ADDitudeMag.com

People Don’t Understand

A mother shares frustration about "defending" the ADHD diagnosis to naysayers.

by ADDitude Editors


I was more open about it when my son was first diagnosed. I was relieved to have an explanation for his behavior, and I assumed that others would be supportive. But after having to “defend” the diagnosis numerous times, I’m much more careful about whom I tell.

Part of me wants to educate people, and battle the media’s portrayal of ADHD as over-diagnosed and over-medicated. Another part of me is tired of trying to explain what is no one else’s business anyway.

Cathy, Alberta, Canada


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