There are many myths surrounding AD/HD and it's successful diagnosis.  Some of them are:

 

All children/teenagers with ADD are hyperactive. 

 

Not true.  Parents and some professionals still mistakenly believe that a child or teenager with ADD must also be hyperactive.  Some AD/HD children, with milder cases of ADD might actually be lethargic or are restless but not hyperactive.  According to studies by Dr. Barkley, "75 percent of boys with ADD are hyperactive.  Among girls with ADD, roughly 60 percent are hyperactive."

 

ADD disappears in adolescence and adulthood.

 

Not true, again.  Some research suggests that about one-third of all ADD children outgrow their hyperactivity at puberty but retain their attention problems; one-third retain their hyperactivity and attention problems; and one-third outgrow their ADD condition altogether.  It should be noted that some hyperactivity can be replaced by restlessness, inattentiveness, or sleeping in class.  A careful diagnosis of the situation is required to separate out these conditions.

 

ADD will always be diagnosed in childhood.

 

Unfortunately, AD/HD is overlooked in a number of teenagers and adults.  Student under achievement is often labeled as an attitude or motivational problem.  The severity and type of AD/HD plays heavily in calling attention to this disorder.  Often one of the parents of the diagnosed AD/HD child recognizes themselves in their child's AD/HD characteristics and are, themselves, at the effect of an undiagnosed condition.  It should also be noted that some AD/HD students are good students and are harder to diagnose earlier in life.  Failure to pass a standardized test in college sometimes highlights an earlier undiagnosed condition.

 

Hyperactive children/teenagers with ADD can't sit still for ten minutes.

 

Hyperactive children with ADD do better in novel or one-to-one situations.  They can sit still and maintain a conversation with a doctor or other treatment professional. 

 

My child's not hyperactive.  He can play his video games for hours.

 

Again, novel or highly stimulating situations create, what professionals call, hyper-focusing.  If parents watch the situation closely, they will find that video games are constantly changing within seconds.  This means that the focus of the child's attention is constantly changing giving the appearance of sustained attention.

 

Stimulant medications, such as Ritalin, no longer work after adolescence.

 

Research has shown that stimulant medications are effective in children, teenagers, and adults in decreasing hyperactivity, impulsivity, negative behaviors, and verbal hostility, while improving attention, concentration, compliance, and completion of tasks.

 

He could do the work if he would just try.  He's very bright.

 

It is not unusual to hear someone say this.  And, it's not unusual to have an ADD child who is also gifted.  Parents and teachers often assume, incorrectly, that intelligence is the only prerequisite for good grades.

 

These are just some of the myths surrounding AD/HD.   It is critical to seek professionals who specialize in this disorder.  Primary and secondary characteristics often present themselves when one knows what to look for.  Call Bay Centre today and let us help support you as you consider this important condition.  Call (850) 438-4292 or email us at parentsupport@baycentre.net.