Autism and ADHD are surrounded by myths that refuse to disappear. Some are outdated. Some are oversimplified. Others sound harmless but quietly cause real harm to children and families. This article calmly separates myth from reality, without judgement or blame.
TL;DR
There are many persistent myths about Autism and ADHD. These misunderstandings can delay support, create shame, and make family life harder than it needs to be. Clearing them up helps everyone.
- Many myths are based on outdated stereotypes
- Some myths sound positive but still cause harm
- Misinformation often spreads faster than nuance
- Families deserve clarity, not confusion
This article is for / not for
This article is for:
- Parents navigating Autism or ADHD in their family
- Relatives or friends trying to understand better
- Anyone who has heard conflicting information and feels unsure
This article is not for:
- Debating conspiracy theories
- Arguing about politics or blame
- Telling families how they should feel
Medical disclaimer
This article is for general understanding only. It covers the common myths we’ve heard and researched. It does not diagnose Autism or ADHD, or provide medical advice. For individual concerns, speak to a qualified professional. For information about Autism and ADHD within the UK system, NHS guidance can provide additional context.
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(Suggested image: calm, simple visual showing myths vs facts without confrontation)
A calmer way to talk about myths
Myths often persist because they are simple, emotionally charged, or repeated often enough to sound true. Autism and ADHD are complex, varied, and still widely misunderstood, which makes them especially vulnerable to oversimplification. It is only over the last few decades that there has been a step change in understanding, both in research and among the general public.
This article focuses on the myths and misunderstandings families still encounter day to day, rather than extreme claims or online conspiracy spaces.
Myth 1: Autism and ADHD are caused by bad parenting
This belief still surfaces, often indirectly. It might sound like criticism of routines, screen time, discipline, or boundaries.
Autism and ADHD are neurodevelopmental differences with strong genetic components. Parenting style does not cause them, and being firmer with a child will not and cannot change them.
Many families encounter this myth through subtle comments that suggest they just need to try harder.
Myth 2: Autism and ADHD always look obvious
Many people still picture a narrow stereotype. In reality, both Autism and ADHD present in many different ways.
Some children mask their differences. Others are quiet, compliant, or academically able. This can delay recognition and support. There is a common saying that if you have met one neurodivergent child, you have met one neurodivergent child.
Parents often hear this myth when a child appears to be coping at school but is exhausted or distressed at home.
Myth 3: If a child can focus, they can’t have ADHD
ADHD is not a lack of attention. It is difficulty regulating attention. This relates to differences in how the brain regulates attention and motivation.
Many children and adults with ADHD can focus deeply on interests that engage them, while struggling with tasks that do not.
This myth often comes up when adults see intense focus on games, books, or hobbies and assume everything else should be just as easy.
Myth 4: Autism and ADHD are overdiagnosed
Increased awareness has led to more people being recognised, not created new conditions.
Historically, many groups were under-identified, including girls, minorities, and people without external behavioural challenges. This has changed significantly due to better research and broader awareness. Social media has also played a role, with more people sharing lived experiences that help others recognise similar traits in themselves.
In the mid-20th century, the number of left-handed people appeared to rise sharply. This was not due to a trend, but because schools stopped forcing children to use their right hands.
We are not seeing more ADHD or Autism. We are seeing more permission to exist, particularly for people who were previously overlooked.
This myth is often raised when families ask for support and are told they are imagining difficulties.
Myth 5: Children will grow out of it
Autism and ADHD are lifelong neurotypes. Needs and traits may change over time, but they do not simply disappear.
Support, understanding, and environment make a difference. As children grow up, they may become better at masking. Outward traits can appear to fade, while internal effort and exhaustion often remain.
This belief can lead adults to delay support, hoping time alone will solve difficulties.
Myth 6: Everyone is a bit autistic or ADHD
While many traits exist on a spectrum, lived experience matters.
For autistic and ADHD people, these traits significantly shape daily life, energy, and interaction with the world.
Most people forget their keys at times, feel uncomfortable in crowds, or struggle to start a task. It is when multiple traits cluster together and affect daily life consistently that a neurodivergent experience is more likely.
This phrase is often said casually, but it can minimise the challenges families are trying to explain.
Myth 7: The spectrum means ‘a little autistic’ to ‘very autistic’
The Autism spectrum does not run from mild to severe. It describes a wide range of traits that can show up differently in different people.
Someone may need a lot of support in one area and very little in another. Strengths and challenges can exist side by side.
This myth can lead people to dismiss someone’s needs because they appear capable in ways that are easy to see.
Myth 8: All autistic people have savant skills
Popular media has created a strong image of autistic people as mathematical geniuses, human calendars, or having extraordinary memory or musical abilities.
In reality, savant skills are rare. Only a small minority of autistic people have savant abilities, and the likelihood of having a savant skill is roughly similar to that in the general population.
Most autistic people have a mix of strengths and challenges, just like anyone else. Assuming savant skills can create unrealistic expectations and lead to disappointment or pressure.
Families often encounter this myth when others downplay support needs by assuming hidden talents will compensate.
Myth 9: If a child can sit still, they can’t have ADHD
ADHD is often misunderstood as constant physical hyperactivity. In reality, many children with ADHD, particularly those with inattentive traits, can sit still for long periods.
The difficulty is not always in the body, but in the mind. Children may appear calm on the outside while struggling internally with racing thoughts, mental restlessness, or effortful concentration.
This myth often leads adults to overlook quieter children who are daydreaming, zoning out, or working much harder than it appears just to keep up.
Why these myths cause real harm
These ideas can:
- Delay assessment or support
- Create shame or self-blame
- Lead families to dismiss their own instincts
- Lead to inappropriate expectations of children
Accurate information allows families to respond with understanding rather than doubt.
Related reading on Babies & Children
- ADHD vs Autism in children: understanding overlap
- Neurodiversity explained in simple terms
- When your child’s Autism helps you recognise your own
Helpful UK resources
- NHS Autism overview
- NHS ADHD overview
- National Autistic Society
- ADHD Foundation
A calm close
Correcting myths isn’t about winning arguments. It’s about making life easier for families who are already doing their best.
Understanding replaces judgement. Clarity replaces confusion. And children benefit when the adults around them feel informed rather than unsure.
