Dear Ms. Parker,
I was one of the unfortunate viewers of your video titled “The Truth About ADHD.” While I am not inherently aggressive, your comments stirred a deep frustration within me. Your presentation was not just obnoxious; it was riddled with misinformation regarding ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), a legitimate mental health condition that impacts over 1 billion individuals globally, as reported by CHADD. Your video left many, particularly parents of children with ADHD, feeling outraged.
You don’t know me, and I doubt you’ll ever read this, but I am a mother to a remarkable 7-year-old daughter diagnosed with ADHD and married to a wonderful man who also has this condition. I can assure you that ADHD is very real and has been recognized for a long time. While the term might be more prevalent now due to extensive scientific research, ADHD has always existed. It affects individuals in various ways daily, both positively and negatively. As noted by the Child Mind Institute, ADHD is “classified as a psychiatric disorder, meaning it involves mental functioning that causes significant impairment.”
Your assertion that children diagnosed with ADHD are merely hyperactive is misguided. As someone without children or experience with ADHD, you lack firsthand understanding of this complex condition. ADHD presents itself in three distinct types: inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined. Not every child with ADHD exhibits hyperactivity; the effects vary considerably, akin to autism. Additionally, coexisting conditions such as depression, anxiety, and oppositional defiant disorder can accompany ADHD. Your lack of experience does not justify dismissing these realities.
When my daughter, only 6 at the time, expressed thoughts of wanting to die, it broke my heart. Can you fathom a child who hasn’t even lost a tooth wishing for such an end? Clearly, you cannot, or you wouldn’t have produced that video. ADHD, along with its coexisting conditions, is serious and should not be trivialized. Moreover, blaming bad parenting for these challenges is unfounded.
I may not be a perfect parent, but I strive to be the best mother I can be, and I would do anything for my children. ADHD is genetic and persistent; it doesn’t disappear regardless of one’s parenting skills. While it can’t be cured, there are effective strategies to mitigate its negative impacts and amplify its positive aspects through tools, accommodations, dietary adjustments, and, yes, medication.
Your claim that parents are “drugging their kids for acting like kids” is wildly inappropriate. Choosing to medicate a child is an intensely personal and often emotional decision. Most parents explore alternative therapies, such as behavioral techniques and dietary changes, before considering medication. My husband and I hoped our daughter would thrive without medication, but like so many others, she required additional support. ADHD medication is simply that—support. Would you deny a child with diabetes their necessary treatment? (I hope not, Ms. Parker!) So why would you deny a child with ADHD the help they need?
ADHD is an invisible disability deserving of serious consideration. Allowing our daughter to take ADHD medication has provided her with the support, love, and care she deserves. Thanks to her treatment, she excels at school, engages in extracurricular activities, makes friends, and has built her self-confidence. The guilt and embarrassment I once felt have transformed into pride and joy as I see her flourish.
Prior to your video, I was unaware of who you were, and frankly, I still don’t care. However, with nearly 5 million views on your video in less than a week, I felt compelled to set the record straight about ADHD and advocate for those affected by it, along with the families who support them. For those interested in learning more about ADHD, I invite you to join our community at My Little Allies, where we embrace love, respect, and understanding—far removed from your uninformed commentary.
Best regards,
Emily Thompson
Founder of My Little Allies
If you want to dive deeper into pregnancy or home insemination, I recommend checking out this excellent resource and also explore this authority on the topic for further insights. Additionally, for more information on privacy and terms, please read this blog post.
Summary:
In this response to Nicole Arbour’s video on ADHD, Emily Thompson strongly criticizes the misconceptions presented regarding ADHD, emphasizing its legitimacy as a mental disorder that affects millions. Drawing from her personal experiences as a mother of a child with ADHD, she counters claims that trivialize the condition and advocates for understanding, support, and appropriate treatment options. The piece highlights the importance of recognizing ADHD as a serious condition rather than dismissing it as mere childhood behavior.
SEO Metadata:
Title: In Reaction to Nicole Arbour’s Video “The Truth About ADHD”
Description: Emily Thompson responds to Nicole Arbour’s video on ADHD, addressing misconceptions and advocating for understanding and support for those affected by ADHD.