label to pathologise boisterous boys.

FACT | No, ADHD has many different presentations, it’s present in all genders, and children only receive a diagnosis when their symptoms impact on their daily functioning and quality of life.

MYTH | ADHD is just the result of poor parenting. Or, parents just want to medicate their kids so they can have their coffee in peace.

FACT | No, it’s that children with ADHD require different parenting strategies
and may not respond to traditional parenting techniques. Hyperactivity, risk taking, difficulty concentrating, and difficulty with motivation are symptoms of ADHD, and can’t simply be disciplined away by the parent.

More action needed on ADHD

There has been a concerted push by many in the ADHD and disability communities to have ADHD added to the NDIS
as a primary condition. Minister for the NDIS, Bill Shorten, seemingly opened the door for this recently during a press conference, then very quickly slammed it shut the next day. “The scheme will not be broadened to include ADHD within this budget cycle” a spokesman said later.

And so, the fight continues…

Read the spotlight on ADHD here.