ADHD Awareness Month: Debunking Myths & More

Even though October is officially ADHD awareness month, I feel that every month should be ADHD awareness month, especially in New Orleans where it is still stigmatized and misunderstood by many. I have heard so many erroneous comments like, “ADHD isn’t real.” “I’m just so ADHD today.” “He just needs more discipline.” “She’s just lazy.” Or “ADHD meds create addiction.” I’ve also had many people secretly confide in me that they or a loved one has ADHD, speaking in whispered low tones, full of shame and guilt or sadness. Part of our mission at Mind Coach NOLA is to educate our community on the facts surrounding ADHD, including the strengths associated with the diagnosis. This is why we’ve pulled together local professionals from a variety of fields to elucidate the public and debunk the many myths that float around. I like to say that people with ADHD are “Turbo Thinkers.” Because of their inability to self regulate, they are able to produce an incredible amount of ideas in quick succession. The struggle to sustain attention is only one of many symptoms associated with ADHD, yet not always detrimental. Maybe one day we can see ADHD as a trait on par with being left handed, near sighted or red headed. It is simply another reason to be unique and wonderful in the world.

For more myths and facts read:
https://adhdawarenessmonth.org/myths-and-facts-about-adhd/

In an effort to further educate, inspire, and support the New Orleans community, we are hosting our first ever ADHD symposium, Turbo Thinktank™, on November 16th. It will feature over 20 expert speakers and cover a variety of ADHD-related topics. To learn more and register, visit http://www.turbothinktank.com.