Different, Not Disordered
Let’s Change How People See ADHD for The Better!
Finding better language to describe ADHD as a difference in brain structure and chemistry can help to reduce the current stigma that is so damaging to our mental health and self-esteem.
Join the campaign and take action today!
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Why we need change now!
People with ADHD are significantly more likely to experience depression, suicidal thoughts, self harm, domestic abuse, exclusion from education and employment, addiction, homelessness, and contact with the criminal justice system than their neurotypical peers.
Research shows that as children, if we have ADHD, we receive far more negative feedback than our neurotypical peers. Over time, this can seriously destroy our self-esteem and mental health.
Words like “disorder” can create shame and stigma, and can signal that we are broken rather than different. Just like being gay was classed as a psychiatric "disorder" until 1990, we no longer need to see neurodivergence that way and it's time for change.
People with ADHD don’t have an “attention deficit”. Instead, we experience attention dysregulation. Sometimes we hyperfocus intensely and can work all night. Sometimes we cannot focus at all.
Nor do we want to be called “disordered”. Instead, we want to be recognised for our unique strengths and very real struggles linked to brain differences, social barriers, disability discrimination and unmet support needs.
Finding better language to describe ADHD is one small but powerful step that we can take together to help end the current stigma around neurodivergence.
ADHDis real, the challenges are real but shame should never be part of the diagnosis.
Let's campaign together to change the conversation, end the stigma, and increase neurodiverse pride, support, and inclusion.
The reasons for these shocking inequalities are both social and biological and won’t all suddenly vanish if we change a few words. But words still have power.
Whoever came up with the saying "sticks and stones can break my bones but words can never harm me" clearly didn’t have ADHD.
SHAMEFUL ADHD STATS
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Six times more likely to die before the age of 30
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Four time more likely to commit suicide
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Three times more likely to have been bullied as children
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Twice as likely to be victims of domestic abuse or sexual assault
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Four times more likely to become (NEET) Not in Education, Employment, or Training by age 25.
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Twice as likely to be long term unemployed
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Four times more likely to experience severe financial problems
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Over 50% more likely to have a substance misuse disorder
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Five to ten times more likely to end up in prison