What Do Neurotypical People Think About ADHD
We allow people to view the aspects of us that we would like to be able to see. Being diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder relatively recently, the picture I wanted to convey to others was that I’m doing great despite the challenges I’m facing because of the neurodivergent condition. I want people to understand that having an ADHD diagnosis does not mean a medical condition that limits my ability to live an everyday life. My brain operates differently.
It’s not always simple to explain to people what my brain does and why I make my choices. However, I want people to understand that I’m not different from my peers – I manage things and difficulties differently, just like many of us who have ADHD.
Numerous misconceptions regarding ADHD are out there. Although we do change the perception of those with ADHD, we can’t wholly influence their perspective. What do people with neurotypical personalities think of ADHD?
ADHD Myths You May Encounter
There are always myths that surround the topic of mental wellness. This is why it’s crucial not to be influenced by what you hear and do your research and find the truth.
The same is true for ADHD. There are many misconceptions about the nature of ADHD and how it impacts people. Many times, the common misconceptions regarding ADHD are naive and false. In other instances, they could have a basis based on a misinterpretation. Let’s examine some of the most common myths:
Kids That Often Jump Around
“No, you cannot possibly have ADHD because you do not have the same characteristics as the young boy who often disrupts everything and continuously jumps around.”
Sometimes, I will come across comments from our followers on our Instagram account in the vein of the statement above. It is essential to know that this is a fable.
Although the assertion isn’t accurate, it is still among the top popular misconceptions about ADHD. It does have some truth to it.
At the time when the term Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder became identified, even though it wasn’t yet known, Sir George Frederic discovered it and still observed it in various disruptive but brilliant children. The picture of ADHD diagnosis was created of one in a state of disarray and cannot focus on things for long. Adults were not thought to be suffering from ADHD since they can “act their age” and do better in workplace or school environments.
Of course, we know that ADHD can be present in both genders, males and females, even into adulthood.
Have an Unlimited Amount of Energy
Apart from that “disruptive children” stigma, people often believe that ADHD means unlimited energy. People often think that people who have ADHD are constantly on the move, performing whatever they like or engaging in physical activities that require no breaks. A few people can only see the negative aspects of an active ADHD body, but they do not know the inner workings of their brains.
Naturally, we recognize that people who have ADHD will eventually become tired if they are doing too much or are too active, just as the neurotypical population! However, this myth is rooted in stress hormones.
An expert named Peter Shankman explained that “ADHD is the brain’s inability to create the same amount of serotonin, dopamine, and adrenaline as “regular” people’s brains produce.” This means that the brain’s activity can be increased and give a false impression of unending energy.
In addition, there are reports that some studies have found that those who have ADHD have higher levels of cortisol, which is one of the stress hormones that trigger the fight or flight reaction.
Bad Parenting Causes ADHD
When children who have ADHD display a distinct behaviour or engage in behaviour that is not typical of norms of neurotypical behaviour, a few people are inclined to blame parents. They think they are the cause. ADHD is a problem with conduct, which could be due to the parents’ inability or lack of parenting. But this isn’t the reality.
Yes, conduct disorders may sometimes be associated with ADHD symptoms. However, it is essential to understand that the primary cause of these disorders is two distinct medical conditions. Both can affect one another, but neither is directly caused by poor parenting. Ultimately, we can claim that parenting styles can impact the mental state of issues.
For instance, research suggests that the absence of parental support or care can increase the likelihood of a child having conduct disorder. Also, a suitable parenting style for children can assist them in managing their ADHD.
Based on the American Psychiatric Association, some of the most well-known causes of ADHD are neurological, genetic, and environmental. These three elements can be involved in the progression and development of Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Studies have shown that ADHD is a condition that can be passed down through families, indicating that there is an increased chance of being diagnosed with the disorder if someone within your family is affected. Research also shows that people who have ADHD are more likely to exhibit structural changes in their brains as compared to people who do not have the disorder.
ADHD Seems to be a Trend Everyone Is Hopping In
If I go through the comments we receive on the comments on our Instagram profiles, I usually come across posts such as “Everybody has ADHD then” or “It’s just a fad diagnosis that people are hopping into.” These seats could be a source of confusion for how we feel. A lot of people with these beliefs regarding ADHD might also believe that ADHD is an excuse for those who are prone to acting out or who don’t want to be focused on any issue.
Studies estimate that less than 20 percent of people who have ADHD are treated and diagnosed by a trained professional. This means that over 80 percent of people with ADHD need assessment or treatment. They may be struggling with the symptoms of ADHD and need assistance and accommodations.
It’s likely that those who appear to be “hopping onto the bandwagon” might have ADHD. They could not have been diagnosed!
They Can have ADHD, Too.
Sometimes, we forget that people who do not meet those “usual” criteria for ADHD may also have the neurodivergent disorder.
Converting the characteristics or symptoms of ADHD to the “hyperactive box” can sometimes cause people to believe they have ADHD, making them doubt their abilities. In their efforts to make up for apparent “shortcomings,” they’re also uncertain of “what’s wrong with them.” They might not be able to identify ADHD as a matter of fact since they don’t adhere to the norms of society in regards to the neurodivergent disorder.
This is why it is vital to recognize that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder could also affect the following examples.
The Quiet Lady
If we observe someone silent and shy and claims to be suffering from ADHD, we think the person is trying to conceal her diagnosis or using it as an excuse not to do anything. But this isn’t always the case. For instance, many people with ADHD are social and “hyper.” People with ADHD are more reserved and may have difficulty keeping eye contact or even starting conversations. They might also feel isolated from their surroundings, thinking they’ll get unwelcome treatment because they are different.
Based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, ADHD doesn’t only show extreme restlessness or physical activities. There are other signs like being hyperactive, inattention, or impulsive.
The Neat and Pretty Organised
Another misconception about ADHD is that those with the neurodivergent condition tend to be sloppy, unorganised, and messy. However, this isn’t always the case, since certain people with ADHD are pretty tidy and well-organised. They manage their thoughts and possessions differently. For instance, they may have a system in which things are stored in a unique arrangement that makes sense to them. If they take ADHD medications, people may also experience better control of their impulses or concentration. Sometimes, they hide symptoms and ADHD characteristics so that they don’t get judged or misunderstood by people around them.
ADHD Masking may create a double-edged sabre. There are instances where we are relieved that people don’t judge us and we can get along with them quite well. On the contrary, it can be exhausting and tiresome to continually put on an appearance, pretending to pretend to be someone else. Understanding that we don’t need to cover up our flaws and allow ourselves to be is crucial.