How many times have you read or heard “Oh we’re all a bit ADHD?” Can you actually be a bit ADHD?
In ADHD contexts, reacting is natural on first reading and it sounds dismissive of ADHD as a real neurodevelopmental condition. However, it merits further thinking.
In a way, we are all ‘a bit ADHD’. The traits that people with ADHD have are also noticeable in other people. Some of those people will have undiagnosed ADHD or be in denial. They may not want a label or to feel in some way ‘less’. Others won’t have ADHD but will have some of the traits and behaviors.
ADHD is diagnosed when traits exist since before age 12 and impair life. Thus, not everybody is a bit adhd, spectrum; criteria determine ADHD. Additionally, there is a range of severity in ADHD. Personally, I was told I had moderate to severe combined presentation. Thus ADHD is a spectrum disorder that affects multiple areas differently. Mild ADHD exists, yet the impact differs across people. Diagnosis isn’t just about filling out a questionnaire but it takes into account your family history, personal testimonials, body language and speech patterns and answers to appropriate questions.
It’s easy to see why people think that ADHD is everywhere, it’s relatable and many people identify with the traits. But they don’t see the effort involved to appear normal and it isn’t tripping them up all the time.
Remember that everyone is different whether they have ADHD or not, but let’s not trivialise ADHD as a condition that can be life-limiting for some people. Read more here from other sites…