Quick Chat: The Stigma of ADHD

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects as many as 10 per cent of school-aged children. In recent years, it has become one of the most commonly diagnosed disorders in children.

Many children with ADHD face certain obstacles—academically and socially—and they may even experience additional emotional or behavioural challenges. On the other hand, there are some who aren't as deeply affected by the disorder and don't experience these difficulties and have better degrees of success in their lives.

Whatever the case, a child with ADHD often faces stigma associated with the perception of how they might behave (negatively), what they are incapable of doing, and how their disorder might affect the people around them.

Rather than focusing on the risks, difficulties, and challenges that come with ADHD, Emma Climie and her team want to consider understanding the things that these children do well and what resources exist within their families and communities to draw from. 

Climie, an Assistant Professor in the Werklund School of Education, believes that by understanding what helps some children with ADHD have positive outcomes, the types of support provided in the areas most important for success can be enhanced.

In this Quick Chat, Climie gives an update on her current research project.

Audio:

• Quick Chat (4:02)