Member-only story
I’m Tired Of Hearing These Four Popular ADHD Myths
Here’s how I’m countering them
Yesterday, an online commenter accused me of not having ADHD.
According to them, I couldn’t possibly be ADHD because I was too successful.
They didn’t care that I’ve been diagnosed twice (once at age 11, and again at 31) by two different doctors. Instead, they accused me of trying to “be special” through my diagnosis.
These weren’t the first misinformed comments I’ve endured, and it won’t be the last.
A key part of the ADHD experience is constantly listening to incorrect information about your condition from people who think they know better.
- You just need to try harder!
- Everyone thinks they have ADHD these days…are you sure?
- You’ve accomplished a lot — you can’t have ADHD.
- Shouldn’t you be more hyper?
Well-intentioned family, friends, teachers, and therapists have their ideas about ADHD and neurodivergence, often based on outdated information.
I saw this firsthand when I was re-diagnosed with ADHD a few years ago.
My doctor was able to diagnose me, but she also had outdated beliefs about ADHD, thinking it was “primarily a…
