Dear Ms. Arbour,
As someone who recently stumbled upon your video titled “The Truth About ADHD,” I felt compelled to share my thoughts. Watching it left me feeling a mix of frustration and disbelief. Your portrayal of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) was not only dismissive but also misinformed, especially considering the disorder affects over a billion people globally, as noted by CHADD. ADHD is a serious condition, and your video has understandably upset many, particularly parents of children who navigate life with this diagnosis.
I want to introduce myself: I am a dedicated mother to a vibrant 7-year-old daughter living with ADHD, and I am married to a wonderful man who also has the disorder. ADHD is a genuine condition that has existed for ages, and while it may have lacked a formal name in the past, scientific research has advanced, leading to better understanding and diagnosis. The Child Mind Institute describes ADHD as a psychiatric disorder that significantly impacts mental functioning.
You suggest that children diagnosed with ADHD are merely hyperactive and that it’s just a part of growing up. However, without personal experience as a parent of a child with ADHD, it’s clear you lack a full understanding of the complexities involved. ADHD manifests in various forms: inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined types. Not every child with ADHD displays hyperactivity, and like autism, the disorder affects individuals uniquely. Co-existing conditions such as anxiety, depression, and oppositional defiant disorder often accompany ADHD. I understand you may dismiss this, but I assure you, it’s a reality many families face.
It was heart-wrenching when my then-6-year-old daughter expressed feelings of wanting to end her life. Can you fathom that? A child, still so young, feeling such despair? I doubt it, which is why your video is so troubling. ADHD, along with its related conditions, should never be trivialized. And let’s not blame parenting for these challenges.
While I strive to be the best mother I can, ADHD is a genetic disorder that doesn’t simply vanish with perfect parenting. It requires a nuanced approach, including tools, accommodations in school and work, dietary adjustments, and sometimes, medication.
Your assertion that parents are “drugging their kids for acting like kids” is deeply misguided. Choosing to medicate a child with ADHD is a profoundly personal decision, often made after exploring various non-medical interventions, like behavioral therapy. In our case, my husband and I hoped for a non-medicated approach for our daughter, but ultimately, medication became essential for her wellbeing. Just as you wouldn’t deny a child with diabetes their insulin, why should a child with ADHD be deprived of the support they need?
ADHD is an invisible disability, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less significant. Thanks to her medication, my daughter is flourishing—excelling in school, making friends, and gaining self-confidence. The tears I once shed out of guilt have transformed into tears of joy as I witness her happiness.
Before your video, I had no idea who you were, and frankly, it doesn’t matter. Yet with nearly 5 million views on your video, I felt it was important to speak out—not just for my daughter but for all those who struggle with ADHD and their families.
There’s so much more to discuss about ADHD, so if you’re interested in learning more, I invite you to join our supportive community at My Little Villagers. We’re all about love and understanding—no judgment here, just compassion.
Warm regards,
Emily Carter
Founder of My Little Villagers
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Summary:
In response to Nicole Arbour’s video on ADHD, Emily Carter shares her personal experience as a mother of a child with ADHD. She emphasizes the seriousness of the disorder, dispelling myths and highlighting the importance of understanding and compassion for those affected. Through her letter, she advocates for support and awareness, encouraging others to join a community that promotes education and acceptance regarding ADHD.