Understood holds this weekly Twitter chat that aims to keep the momentum going and raise awareness of learning and attention issues. Follow along with hashtag #LDCHAT and follow users @understoodchats & @understoodorg. Experts will be available to answer your questions and concerns and share resources from Understood.org.
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Welcome to today's #LDchat! This is Dan with the Understood team. We're joined today by psychologist @DrSharonSaline to debunk some #ADHD myths.
Edie from Washington, DC. Building an international tribe of teachers and parents of teens and young adults with ADHD. Today's topic is one of my favorites. #LDchat
#LDchat Q1: too many. I think the term ‘deficit’ in ADHD needs to be replaced. It leads to stereotypes that people with ADHD can’t pay attention in general instead of recognizing it as difficulty in shifting attention or focusing on demand if interest is not present.
A1. My favorite ADHD myths are: (1)Girls don't get ADHD (50-75% misdiagnosed). (2) You can outgrow ADHD? (Over 10 million adults have ADHD. (3) You can find the "right college. (Only 5% of students with ADHD graduate college). #LDchat
Exactly! Kids w/ ADHD aren't just drifting around, they do have things they focus on and find engaging. These just aren't things that we want our children to be doing (doing crafts is way more engaging than making the bed!)#ldchat
#LDchat Q2: other than BS, I’d explain that there has been historical recordings...just other terms used. Also, point out that untreated ADHD can be quite impairing in wrong-fit environments.
A2) ADHD is very real. Students are not choosing to be disruptive. They should not be treated as a problem child. Instead of assuming that we need to find ways to help that student be successful in the classroom. #edfb4338#LDchat
A2. Some of my education colleagues believe that ADHD isn't real. I ask "Are depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and Autism real? If so, psychiatrists use DSM-5 to diagnose all of them? ADHD too. #LDchat
Exactly. With awareness, fewer people are falling through the cracks. It's not that people with learning differences are increasing, it that awareness of learning differences are increasing people being identified. #ldchat
I just heard Russell Barkley speak at the International CHADD and he stressed the importance of getting treatment for ADHD and how effective medication and therapy combined are for change. #ldchat
#LDchat I’ve noticed that some parents are skeptical or guarded when wondering if the DSM-5 criteria fit the diagnostic criteria for their children. But when told about ‘interest-based nervous system’ vs ‘importance-based nervous system’, they agree wholeheartedly
A3) Hyperactivity is the symptom people are most familiar with. However it is not the only one. A student with ADHD could also suffer from being inattentive or lack of impulse control. People need to familiarize themselves with all the ways ADHD presents itself. #edfb4338#LDchat
A3. Hyperactivity is not mandatory to be diagnosed with ADHD, particularly for teens and adults. Just 3 of each category: inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsive, smptoms of inattention. https://t.co/HDaZUync0d#LDchat
Q4 #LDchat I would work hard to not roll my eyes and then calmly explain that for many girls their ADHD tend to be more under the radar than many boys with ADHD. Example: generally see more inattentiveness and less hyperactivity in girls
