ADHD myth-busting for sport
When children with ADHD are misunderstood, they can be unfairly labelled as too loud, too lazy or too difficult. That's not just an inclusion issue; it's also a safeguarding issue.
Children are safer when they feel understood.
"Children with ADHD hear 20,000 additional critical or corrective messages before their 12th birthday when compared to neurotypical children. [...] Most grow up with the feeling that they are less than, uncool, unwanted, defective, incompetent and damaged goods."
Dodson, W.W. (2016) Emotional regulation and rejection sensitivity. Attention Magazine (Oct): 8-11 [Accessed 30/09/2026]
For ADHD Awareness Month 2026, we are busting a few myths that can help more organisations move beyond ADHD stereotypes and towards a more inclusive sporting community that can keep every child safe.
Myth 1: Children with ADHD are always fidgeting and can't sit still
False
ADHD looks different in every child. While some children are highly active, others may appear quiet while their brains are on a constant treadmill of thoughts. Not every child with ADHD is constantly moving. Some are. Some aren’t.
Myth 2: Children with ADHD can't focus
False
Children with ADHD can focus deeply on activities they enjoy. We can help by channelling attention. They may struggle to follow a long explanation or to focus on something that doesn’t interest them but be completely engaged during a game or activity they enjoy.
Myth 3: ADHD is caused by poor parenting
False
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition; it's not caused by poor parenting or a choice to behave in certain ways. Sport can be a positive outlet for many children with ADHD, helping with attention, emotional regulation and wellbeing.
Myth 4: ADHD only affects boys
False
Girls can and do have ADHD, although boys are diagnosed over three times more often than girls, according to the Journal of Child Psychology. It’s common for ADHD in girls to be recognised much later because they may present differently in structured and strict behaviour environments. Girls may talk a lot about topics that excite them, have creative imaginations, display signs of anxiety or struggle to stay organised.
Myth 5: If a child has ADHD, they can’t have other neurodevelopmental conditions
False
Many children with ADHD may also be autistic, have dyslexia, dyspraxia, Tourette syndrome or other learning differences. Every child is different and support should be based on their need, not a label.
What sports organisations can do
- Learn more about ADHD and neurodiversity.
- Use clear, simple instructions in bite-sized pieces alongside visuals.
- Demonstrate activities visually.
- Create consistent routines.
- Praise effort and progress.
- Work with parents and carers to understand individual needs.
- Instead of asking, ‘What’s wrong with this child?’ ask, ‘What does this child need to succeed?’
This just scratches the surface, but together we can support more children with ADHD to thrive in sport.
Information around ADHD in this blog are correct at the time of writing and have been inspired by the work of the ADHD coalition that organise ADHD Awareness Month. #ACommunityOfSupport