What is ADHD? with Professor Edmund Sonuga-Barke
In this episode, Claire and Professor Edmund dive into the all-important question: what is ADHD? Professor Edmund - Professor of Developmental Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience at King's College London - sheds light on just how tricky that question can be to answer, due to the rapidly evolving research and narrative around the condition. He breaks down the medical definition, but clarifies also the emerging ‘neurodiversity' view of ADHD and crucially, how these two differ in their perspective.
They discuss the potential ADHD impact on daily life, for children and their parents, encouraging us to look at the positives as well as the negatives! Professor Edmund shares some key insight into the impact of environmental factors on how ADHD can manifest - for example the difference between school and home. They also discuss some of the key differences between how ADHD looks in boys and girls, delving into just why ADHD is so often overlooked in girls in particular and how this is now changing, with the advent of more research into ADHD in females.
Professor Edmund introduces us to the idea of a ‘wonky self-concept’ that can develop in ADHD children as a result of negative feedback from friends and teachers, but also sheds light on many ADHD strengths that have gone unnoticed historically, including the mischievous magpie mind!
Professor Edmund busts some of the current myths around ADHD and the danger of taking a polarised view. Whilst some might say ADHD kids are ‘just naughty’, others might say ‘they can’t be naughty, they just have ADHD’. In Professor Edmund’s view, the answer lies elsewhere and he explains more about the danger of pointing to any one thing as the ‘cause’ of ADHD.
This episode is a must for any parent starting out on their ADHD journey to get a clear view of what ADHD is (and isn’t!). If you’d like to find out more about Professor Edmund and his work, head here: