Lately, more and more headlines are reporting that ADHD is, to a degree, misdiagnosed because kids are put into a school environment too early and they must stay still for too long of periods, which is not natural to human nature. What’s worse is that with our hectic lifestyles and need for both parents to work to maintain a household it is becoming ever more essential for children to start school earlier. The reason is simple: many parents can’t afford daycare or a babysitter; therefore, school is the next best alternative. This isn’t really new, but it is becoming a more common problem. The reports are saying that kids put into school to early are sometimes being misdiagnosed with ADHD, when the real culprit is immaturity.
I happen to agree that ADHD can be misdiagnosed due to requirements of the modern world and certain circumstances children are put in, adults too for that matter. However, we have to remember when reading such reports that ADHD is indeed real and these reports are indicating a certain segment clearly described as being placed into the school system too early. The problem we are getting here is that the “ADHD is a myth” rises once again from headlines and not the actual report.
Too many already believe that ADHD is an “on purpose” disorder. In other words people who demonstrate ADHD behavior are acting the way they act on purpose and are therefore considered lazy, stupid and/or just plain bad. With current headlines this could once again become a major issue. The reason is that too many people only read headlines or skip the actual ‘articles’ of such reports and simply take away from it that ADHD is bogus. Also, newspapers are in the business of creating headlines that get attention. When they do this, they must realize that a great majority are simply going to take from the headlines and never read the article. For people with ADHD, this is very bad news and could be the return of defending ourselves over our diagnosis.
For example here is a recent headline of the LA Times: New research fuels skepticism (and questions) about those ADHD diagnoses and, here’s the headline in the Sydney Morning Herald: ADHD diagnosed by mistake in young. Now, c’mon how many not reading the full article would simply think that ADHD is a mistake diagnosis in (all) the young or, as the first headlines put it ‘about those ADHD diagnosis’ (those meaning all?). Of course, the articles clarify the research, but by then it might be too late, especially if too many readers take the headline for granted and do not read the article. Hey, how about this one: Immaturity in Kids Leading to Misdiagnosis of ADHD. So really, according to this headline and not reading the article (all) kids diagnosed with ADHD are really just immature? That may not be the intention, but how many are going to take it that way?
What do you think of the headlines above? Each of these headlines are discussing the current report from North Carolina State University about kids who start school too early. Do a Google search and you will find more such headlines of late.
As I said, I do believe that to a degree modern life has created situations and circumstances that could lead to misdiagnosis of ADHD. However, once again, thanks to certain ways of broadcasting a message, headlines are rebuilding the stigma too many of us have lived with. So we may have more parents chastising other parents for their children’s faults due to “bogus ADHD” and we may have more bullies claiming certain kids with ADHD diagnosis are simply immature or lazy or worse. By the way, immature can be a 4 letter word for kids in school.
I agree we need accurate accounting of misdiagnosis and proper diagnosis, but when such reports are released and broadcast, wouldn’t it be a bit wise to consider the repercussions of how such broadcasts are worded and used to leverage attention? Most people are not going to read the articles anyway, especially since the headlines seem to say it all already!
Or, am I just being too harsh on these headlines or sensitive to the issue?
What do you think?
Bryan
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Education (and beyond) needs a TV show: We need someone with the gusto/dedication of Glen Beck to host it. Then the folks who write these columns can bring their information to the screen, explain more about it. MAYBE an ADHD game show?! ha ha ha haha… minus the buzzer.
Reply to Donna AndersonDonna
Sounds like fun Donna
Reply to Bryan HutchinsonBryan – Thanks for being such a good advocate!
For me, being informed is one of the keys to coping and I appreciate your staying on top and communicating these items to us – for 2 reasons. First – your words seem like a safety net, reassuring and supportive when most needed. Second – by informing us in such a timely manner, you arm us before we may be hit with a question by someone who heard about a headline and has been itching to tell you, catching you off guard.
I’d like some ideas about how best to respond to comments from friends/foes when such research findings are in the news. The research findings may or may not be skewed or misleading. The findings aren’t necessarily the culprit – it’s the headlines that do the damage and that won’t change anytime soon.
Reply to JP (Judy) FlemingHi JP,
You’re right, these type of headlines won’t change any time soon, especially since they gather the attention of readers. If you go to any of the latest and read the comments by many who do not fully understand ADHD, you might be saddened.
However, since you asked about what to say to those who decide to discuss the headlines, I have found the best way to go about it is to agree and say yes, that’s true and furthermore, if you (the person you are talking to) read the article then you know they are talking about such and such. The bottom line, it is nearly impossible to change someone’s opinion about nearly anything – it doesn’t matter if you have the facts in hand or not. People believe what they want to believe, it is the people who are on the fence who we have a chance with. In order for massive change ADHD must become as accepted as autism or bipolar, without such acceptance the battle and stigma will continue. The way we can bring about change, albeit slowly, is to continue to share our experiences and write about our experiences. If we come out of the dark without fear of reprisal then we can make headway.
Reply to Bryan HutchinsonHeadlines are often mistaken for the whole story about subjects from A-Z. This has been happening for many yrs.
One of my all time favorite radio guys, Paul Harvey, knew this a long time ago. He would report the current Headline “News” but always report what most people don’t take the time to investigate the facts that sometimes are not addressed by the “journalist”(or edited).
Pauls famous words: “Now for the rest of the story!”. …”Good day!”
Reply to Scott HutsonIt’s important, when reading such stories, that we know that one study is one study. In order for the study’s findings to be considered valid, there needs to be independent validation.
Moreover, that study in question was done by an economics professor. If you read his conclusions, you’ll find that it’s full of errors.
As a journalist in training, I learned to vet these kinds of studies. Some journalists today (and one has to be careful in using that term, as there are websites that basically hire warm bodies to churn out this stuff) do not know how to vet sources OR studies.
They run press releases written by PR firms, often paid to create “experts.”
Journalists reporting this story should have asked why is an econ professor doing this kind of study? He is NOT an ADHD expert.
I believe the answer lies in his conclusions. Treating ADHD is costly to the healthcare system.
I would also not be surprised if this researcher is a child who was diagnosed with ADHD and received less-than-optimal care. Moreover, he perhaps has embraced the “gift” idea and is very bitter that his “gift” was misdiagnosed as a disorder and treated medically. I am NOT saying this is the case. I am just saying we should expect more of this as the generation of children who were treated haphazardly for ADHD come of age and want their voices heard.
Gina
Reply to Gina PeraExcellent points, Gina.
On the ‘gift’ part, I don’t really think that applies to this, though. Everyone can determine for themselves what their gifts are and no one has the right to take that away from them, no report or anyone.
Reply to Bryan HutchinsonMy 5yo son just started school for the first time, and we are extremely nervous. Both his parents have ADHD and he displays more than enough traits to be diagnosed, and essentially has been with the comment to wait and see how he develops because he’s so young.
One of my coworkers told me to be careful and don’t let any of his teachers try and tell us he has this “ADD crap” because they just made it up so they don’t have to deal with the creative, intelligent kids that don’t fit the mold of the average student.
I was amazed when she said that. I’ve been very open about my diagnosis and my struggles with my coworkers, but now I know how she really feels. She must just assume that I was brainwashed into thinking I have this “ADD crap”
Reply to ScottyDooUnfortunately, ScottyDoo, that’s all too common. Personally, I would not try to educate the person because that type of mindset is nearly impossible to change even if you provide evidence etc. In your case, you know your reality and that of your child and that’s the way you are treating it, the right way for you. As someone who grew up undiagnosed, you may want to consider a formal diagnosis for your son by a specialist and that way he can be treated properly from the get-go. Most people who claim “ADD crap” really have no understanding of the disorder and are not going to take the time to understand it, arguing with them about it will only lead to your own frustration and create an environment you may not be comfortable in. Just my 2cents.
Bests and good luck
Bryan
Reply to Bryan HutchinsonBryan
Reply to JanetThank you for bringing this to our attention. I took my older sister w us for 12days cruising around Europe. At certain moments i would explain about ADHD how I used to feel shamed at the particular situation we were in but on meds and with knowledge i know what i need to do to compensate for my ADHD I explained with dignity how my brain works differently. Directions can get jumbled so I write them down no matter how simple. She scoffed at my behavior and called me ridiculous but I let her know it is attitudes like that, that make people w this brain disorder feel stupid and look thoughtless. I know what to do for myself to enable me to function the way I choose. She may still choose to disrespect and disregard me but I know I gave her all the information and showed her how accepting my ADD and getting treatment, I have rid myself of shame and the disgrace I would endure because of mishaps I now know I had little ability to control. I am far from perfect and I still get overwhelmed. I am learning to incorporate exercise and meditation, chunking tasks along with a lot of humor! By the way, I love and always have, my passion for life, people, and my. Creative abilities overall I was sad that since my son is going thru a tough time puberty and lack of drug support due to bad reactions we are working on a new doctor plan and support for him. She saw him loosing it and it was bad but to tell me to institutionalize him wAs the a new shocking attitude since she just blamed me for bad parenting before that. I hoped she would see the whole picture about us by being with us on a wonderful tour of Italy Malta tenisia and France we enjoyed a lot together, don’t get me wrong, I am grateful I got to share this wonderful experience with my only sister and my son and husband. My husband and my sister had a few bonding moments at my expense but if it made my sister feel more at ease to dis me w him so be it. We are sisters. Rivalry I guess is natural. Aren’t we all used to the jokes about our lateness etc while we are focused on what thoughtful gift or action we just had to finish doing getting etc to bring to the event. I have gotten better w a child. I even get dressed quicker now!
We can’t expect to change people until we can truly change our own belief in ourselves. I am handicapped but like others if I work hard and have determination, positive energy support which I can’t get if I don’t tell people what I struggle to overcome. We can accomplish our dreams we can have fun and openly work towards them. Our talents and positive qualities out shine disorganization but they get lost when disorganization prevents our talents grow and positive qualities shine. It is connected. I hope this community can openly support each other in a way other communities can not understand. Anyone can feel free to write to me. I know how important it is to have people who give you love and support. I believe and support everyone’s ability to achieve happiness.
Again, Thanks Bryan for this place to hear and connect w others and to feel accepted to say what and how we feel safely. I know we all speak from the heart.
Hi Janet,
Thank you for sharing with us. I am sorry your sister holds this belief while you struggle and I commend you for being the stronger one. I would though ask her to be more thoughtful of your son’s opinion of you due to her opinion. That’s not right or nice of her in this regard, even if she doesn’t believe you, she can still respect the mother / son relationship and how it grows. I so agree that we must work on ourselves first, though. Family is not always easy.
I am glad you had a wonderful trip around Europe
Bryan
Reply to Bryan HutchinsonThose who write headlines and news have no experience with my daughter, they have not spend a day with her nor will they ever. They tell stories while mothers and fathers are wondering about the future of their children.
Reply to JaneJane, well put. It has always fascinated — and appalled — me to see how many people take the moral high ground regarding things about which they have not troubled themselves to learn.
The rest of us, as you say, live it every day yet have little credibility with them. The good news is, we don’t need anybody’s approval for this or anything,
Reply to Betsy Davenport, PhDBryan,
I do agree that the label of ADD/ADHD is being put on children way too much and who is labeling them? The teachers—what proof do they have? What do the teachers even know about ADD/ADHD? They are not doctors and they should not practice being one. Because they stare out the window, act as the class clown, etc? Ok, maybe the child is bored, is having problems at home either with parents fighting because of loss of jobs, no money, losing their houses, and the list goes on. Most people today are under alot of stress and these children do not understand.
I think, after discussing with some teachers where I live, have told me that their whole class has ADD. I have asked what do you know about ADD and what makes you assume that is what you children have? Depending on the state, teachers are hired whether they are qualified or not, just apply and you are a teacher.
I call this “The Flavor of the Week” –it is like fibromyalgia..9 years ago if you said to a Dr you think you might have Fibromyalgia..right away they put you on antidepresants and sent you to a shrink, now if you go to the Dr and you say you have joint pains you automatically have fibromyalgia..No testing–just the response you have fibromyalgia.
For Adults – I have always had insurance and never had any major health problems, but, I cannot get any insurance at all…Why? All the companies have told me that since I have ADD and have also been diagnoised with Fibromyalgia, they cannot insure me. I have all this for 5 years and always had the best insurance, my cobra ran out and I am considered unisurable. I said that is crazy…the reason that they al gave me was because the meds for both are too expensive and that is why I am not insurable…
Ok, so now I have no insurance, but the ADA has put ADD on the top of the list along with any other mental health issue…What is up with that?
The big topper is that two weeks ago I had a slight heart attack and had to be rushed to the hospital…They asked about the meds I am on and whne they saw I was on Adderall they asked why. I said because I have ADD. I was asked again and again who told me, have I been tested and also that I do not look like I have ADD….Hospital 1
Since I do not have insurance and the cardiologist refused to see me, I had to go to another hosital and another set of Dr’s to figure out what was going on and at least five times I was told by a Dr or Nurse that I do not look like I have ADD…What do we look like? Or what are we supposed to look like…I think I look like anyone else and I was tested 5 years ago by one of the best places and know I have ADD.
So people, it is sad that ADD is being named to children that do not have ADD and have not been tested and for Adults we have to have a certain type of look…
I am proud that I have ADD – it has opened my life to new adventures, has made me realize why I did things in the past and so on..
Just curious have others been told they do not look like they have ADD?
Sorry so long–but I just do not get it…
Reply to MindyI’ve always questions my ADHD diagnosis and actually believe now that I have been diagnosed with PSDT and chronic pain that that ADHD is a Conditioned Attentional Avoidance loop developed early in lift when kids get stressors and negative feedback from family and society. Read this link
http://www.adhdtreatment.org/adhd-child/4-adhd-is-a-conditioned-attentional-avoidance-loop-based-defense-skill-not-a-deficit.html
Reply to Lisa