ADHD Questions & Answers

Are people with ADHD unintelligent or just lazy?

Answer: Neither. Many people with ADHD are highly intelligent. ADHD brains simply operate differently than neurotypical ones, and require a different approach to learning and task-completion.

Is ADHD is a Learning Disability?

Answer: No. ADHD is a not a Learning Disability. However, ADHD symptoms can cause learning difficulties. Some people with ADHD may require extra support and/or accommodations to be successful at school and work.

Does bad parenting cause ADHD?

Answer: No, parenting does not cause ADHD. However, parenting techniques can improve or worsen symptoms of ADHD. Research suggests that an authoritative parenting style is most effective for the ADHD brain.

Do children outgrow ADHD?

Answer: No, people do not outgrow ADHD. In reality, ADHD symptoms commonly become more obvious in classrooms. By the time most people with ADHD reach adulthood, they’ve often learned strategies to cope with their symptoms. Meaningful treatment and support, along with ongoing brain maturation, can improve the severity of ADHD.

Are people with ADHD totally unable to focus?

Answer: No. People with ADHD can maintain focus, although it may take them more effort than it would a neurotypical person. In fact, people with ADHD experience "hyper-focus". In hyper-focus, someone becomes so engrossed in a task they find stimulating or engaging that they have a hard time moving away from it.

Do students with accommodations or Individual Program Plan (IPP) have an unfair advantage in the classroom?

Answer: No. Accommodations and IPPs promote equal opportunities by leveling the playing field and helping all students reach their fullest potential. Without accommodations, some students must overcome barriers to learn the same material as typical students. Accommodations help a student work in a way that makes sense for their brain, while learning the same course material as their classmates. Accommodations also help a student, their parents/caregivers and their teacher(s) collaborate on an appropriate individual learning path without disrupting the other students in a class.

Learn how to get an IPP for your child.

Can girls and women be diagnosed with ADHD?

Females can be diagnosed with ADHD, but it happens less compared to males. Women are also more likely to receive a diagnosis in adulthood because ADHD symptoms in women can present differently than in males, making it more likely female symptoms get unintentionally ignored, overlooked or misdiagnosed.