The Disruptors | ADHD Documentary

When a client shared his profound experience while watching a recent documentary about ADHD, I immediately cleared up a time to watch it and was moved and impressed.

This documentary is titled The Disruptors. It follows five families who have children with ADHD and interviews famous and successful adults about their life experiences and struggles with having ADHD. The film also includes interviews with the leading experts in the field who talk about the neurological and psychological explanations for ADHD and discuss evidence-based treatment approaches that are highly effective.

The children and their parents speak openly and sincerely about their daily struggles. Two mothers even share that they are also diagnosed with ADHD, which makes their everyday life even more complex and exhausting.

So many emotions and feelings emerge from the interviews: shame, guilt, failure, fear, loneliness, despair, helplessness, and of course, considerable pain and frustration, which stem mainly from dealing with school systems and the lack of knowledge and support.

An important message is emphasized through parents' interviews (and echoed by the successful adults recalling their childhood experiences). Nothing is more important than being your child's advocate. Showing them that no matter what happens, what other people might think of you, and where you have been expelled from, we love you and will always believe in you. For some parents, it came more naturally, and some needed more time to get there. Nonetheless, everyone agrees that this is critical for their children's mental and emotional well-being and will develop the ability to look to the future with resilience and self-confidence.

Regarding treatment approaches, all interviewed experts emphasized a non-punitive strengths-based approach, which focuses on identifying each child's unique talent, strengths, and superpowers, empowering them to pursue their passions. Both children and adults can benefit from coaching, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and, in some cases, in addition to the above, considering medication options.

One more thing, if your child is in middle or high school and after watching the film yourself, consider watching it with them if you feel it's appropriate. This film does a great job of balancing struggles and hardships with small wins and extraordinary successes.

Every neurodivergent adult and every parent of a neurodivergent child will relate to the powerful scenes and messages. The message is inspiring and is all about Empowering Unique Minds!

I strongly recommend watching this film and invite you to share your thoughts in the comments.

https://disruptorsfilm.com/