Dear Ms. Arbour,
I regret to inform you that I recently watched your video titled “The Truth About ADHD,” and I must say, it was anything but the truth. While I generally strive to maintain my composure, your remarks left me feeling genuinely frustrated. Your presentation was not only obnoxious but also displayed a profound ignorance regarding Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This condition affects over a billion individuals globally, according to CHADD, and it deserves far more respect than your video offered. Many people, especially parents of children with ADHD, felt deeply offended by your portrayal.
As a mother of a remarkable 7-year-old daughter diagnosed with ADHD, I can assure you that this is a very real and longstanding condition. ADHD has existed for ages, and while it may be more readily diagnosed today due to comprehensive research, it has always been present in our society. ADHD manifests in various ways, influencing daily life positively and negatively. The Child Mind Institute describes ADHD as a psychiatric disorder that significantly impairs mental functioning.
You assert that children diagnosed with ADHD are simply hyperactive, which is a naive oversimplification. Since you have no children of your own or experience with ADHD, it’s clear you lack a true understanding of this disorder. ADHD is categorized into three types: inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined. Not every child with ADHD exhibits hyperactivity, and the symptoms can differ widely among individuals. Additionally, ADHD can co-occur with other conditions such as anxiety, depression, and oppositional defiant disorder. It’s easy to dismiss these challenges when you’ve never dealt with them firsthand, but I can assure you they are very real.
It was heartbreaking when my daughter, at just six years old, expressed thoughts of wanting to die. Can you imagine how devastating that is for a parent? I doubt you can, or else you wouldn’t have published your video. ADHD, alongside its associated conditions, is not something to be taken lightly or mocked. Furthermore, blaming parents for their child’s struggles is both ignorant and misguided.
I may not be a perfect parent, but I am committed to doing my best for my children. ADHD has a genetic component and cannot be wished away. While medication is one of the many tools available to help manage ADHD, it’s not a reflection of poor parenting. Your claim that parents are “drugging their kids for acting like kids” is utterly misplaced. For many families, the choice to medicate is a deeply personal and often difficult decision. Most parents explore various alternative methods, such as behavioral therapy and dietary changes, before considering medication. When these approaches do not yield results, medication can be a vital resource.
Just as we wouldn’t deny a child with diabetes or epilepsy their necessary medication, it is equally important not to withhold medication from a child with ADHD if it can help them. ADHD may be an invisible disability, but that does not diminish its significance. With appropriate medication, my daughter is thriving in school and in her social life, gaining confidence and joy. The tears of guilt and frustration have transformed into tears of happiness as I witness her flourish.
Before your video, I was unfamiliar with your work, and honestly, I still am not particularly interested. However, with nearly 5 million views in less than a week, I felt compelled to address your misleading statements and advocate for those affected by ADHD and the families who love them.
There is so much more to ADHD than what I have covered here. If you are interested in learning more about this condition, I encourage you to join our compassionate community at My Little Villagers, where we focus on support and understanding without judgment. You can also check out resources such as the UCSF Center for Reproductive Health, which can provide valuable insights on various related topics.
Best,
Sarah Jensen
Founder of My Little Villagers
Summary
In response to Nicole Arbour’s video on ADHD, the author expresses frustration at the misinformation presented. As a parent of a child with ADHD, she emphasizes the reality of the condition and the importance of seeking appropriate support, including medication when necessary. The piece advocates for understanding and compassion towards those affected by ADHD and encourages others to seek out supportive communities.