I think we have all heard of the condition adhd. I think we have all heard about how completely out of control and annoying kids with adhd are. And I think we have all heard from brave parents about just how hard it is to raise a kid with adhd. Well did you know all those stereotypes we see in the media lead to thousands of women being misdiagnosed? Or that the research and education of adhd is often biassed towards young boys completely disregarding how adhd presents in girls? Well that is why today I will argue that we should educate teachers and young parents on the real symptoms of ADHD.
According to the American National Institute of Health the male and female brain develop differently. This means males with adhd will often be more outwardly disorganised and energetic while females will be more inclined to internalise symptoms, struggling in silence. The differences have been known since the 1800s however for some weird, unknown, and totally completely 100% not sexist reason studies on ADHD are continually only done on males. These studies have become the foundation for education leading the media, parents, teachers and some I kid you not medical professionals to believe the male adhd is the only adhd. I know I had to go to two doctors before getting a diagnosis because the first one told me I wanted to be energetic enough. I think one quote from the child mind institute sums this up perfectly, Staring out the window is nothing when the person next to you is dancing on the sill.
Did you know that according to the abc in Australia schools do not educate teachers on the specific signs of ADHD, or how to accomodate a child with this disorder. Often a teacher will only alert parents that a child might have ADHD if that child is disruptive in class. Leaving thousands of young girls to suffer in silence. School is also where ADHD is often the easiest to spot. This is because when you tell a child whose brain will not physically let them sit still and quietly focus on something they're not interested in to sit still and quietly focus on something they're not interested in, the child doesn't usually find that easy. The sad thing is that all we need to educate teachers is not a 5 week course but a pamphlet, or annual infographic they have to read. Can you imagine that schools are willingly causing women to have a lifelong battle with their mental health, because they cannot spend 5 minutes to support their students?
To further understand exactly how often teachers miss ADHD in females. According to Riley Children's Health teachers should alert parents the second they suspect the child has ADHD. And yes this does seem to happen, or for males at least. The American Psychological association says that males will usually receive a diagnosis at 7-8 years old but women will receive it at 30-40. Late diagnosis can also be detrimental to someone's well being.
Finally, one may argue that not being diagnosed with adhd can be good. I agree, some employers will find out you have ADHD and not hire you, or you could be forced on a medication that's more harmful than good, or you could be automatically labelled as the bad child. But this wouldn't happen if ADHD was destigmatized and more people were educated on the realities. And without a diagnosis or support many women do find themselves failing to work a mundane corporate job because to them, their brains should function the same way as everyone else.
In conclusion by educating people that the media male adhd isn't the only one we can foster early diagnoses. Saving thousands of women from a lifelong battle with their mental health.