Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a greatly misunderstood condition. Many people still believe that this condition does not exist and children with ADHD are merely misbehaving. Here are some of the most common myths associated with ADHD.
Kids with ADHD are always hyperactive
Most children diagnosed with this condition are noisy, hyperactive, and impulsive. However, this is not a necessity. ADHD may also be diagnosed among children who are quiet and socially withdrawn. According to the American Psychiatric Association, children diagnosed with ADHD can be categorized as hyperactive-impulsive, inattentive and a combination of the two.
Children with this condition don’t work hard enough to pay attention
Telling a child with this condition to “just focus” is the same as telling a child who can’t hear to “listen harder.” In many cases, these children work harder than their peers to pay attention to a task. Their inability to do so is due to a difference in their neural pathways. These neural networks can take longer to develop in children with ADHD. Do not believe people who say that a lack of discipline and bad parenting is the cause of ADHD.
ADHD can only be treated with medication
Medication is a requirement for almost all children diagnosed with ADHD. However, it is not the only mode of treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy and behavior therapy can be very effective in treating ADHD. Medication and therapy may also be combined with supplements and exercises. For example, fish oil can be beneficial for children with ADHD. Similarly, certain exercises may help channel their energy.
ADHD is a learning disability
ADHD affects a child’s ability to learn new things, but this condition cannot be categorized as a learning disability. Children with ADHD may not do well in school because they have trouble focusing but they do not usually have any specific difficulties learning skills such as math or reading. That said, it is important to know that ADHD can co-occur with many learning disabilities.
Children can outgrow ADHD
Some symptoms associated with the condition may fade away or disappear as a child grows older but most children do not outgrow ADHD. In many cases, the symptoms simply change and children become more adept at dealing with these symptoms. Even when they become adults, some symptoms of the condition will still be present.
ADHD only affects boys
Girls and boys are at equal risk of ADHD. However, it is more commonly diagnosed in boys. This is mainly because the symptoms appear differently for the two genders. While boys tend to become hyperactive and impulsive, girls usually become more day-dreamy. They may also come across as overly sensitive or over emotional.
Understanding ADHD can help children who have been diagnosed with this condition and their caregivers deal with it in a better way. It can also help them seek treatment to relieve the symptoms and improve their quality of life.
