7 October 2025
“Everyone’s got ADHD these days.”
“It’s just a label.”
“In my day, we just got on with it.”
If you’re a parent, teacher, or practitioner, chances are you’ve heard something like this. When it comes to ADHD, especially in children, there’s often a sense of suspicion. Are we pathologising normal behaviour? Are we handing out diagnoses too easily? Are labels becoming a trend?
But maybe the rise in ADHD isn’t about an epidemic of attention struggles, it’s about creating space for children to be seen, understood, and supported.
The Power of Acceptance
In the early 1900s, being left-handed was something to be “fixed.” Children were forced to write with their right hand. Some were punished, humiliated, or even physically corrected. Left-handedness was rare.. until we stopped trying to suppress it.
When society became more accepting, the number of left-handed people appeared to skyrocket. Not because it was contagious. Not because people were “faking.” But because we finally made room for what was already there.
The same is happening with ADHD. As we become more aware, compassionate, and open to neurodiversity, we’re recognising what was always present in classrooms, homes, and relationships.
Seeing the Struggle Behind the Behaviour
For many children with ADHD, the world feels overwhelming. Emotions hit harder. Instructions blur. Focus slips. They might be called lazy, disruptive, rude or even gifted but underachieving.
Without understanding, it’s easy to miss the real picture. Without support, it’s easy to internalise shame.
A diagnosis isn’t about limiting a child with a label. It’s about lifting the fog for them and the people around them.
What Changes When We Understand
When we name what’s going on, something shifts:
- Teachers can adapt the environment, not just the expectations.
- Parents can parent with more patience and empathy.
- Children can begin to build confidence instead of constantly feeling “too much.”
Diagnosis or not, what many young people with ADHD need is understanding, language and a framework for thriving.
More children aren’t suddenly developing ADHD. We’re just learning to notice. To name. To respond with care instead of criticism.
We’re creating a world where difference isn’t something to hide but something to understand.
And that’s something worth growing.
Kapella provides ADHD assessments, support, and practical guidance for children, young people, adults and families across Birmingham and the Black Country.