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  • Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects between 5 and 10 percent of all children in the United States, as well as countless numbers of adults. As widespread as it is, there is a lot of misunderstanding about ADHD among the general public. Some doubt there is really such a disorder at all, while others simply can't comprehend how its symptoms affect those who have it. Misunderstanding makes talking about ADHD difficult, both for the person who has it and the person who doesn't.

    Talking To Others About Your ADHD

    If you have ADHD and need to talk about the disorder with others, like employers, loved ones and friends, you need to arm yourself with the facts and be prepared to answer questions. However, just going down a list of symptoms and stating facts doesn't provide any perspective for them to draw from. The only way you can create understanding is to be able to communicate what ADHD is and how it affects you. If you have decided to talk about your ADHD, give people a chance to put themselves in your shoes. Try to explain by using situations as examples, showing how ADHD causes you to see or behave differently than people expect.

    Talking to A Child About His ADHD

    Talking with a child who has ADHD about her condition can be tricky because you have to use age-appropriate words and phrases. The single biggest thing you need to communicate is that while ADHD may make her "different," it doesn't make her less than everyone else. There is nothing "wrong" with her; she just experiences life in a different way and has additional challenges. ADHD is not anything to be ashamed of. In fact many famous inventors, actors, artists and leaders have or had ADHD. If finding the words proves to be too difficult, you may wish to pick up a children's book as a way of jumpstarting the conversation.

    Talking To Someone About Her ADHD

    In talking with someone who has ADHD about his condition, ask questions and reserve judgment. ADHD is a proven neurological disorder that causes him to think and act differently from the norm. This is not a matter of choice-he is compelled by the disorder to do and think this way. You cannot take it personally, or fault him for not being "normal" because he truly doesn't know what "normal" is. ADHD has been with him since birth, even though it isn't diagnosed until school age at the earliest. It has colored his perception of the world for his whole life. Try to put yourself into his world and see how his condition affects him and his motivations.

    Resource:

    How to Talk About Your ADHD; Michele Novotni, Ph.D.

    How To Talk To Your Child About ADHD; Atilla Turgay MD, FRCPC

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