What People Really Wish You Knew About ADHD

When it comes to ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), you can find tons of information (and misinformation) around you. Despite the exponential growth of ADHD research in the past few decades, as far as conditions go, it's still a relatively new concept for many. As a result, it seems that there as a many myths as facts surrounding the condition.

Here are 5 things that people with ADHD wish you knew about them.

1. ADHD is real. ADHD is a well-documented neurodevelopmental disorder, backed by decades of research. Because of my neurology, I'm not good at specific tasks that require the use of certain parts of my brain. My condition makes is difficult for me to initiate tasks, remember complex steps, or restrict impulses. When you say ADHD isn't real, myths, stereotypes, and stigma may lead to nondisclosure and nontreatment among us, so it's important you respect my experiences even if they're not something you understand.

2. ADHD is more than just being hyper. Because hyperactivity is a visual behavior, it can be easy to see a hyperactive child and assume (often incorrectly) that they have ADHD. But a lot of what it feels like to have ADHD - the constant noise of thought, abrupt emotional changes, time-blindness, and a slipping sense of urgency - are just as draining. We need acknowledgment of all our struggles, not just the ones you see.

3. We don't grow out of it. There’s still a misconception that ADHD is a childhood disorder you “grow out of.” In reality, adults continue to experience symptoms that shape work, relationships, and daily routines. However, we do get better at managing it, such as taking medications, using specific tools and resources, and advocating for accommodations. Additionally, we often access coaching, therapy, and medical providers that help us manage it, but not cure it.

4. We aren't addicted to our meds/turning to the easy solution/turning our kids into zombies. ADHD medication (including stimulants) is well researched, safe, and effective. When taken as prescribed, the risk of dependency or intense adverse reactions are incredibly small. The truth is, we work hard to navigate ADHD in all aspects of our life, and medication is a helpful tool that improves the quality of our life. No one should be marginalized for seeking treatment for a health condition.

5. ADHD is complex and cannot be broken down into "good" or "bad". Although many of us do have talents that can be helped with the focus, energy, and creative intensity of ADHD, we're also impacted by it in a myriad of ways that sometimes pull us under. Since symptoms vary person to person, we spend a lot of time just figuring out how we can best adapt. When things feel smooth, sometimes it does feel like a superpower, but, inevitably there's a change in environment, stress, or life stage that ADHD makes even more challenging. Please be patient with us - we're still figuring us out too.