ADHD
Final Project By: Joy Hamama
Reduce the Stigma
ADDRESS
ADHD comes with a lot of misconceptions and many people do not really understand the disorder. Common myths are that a child has a lower IQ or is less intelligent than a child without ADHD. When people hear the word "disorder" they automatically believe that this person has a "disability." Therefore, addressing the misconceptions is the first way into controlling the stigma.
EDUCATE
After addressing the stigma, the myths needs to be contradicted with facts. Thus, educating adults, and especially children, is very important in controlling the stigma. As ADHD is more common in children, students should be knowledgable in the disorder, so that they don't see their fellow classmate as any different than themselves.
STAND UP
Therefore, if a situation does arise, addressing the misconception as well as educating the person is the first two things necessary to help control the stigma. Making sure that if your child does have ADHD that they feel qualified, and that is okay to get extra help. Parents who do not have a child with ADHD should still make sure that their child understands the medical conditions and that the fellow child is not any less intelligent than they are.
