Graphic by Nadia Łącka
Whether it’s at school, with friends or at any other point in your life, you will have encountered the acronym ADHD. We all more or less think we know what it is, it might seem like just another mental disorder, but there is more to the picture than meets the eye. What does ADHD look like? How does it affect the way a person is perceived? How can it impact the life of a student?
ADHD, what is it?
Attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder is something that affects a lot of people all over the globe. It’s important to note that it’s not necessarily a bad thing, however in many cases it makes a person’s life a lot more difficult. Some properties that people with ADHD might have include: inattentiveness, impulsivity and hyperactivity. It is also vital to note, that despite autism, ADHD and ADD (attention deficit disorder) all being on a spectrum and sharing some of the same symptoms, they are not the same.
Differences in ADHD for boys and girls
The history of ADHD dates back to the 18th century, but then people were just making observations of unusual human behaviour, only later did scientists and psychologists start studying and analyzing this mental disorder. Frankly, for many years females have been underdiagnosed, if not diagnosed at all. This is due to the fact that some genders show ADHD symptoms differently and they are often ignored or justified as something else. In boys, ADHD can be spotted pretty early on, with their behaviour having very characteristic traits which might include: being hyperactive, loud and impulsive, they often are always fidgeting with something or can’t stay in one place for a long time. Girls on the other hand have much more internalized and less visible indicators, they might be forgetful, easily distracted, very talkative and disorganized. With this in mind, the visibility of ADHD will vary from person to person, it is also crucial to note that personality and temperament also play a role in how one’s ADHD might come through.
How does the world perceive them?
People are often quick to judge, letting stereotypes and bias get in the way of getting to know a person with ADHD. It can often be hurtful because peers might underestimate one’s abilities or make blunt assumptions about a person just because they have ADHD. Often seen as uneducated, impatient, lazy and weird, it’s easy to judge and poke fun at somebody who might not fit into societal standards. At the end of the day it comes across as very rude and insensitive. Moreover, this can easily lead to bullying, and discrimination and bring damage to the person’s mental health. A lot of children aren’t educated on ADHD and a lot of parents might see it as a fault and deny their child having it, which in result aggravates the kid’s life.
ADHD masking
Having mentioned the negative way in which hyperactive people might be viewed, it’s no surprise that societal pressure will force them to comply and fit in. This is essentially what masking is. A person tries very hard to come across as something they are not, by trying to act “normal”. They bite their tongue, avoid speaking not to come across as loud or disruptive, they react in ways that would be expected often by copying other people’s gestures and responses, they also tend to suppress stimming behaviours. Moreover, this camouflaging detriments a person with ADHD, because it isn’t natural. People shouldn’t feel the pressure to act a certain way, in order to be accepted, or hide who they are because some people might judge them. In order for people to gain confidence, humanity as a whole has to realise that we are all humans, different each and every one of us, but isn’t the world much more unique because of that?
What’s it like to be a student with ADHD?
Students from all over the world dedicate a lot of their time to studying, homework, extracurricular activities and anything that might boost their chances of getting into a good college/ university or simply passing. Skills like balancing out all of your priorities and managing to hand in all the assignments on time are necessary. With all the apps available to organize and plan your exams and homework, it’s challenging to avoid procrastinating. Imagine what the student life is like for someone who has ADHD. Whether it’s struggling to pay attention in class, having problems during exams or being distracted by the slightest noise, it can get extremely hard to achieve your maximum potential academically due to these inconveniences. The system of a school can make or break a pupil’s life in high school. This is why it’s important for schools all over the world to provide assistance, and have the correct approach and accommodation for students with ADHD.
October is International ADHD Awareness Month, so remember ADHD is a mental disorder that’s on a spectrum, meaning that it won’t look the same for everyone, it doesn’t take away from what one can do, it simply means that if they are struggling with something, it might not be catered to their needs, which is something the educational institution in specific should improve. We shouldn’t try to force people into boxes of standards but instead open those boxes to let people explore who they are and what they can do. In conclusion, ADHD affects people all over the globe, it differentially influences and alters a person’s life and it might not be easy to tell who has it. Nonetheless, people with ADHD are just as capable of success as anyone else.
The Warsaw High School Times 