The ADHD Flag: Shattering Stereotypes And Building Understanding

Imagine sitting in a class or a lecture, your mind racing faster than you can keep up, struggling to sit still in your chair. No matter how many times your thoughts wander, you can’t seem to keep your attention on what the speaker is saying—even when they talk to you directly. If you live with ADHD, a condition that can affect organization, focus, impulse control, and more, then this scene may seem all too familiar. 

Also known as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADHD is often surrounded by misunderstandings, myths, and harmful stereotypes. This article aims to separate the facts from the fiction and give you tips to promote a better understanding of ADHD, whether you live with it yourself or know someone who does. While ADHD may not have an official flag, we may all still be able to support and advocate for those who have it. 

Understanding ADHD

But what exactly is ADHD, anyway? Answering this question may help us build a better understanding of it. 

ADHD stands for “attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.” It’s a condition that can affect people’s ability to concentrate, maintain their attention, sit still, and control their urges. It is often diagnosed in childhood, but it can continue into adulthood. 

There are three types of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined. The type that a person is diagnosed with depends on the form that most of their symptoms take. For example, symptoms of inattentiveness might include daydreaming, forgetfulness, trouble finishing projects, or trouble following directions. On the other hand, hyperactivity and impulsiveness might include things like fidgeting, risk-taking, emotional outbursts, or trouble controlling impulses. 

It can be worth remembering that although these symptoms can be signs of ADHD, different people may experience the disorder in different ways. Recognizing the wide range of ways ADHD can manifest is often an important step in building awareness. 

Separating the myths about ADHD from the facts

To get a better picture of what ADHD really means, it can be important to clear up a few of these common myths. 

Myth: People with ADHD are just lazy. All they have to do is work harder.

Fact: ADHD is a genuine neurological condition that has nothing to do with laziness. Research has found that people with ADHD often have differences in their levels of dopamine, a brain chemical that plays a major role in motivation, emotion, and pleasure. Those with ADHD may also have structural differences in the parts of their brains that are responsible for memory, motivation, planning, and decision-making. 

Myth: People with ADHD will eventually grow out of it. 

Fact: It’s true that some people may notice a reduction in ADHD symptoms as they get older, but this doesn’t mean they’ve outgrown it. Many people with ADHD continue to have symptoms into adulthood. Some may not even be aware they have the disorder until they’re older. As of recently, an increasing number of adults are being diagnosed with ADHD. 

Myth: ADHD only affects boys.

Fact: Both boys and girls can have ADHD. While boys may be diagnosed with ADHD more often, this may not necessarily be because ADHD is more common in boys. Rather, it may be because boys more often have the hyperactive-impulsive form of ADHD. This can cause more noticeable symptoms than the inattentive form, which is more common in girls. 

Myth: It’s impossible for people with ADHD to focus. 

Fact: ADHD can make it hard for people to concentrate for long periods, especially on tasks that they don't find interesting. That said, people with ADHD may also “hyperfocus” on things they find appealing, becoming so engrossed that it can be hard to pull their attention away. This ability to hyperfocus can sometimes even be beneficial. 

Myth: Medication is the only treatment for ADHD. 

Fact: While medications like stimulants are often a first-line treatment for ADHD, there are other options for managing ADHD symptoms. These may include therapy, changes to lifestyle and work habits, coaching, and education. The right combination of treatments may depend on the person and their situation. 

Is there an ADHD flag? 

As awareness of the stereotypes surrounding conditions like ADHD grows, it can be natural to wonder if the ADHD community has its own pride flag. Popularized by the LGBT+ movement, pride flags can be symbols of awareness, advocacy, and strength for communities that are often marginalized. But is there a flag for ADHD? 

There may not be a single “official” flag for ADHD. That said, the disability pride flag, most recently redesigned in 2021, includes a gold stripe for the neurodivergent community. As ADHD is a form of neurodiversity, this may make it appropriate for people with the disorder who want a recognizable flag. 

Beyond flags: How to support people in your life with ADHD (including yourself)

While ADHD may not have a single official flag, there are other ways you can help build awareness and understanding of the disorder. Whether you live with it yourself, know someone who does, or just want to help change the narrative, consider the following strategies:

Have conversations about ADHD. If you have ADHD, consider sharing your experiences with others to educate them on the reality of the condition. If you don’t, listen to the stories of those who do with empathy and open-mindedness. Try to avoid jumping to conclusions or making assumptions about their experiences. 

Collaborate. Working together can be an important way for people with or without ADHD to help each other stay accountable and organized. If you struggle with managing tasks, it may help to request that a friend or loved one be your “accountability buddy” to motivate you and give you reminders. If someone you know with ADHD asks for support, consider how you can be there for them. 

Advocate and build awareness. Educating others about the facts of ADHD and advocating for the ADHD community can be important for overcoming stigma. From promoting ADHD-friendly work environments to speaking out against stereotypes, consider ways you can take action and be an ally. 

Explore treatment options. If someone close to you has ADHD that is severely impacting their daily life, consider gently asking if they’ve sought treatment, without pressuring or nagging. If you have ADHD and haven’t already done so, consider talking to your doctor. With proper treatment and support, it’s often possible to manage ADHD symptoms for a better quality of life. 

If you’re living with ADHD, therapy can often be a helpful form of treatment. A therapist may be able to help you learn to reduce your symptoms and navigate unexpected challenges. They may also be able to give advice on managing symptoms of other mental illnesses. 

If you often run into challenges in your daily life due to ADHD or ADHD-related stereotypes, you might find yourself needing additional support between therapy sessions. If so, online therapy may be helpful. Platforms like BetterHelp let you use in-app messaging to contact your therapist at any time, and they will respond as soon as they’re able. This may make them a more convenient alternative to in-person therapy. 

You don’t have to manage ADHD stigma on your own

Get support from a licensed therapist

Online therapy has been studied as a way to reduce ADHD symptoms. In a 2022 analysis, researchers looked at data from six scientific studies of online ADHD interventions. They concluded that internet-based treatments can improve social function and attention in people with ADHD.