ADHD 101 

Stigma and Stereotypes

In the last 20 or so years, discussions surrounding ADHD have become more positive than in the past and the stigma has reduced overall. However, stereotypes, “urban myths”, and the media often perpetuate negative associations with ADHD and promote misinformation. Examples of negative stereotypes include: students with ADHD are always “the bad kid” in class; people with ADHD are “not as smart as others”; and that people with ADHD are just “lazy”. Experimental and anecdotal evidence counteract these stereotypes by showing that someone with ADHD may or may not show obvious symptoms – they may be the loudest OR the quietest in the class, or anywhere in between. ADHD is also independent from intelligence and people with the diagnosis are found in every occupational field. Lastly, studying the ADHD brain and experience with rigorous scientific processes has disproved that laziness has anything to do with the disorder. It is a fundamental difference in the structure and function of the brain that causes ADHD and the struggles are apparent whether or not they desire to do whatever it is they are doing.

Myth #1: Boys have ADHD way more often than girls.

Fact: While boys are diagnosed with ADHD more often, it’s not because they have it more. Girls often go undiagnosed or diagnosed later in life because their symptoms tend to be less overt and more inattentive (e.g., daydreaming, struggling with focus) than the hyperactive or impulsive behaviours boys often show.

Myth #2: ADHD looks the same in boys and girls.

Fact: ADHD can present differently between genders. Girls are more likely to show internalized symptoms like being forgetful or easily distracted, while boys may exhibit more externalized behaviours like fidgeting and acting out. These subtle differences lead to under diagnosis in girls.

Myth #3: Girls with ADHD aren’t as affected as boys.

Fact: Girls with ADHD can experience just as much difficulty as boys but may express it differently. Undiagnosed or untreated ADHD can lead to issues with self-esteem, anxiety, and academic performance in girls.

Myth #4 Boys only exhibit Hyperactive-Impulsive type ADHD

Fact:  Boys often go undiagnosed as they are not hyperactive but in fact experience inattention in the classroom and at home.  Just like girls, they may have difficulty paying attention or they might hyper focus on something positive like reading or something less positive like gaming.   They also may forget things and lose important items or are often late and have a limited sense of time.  

Myth #5 Girls do not have Hyperactive-Impulsive type ADHD

Fact:  Signs of hyperactivity in  girls are often different from boys. They may be chatty and talkative and interrupt or change topics mid sentence.   They may be described as a “tom boy” because they like physical activity.   They may also be overly emotional or get excited very easily.