Smart
Comebacks
to ADHD
Doubters
Tired of hearing people say that ADHD doesn’t exist— or that it’s somehow your fault? When self-appointed
“experts” speak their mind, it can be hard to convince them of the truth: that the debate about the existence of ADHD is over! Mainstream medical, psychological and educational organizations long ago concluded that ADHD is real and that children and adults with the disorder benefit from treatment. So next time one of these five types of ADHD naysayers speaks his opinion, use these snappy comebacks to respond.

1 THE SKEPTIC

denies the very existence of ADHD, calling it a phantom that was cooked up as an excuse for bad parenting.
What about the adults who say they have ADHD? They just need to grow up and take responsibility for their shortcomings, rather than blaming an illness.”

Here’s what to do:
Explain that the reason they don’t “believe in” ADHD is because they’ve probably been lucky enough never to have experienced it.
Use hard facts. The National Institute of Mental Health counts ADHD as a real medical condition, so does the
American Psychological Association, which includes
ADHD in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders, the bible of mental-health professionals.
Agree to disagree. Say, “We have different opinions on this issue, so let’s agree to disagree and not discuss it.”
Try sarcasm. “Gosh, it must be nice to be smarter than thousands of doctors, scientists, and psychologists.”

2 THE CRUSADER

takes a holier-than-thou approach, second-guessing adults who take ADHD medications and parents who give them to their kids. “I would never take a stimulant medication or give one to my child,” she proclaims.

Here’s what to do:
Make it clear that drug therapy for ADHD is not a cause for shame. Medicating your child doesn’t make you a lazy or incompetent parent. It shows you are an effective parent.
Look her in the eye and ask, “If you had diabetes, would you not take insulin? Would you deny insulin to a child who had diabetes? Then why should I withhold appropriate medication from my child?”
Issue a challenge. Ask, “What do you think is the best solution?” 3 THE JOKER

takes potshots at ADHD, using sarcasm and pretending that his barbs are innocuous. A Joker might say, “I wish
I had ADHD! At least then I’d have an excuse for my bad behavior. Or
“Pass the Ritalin—I could use a (wink, wink) ‘boost.’”

Here’s what to do:
Use selective silence. As soon as you realize someone is being nasty, follow Ghandi’s example—choose not to respond. Be blunt. Look them in the eye and ask, “Are you trying to help me or hurt me?”
Be direct. “When you say X, I feel Y,” or “Mocking my medical condition is hurtful, and I’d like you to stop.”
Take it to the next level. If The Joker is in your