Why do people think ADD people are lazy?

Question

I have ADD, an above average IQ of 122, great grades, and alot of accomplishments. Lots of times when kids are being lazy or stupid, they say it's ADD, and other peopl,e say the diognosis of ADD or ADHD is just an exuse to be lazy. This makes me really mad, because ADD isn't fake, it insn't an exuce, and it isn't a sighn of lack of inteligence or work ethic. It just means that I can't focus on what I'm supposed to focus on a lot of the time unless i'm on medication. And why call it a disablitiy? I think because of ADD, I'm a more creative person and a deep thinker. Do the lies about ADD make other people mad too?

I DO know that I have it, because I went through lots of proffetional tests.

Answer 1

Actually, I found that having severe ADHD was an amazing source of motivation for me to reach my goals and walk in the face of my fears. I agree with you wholeheartedly; people with ADD/ADHD are amazingly gifted, complex thinkers, talented artists and successful entrepeneurs. We're more willing to take the risks that bring us past the confines of common thought and practice and when we're passionate about something, we're driven enough to channel an amazing amount of energy towards seeing a project through. Society as a whole tends to encourage a bit more conformity than we're confortable with and that can be why we sometimes choose work that doesn't allow us to shine and show our amazing abilities. I don't see us as lazy at all; in fact, when we're in an environment that fits our needs for stimulation and interest, we make our way to success very quickly. Keep being you, and you will find your way just fine. You have the right attititude about having ADD!

Answer 2

I have ADHD, diagnosed by a professional doctor in Fresno, CA., and I know your anger. I am not sure what my IQ is, but I'm very confident in its being over 100. I'm actually a very active person. When it comes to school, I can't learn anything because it's the educational status quo that conflicts with many childrens' interests. I don't know why people think this; maybe, just maybe, they think that sitting down and reading the dictionary as a kid will propose laziness in the future? That's possible. I was on Ritalin, and it still didn't help with my concentration. Strattera works VERY well, though. If it's bugging you that much, and would like to do something about it, feel free to apply for a prescription.

Answer 3

I have ADD and I managed to get through a very tough graduate school program. I have an IQ of 136. I had to work much harder than everyone else because my school would not make any kind of accommodations for this disability.

I know I am less efficient at getting things done than some other people, and things generally take me longer. But it is very unfair to call me lazy. People who don't have to deal with the frustrations we face will never be able to understand what we go through. We just have to make the best contribution we can and be accepting of ourselves.

I know that the negative attitudes exist and I can only do what I can do so I just ignore them. Good luck and may God bless you.

Answer 4

People tend to give labels and "name call" the things they don't understand. It's easier to make fun of something rather than to understand it. It seems that people who need an out from their own bad behavior will latch on to whatever the disease du jour is, and poke fun at it. I don't know why they would consider you lazy though --- it would seem that if they weren't so ignorant, they'd find you were anything other than a shirker. ADD has everything to do with being able to focus, and you don't need to allow those distractions from idiots to add another layer of chaos. Thus, use your brilliant mind and creative effort to educate them in a way they don't realize it's happening. For example, if someone is procrastinating, and you hear them say, oh, I have ADD when they are called on -- you say something like -- um, err....I hate to be the one to tell you, but your ADD was returned to the manufacturer, because it was allergic to your crap.
Why a disability? because it is not a typical thing that occurs in the mainstream, and that it takes, as you say, considerable effort and medication (medical intervention) in order to keep the symptoms suppressed. The condition remains. That can cause a considerable hardship on people who have it, and it needs to be recognized/acknowledged in order to even the playing field. Just because it is a disability, doesn't mean you have to be "disabled" by it. You don't have to wear the "gimp for life" badge if you choose not to. It sounds like you have a good attitude - you are able to see the benefits of being an imaginative, smart person, with a depth of knowledge. I don't let the things other people say determine the way I see myself. Life is too short for that, and frankly, there are bigger fish to fry. Use your cleverness to combat their idiocy. Try quoting Shakespeare, some of his sassier lines -- or lyrics from music you know they listen to, that highlight the dumb things people say/do.

Here's one for the road:
From the Shakespearean Insulter: Thou hath more hair than wit, and more faults than hairs, and more wealth than faults.

Taken from: The Two Gentlemen of Verona

Answer 5

its not too early. According to the DSM-IV at least one symptom must appear before the age of 7 in children (although this is debated). But you are correct, there are a lot of mis-diagnoses. ADD is actually serious. It causes lots of distress to children and their families. Its a common misconception that people with ADD are lazy, but they arent. She appears lazy unmotivated and irresponsible because of the ADD. its the add causing that, not the other way around. those ARE symptoms of add. just like your symptoms are speech problems. thats what add IS. Also, have to ever tried to get extra time because of your disease? have you asked any doctors, taken any kinds of tests, or been evaluated in any way? if not, thats your fault. not hers.

Answer 6

People don't understand how differently the mind works. In their provincial little world their opinions equal facts, and they fail to acknowledge or entertain the notion they are merely ignorant.
I'm thinking there were more ADD people in history than we'll ever know. I bet DaVinci and Edison were.

Answer 7

I have ADHD, i am not stupid, nor lazy. I just get hyper sometimes. I am mature enough to act "hyper" at the right times.

Answer 8

My sisters friend has ADHD and she's to hyper.Doesn't It stand for Attention Deficit HYPERACTIVE Disorder.I thought It meant your were to active.

Answer 9

I've never heard anyone say that people with ADD are lazy.

Answer 10

no. I wonder why ADD did not exist when I was in school. I would never drug my kid because some doctor couldn't find another disease to match the "symptoms"