Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a commonly misunderstood condition that affects both children and adults. Misinformation and myths often lead to misconceptions about its nature and impact. Here are eight prevalent myths about ADHD – and the reality:
Myth 1: ADHD is not an actual medical condition.
Reality: ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder supported by extensive scientific research. It involves differences in brain structure and function, and affects attention, impulse control, and activity levels.
Myth 2: Only children can have ADHD.
Reality: While symptoms often appear in childhood, ADHD can persist into adolescence and adulthood. Many adults are diagnosed later in life, as they struggle with organizational skills, time management, and maintaining relationships.
Myth 3: Lack of discipline and bad parenting are responsible for a child’s ADHD.
Reality: ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder supported by extensive scientific research. It involves differences in brain structure and function, and affects attention, impulse control, and activity levels.
Myth 4: People with ADHD are completely unable to focus.
Reality: Individuals with ADHD can often hyper focus on tasks they find stimulating or interesting. However, they may struggle with sustaining attention on less engaging tasks or activities that require prolonged concentration.
Myth 5: Kids with ADHD are just poorly behaved.
Reality: Behaviors associated with ADHD, such as impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattentiveness, can sometimes be misinterpreted as willful disobedience. However, these behaviors are symptomatic of the neurological condition and are not indicative of moral character. Children with ADHD often struggle with executive function skills, which can affect their ability to regulate emotions, control impulses, and follow through on tasks.
Myth 6: ADHD is overdiagnosed.
Reality: Diagnosis rates have increased, but this reflects better awareness and understanding of ADHD rather than overdiagnosis. Healthcare professionals can only give a proper diagnosis using a comprehensive evaluation with standardized criteria.
Myth 7: Those who have ADHD are less intelligent.
Reality: ADHD is not correlated with intelligence. Many individuals with ADHD have normal or above-average intelligence. Challenges with attention and focus can impact academic performance, but with appropriate support, people with ADHD excel in a variety of fields.
Myth 8: You outgrow ADHD.
Reality: While some symptoms may lessen with age, ADHD is a lifelong condition for most individuals. Proper management and support can help those with ADHD lead productive and fulfilling lives.
As students return to the classroom for the start of a new school year, the adjustment can sometimes be more difficult for students with learning differences.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a commonly misunderstood condition that affects both children and adults. Misinformation and myths often lead to misconceptions about its nature and impact.
A group of Miriam High School students took a bold step last year, stretching their comfort zones and joining an after-school club run by STL Rock School. Julie Altnether visited once per week to work with the students, who formed the band The Pyros.
Miriam School and Learning Center is pleased to announce the appointment of nine members to the board of directors, as well as a new board chair, Kristen Bowser. These additions will support the nonprofit’s work to empower unique learners, bringing the total number of board members to 26.
Miriam Summer FUNdamentals is offering more camps this year than ever before to help kids with learning and thinking differences maintain - and gain - skills during the summer.
Memories are inspired by photos… By diaries… And by keys? At Miriam, the answer is 100-percent yes. Anyone who leaves or graduates from Miriam Lower/Middle School receives a transition key – a symbol that they will always have a home at Miriam School.
Miriam ushered 21 seniors off to the next step of their journey with a graduation ceremony that was just like the rest of their experiences here - completely personalized.
Miriam High School teacher Lori Lipkind already retired once - after a long career of teaching in public schools. She wasn’t finished working with students, though, so she came to Miriam four years ago
Miriam School and Learning Center exceeded goals and expectations on April 13, with the inaugural Minds in Bloom Spring Soiree. Nearly 250 people attended the sold-out event, which was held at Danforth Plant Science Center.
Women of Achievement has announced that Linda Estell, long-time Miriam volunteer and board member, has been selected as one of the 2024 Women of Achievement.
Last Friday, our Next Steps Transition Fair and our Variety Show led to another festive and fun Friday at Miriam High School. We were thrilled to have 30 vendors join us for the Fair. It was wonderful to have family members participate and to observe our children shine.
Miriam School and Learning Center is proud to announce its selection to be featured on the esteemed public television show, Viewpoint.
How do we help our kids gain confidence in trying something new? I think it is shifting from celebrating the final product, whether it is an art project or a final grade, to celebrating the steps it took for your child to get to the end of the process.
The high school is piloting an internship program this year - called Volunteer Work-Based Learning - that they hope to expand to many more students in the future. In conjunction with the work experience, Miriam staff provide training in job skills, soft/interpersonal skills and independent living.
It is very important for children, no matter who they are, to be given and expected to do chores that are developmentally appropriate. For Miriam’s children, completing chores is critical for their sense of confidence and competency.