Individuals with ADD and ADHD often times get stereotyped. While it isn’t always negative, the impacts of backing an individual into the corner can be quite dangerous. I’ve heard many different things said about us folks with ADD and ADHD.
There are so many negative and hurtful stereotypes associated with ADD and ADHD. In reality, it can often times hamper one’s treatment. As I discussed in an earlier piece on Girls with ADD and ADHD, it really can adversely impact diagnosis and treatment; especially in females. Think of it this way…ADD and ADHD generally manifests itself differently in girls. That is why around 25% of ADD and ADHD cases are female. We all can visualize what a boy with ADD or ADHD generally looks like; but girls are more difficult to diagnose. Using stereotypes to describe individuals with ADD and ADHD really adversely affects how an individual seeks help to improve performance. Which is why so many people are looking for a Non-Drug ADHD Treatment that works.
Yesterday, I was reading The Daily. In an article related to President Barack Obama’s reelection efforts and new slogan, Allen Adamson suggested that voters have ADD and related this to voters understanding very simple concepts and are generally idiots. This ties into many negative stereotypes for individuals with ADD and ADHD. It is bad enough that schools often use terminology like child needs to work harder or this child cannot be taught, but when you have a mainstream publication allowing an expert to associate this type of horrible terminology with ADD and ADHD, it is very dangerous. If Adamson had said the same thing about someone with another condition, there would have been plenty of outrage (and rightfully so!). I’d like to say this is the first time I’ve dealt with this type of thing, but it isn’t. Another time I had a colleague suggest that ADHD is a version of mental retardation. This same colleague went on to add that people with ADHD are brain-damaged. Growing up with ADHD and being a former teacher, it is amazing how little some of the people we trust the most know about our condition.
So what are we supposed to do? As I advise my clients, losing control only reinforces the other person’s notion. When my colleague made those horrific remarks about ADD and ADHD, it would have been very easy for me to get angry. Instead, I collected my thoughts, formulated a plan and decided to share some information with the colleague. While I’m not sure what she did with the information (that is out of my control), I felt good about my response. At the end of the day, we can only control how we respond to a situation. If you are presented with a similar circumstance, I would strongly recommend not immediately reacting to the situation. In an earlier piece, I discussed the pause button. I would strongly suggest working on this skill.
For more information on my ADD, ADHD and Executive Functioning coaching, please visit www.adhdefcoach.com. In addition to working with clients in-person, I also work with clients all over the United States and World online, please visit www.onlineadhdcoach.com for more information. To learn more about my other services, please visit www.carrolleducationalgroup.com & www.iepexperts.com. I can be found on Twitter at ADHDGuru. You can also find me on Facebook, Google Plus and Tumblr. Feel free to email me at [email protected] or call 877.398.ADHD (2343) with any additional questions.