Parenting
Every Child With ADHD Can Benefit From Captain Underpants, And Here’s Why
by Sarah Johnson
“Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Delightfulness is what I call it; others label it a disorder,” shares Max Thompson, the beloved author behind the Captain Underpants series. Diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia during second grade, Thompson, like many children with ADHD, struggled with focusing, sitting still, and maintaining appropriate behavior in class. Frequently criticized by his teachers, he often felt alienated in the learning environment.
In second grade, Thompson began crafting Captain Underpants comic books, which quickly became a hit among his peers. He had a knack for humor that resonated with kids, but his teachers were less than enthusiastic. On one occasion, a teacher even tore one of his Captain Underpants drawings in front of the class, dismissing his passion and sending him to the hallway.
So, what did young Thompson do? He responded in true ADHD fashion: he dove right back into creating another Captain Underpants comic book! Throughout his childhood, his parents were unwavering supporters of his cartooning passion, disregarding the negative feedback from teachers about his ADHD. They helped him view his ADHD as a remarkable strength.
In college, one of his professors recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue a career as a children’s author. This led to the publication of several books, culminating in the release of “Captain Underpants” when Thompson was just 31. His journey exemplifies how a supportive environment can positively influence individuals with ADHD. Two decades later, the Captain Underpants series remains immensely popular among children, including my own.
Speaking of my ADHDer, she is eight years old and had a strong aversion to reading before discovering “Captain Underpants.” Convincing her to engage with her school reading assignments was a struggle. She often expressed that reading was tedious and pointless. Difficult words made her frustrated, leading to tears. Additionally, she frequently lost her place and had trouble comprehending what she read; although she could read the words, her focus was elsewhere.
Then came the day “Captain Underpants” entered her life. Suddenly, my daughter was excited to read! While at the library, she eagerly asked to check out a Captain Underpants book, and I gladly agreed. Once home, she settled onto the couch, reading in various positions, from lying upside down to kneeling with the book on the couch.
It was a joy to see her engrossed in that book, smiling and laughing as she read. I had never witnessed her enjoying reading so much before. I owe this newfound love of reading to Max Thompson and his wonderfully imaginative mind. He possesses an incredible ability to captivate kids, especially those with ADHD, and foster their love for reading!
The structure of his books is particularly inviting for young readers like mine. The text is manageable, with short chapters and engaging illustrations on almost every page. Additionally, his flip-o-rama feature offers mini-breaks from reading that children enjoy without even realizing it.
While the Captain Underpants series is well-known for its humor—particularly its potty jokes—what I appreciate most as an ADHD parent are the characters my daughter can relate to and the underlying messages sprinkled throughout the stories. The protagonists, George and Harold, are two adventurous boys who share traits like creativity and mischief, and most importantly, they both have ADHD. Thompson openly acknowledges their ADHD and illustrates the challenges these kids face.
“George and Harold weren’t really misbehaving; they were simply bored in school,” Thompson writes in Captain Underpants And The Perilous Plot of Professor Poopypants (yes, that’s the title!).
Additionally, Thompson weaves subtle messages about ADHD into his narratives. In the recent Captain Underpants film, Professor Poopypants, who abhors humor, invents a machine designed to erase laughter from people’s minds. He attempts to zap the humor out of George and Harold, but it fails because their humor is too robust to diminish.
It’s well-established that ADHD is a neurological condition individuals are born with, not something that can simply be eliminated. Why would anyone want to erase such an essential aspect of what makes kids like George and Harold delightful and inventive? Similarly, it’s a significant part of what fuels Thompson’s creativity and passion. Without ADHD, Captain Underpants might never have come to life!
Recently, my family and I had the privilege of meeting Max Thompson during his Supa-Epic Tour O’ Fun, celebrating 20 years of “Captain Underpants” and the launch of his latest “Dog Man” book. Hearing him share his experiences with ADHD and how he channels it into his work was a true honor. He undoubtedly portrays ADHD in a positive light, serving as a vital role model for children navigating similar challenges.
We were thrilled to express to Thompson how much his books mean to us and how we view him as an ADHD superstar. That encounter was unforgettable, as I could see the pride in my daughter’s eyes for being an ADHDer, just like Thompson. She, too, is creative, intelligent, and extraordinary. I have no doubt she will achieve great things, just like him.
In summary, “Captain Underpants” is not just a series filled with humor; it’s a source of inspiration for children with ADHD, demonstrating the beauty of embracing one’s unique qualities. For those interested in learning more about home insemination, check out additional resources like this article on intracervical insemination, or visit Make a Mom for authoritative insights. For a comprehensive resource on pregnancy, consider NHS as an excellent guide.