Press Release statement from ADHD Embrace: Our response to the Channel 4 Documentary, “The Great ADHD Myth?”
The Channel 4 documentary “The Great ADHD Myth?” was broadcast on Tuesday evening, 18 August 2026. The programme was promoted as examining whether ADHD is a genuine neurodevelopmental disorder or a social construct and included a case study of one family’s experience with medication and making lifestyle changes.
Hugely disappointed
Having now watched the full programme, ADHD Embrace is hugely disappointed with the quality of the journalism and are of the opinion that the programme will add further stigmatisation of ADHD due to it’s conclusion that ADHD is not a genuine medical condition but a social construct. Furthermore, in the opinion of ADHD Embrace, audiences will be left confused around some of the contradictions and misinformation aired in the programme.
The programme set out to prove the hypothesis of the journalist that ADHD is a social construct, to support his concerns around the use of ADHD medication and put forward some lifestyle changes as substitute treatments.
The programme failed to explore that if ADHD was a social construct why the boy in the case study had ADHD and his brother did not. Nor did it explain the differences in their presentation other than referring to the child with ADHD presenting differently behaviourally with a mention of him being angry and frustrated. It did not explain the reason the child with ADHD was angry and frustrated, which in our view is due to some of the challenges children with ADHD face in their daily lives.
An outdated view of ADHD
Commenting on the programme, Annette Wilson, Chair and Founder of ADHD Embrace said:
“The Channel 4 programme titled “The Great ADHD Myth?” lacked an explanation of ADHD, the complexities of the condition and its impact on the lives of sufferers. The use of one case study of a family was extremely narrow as no two children with ADHD are the same. Furthermore, the lifestyle changes it put forward were limited not taking account of the child’s underlying needs nor considering the implications on his education with him ceasing to take his ADHD medication.
Our take away from the documentary was that the programme supported an outdated view that ADHD is a behavioural condition rather than a neuro developmental condition relating to the way the brain of those with ADHD works. The latter being supported by extensive research over many years.
Sadly, the programme will leave viewers with not only inaccurate information about ADHD but also will result in greater public scepticism of the condition. This contributes to the condition being marginalised, discredits the struggles of families with ADHD and reinforces their feelings of isolation.”
Early intervention and support remain essential
ADHD Embrace supports early assessments of those with ADHD in order to enable early intervention and support. The lives of adults and children with ADHD can be very challenging and highly impacted by the condition. The Charity believes that families and with children with ADHD need to gain a better understanding of ADHD, consider how each child is impacted and then support can be provided so that their talents are recognised and developed to reach their potential and ultimately thrive.
The Charity also recognises that the way ADHD is generally supported from a societal point of view requires further consideration. To this end, the Charity welcomed the work of the Independent Taskforce on ADHD and supports the governmental reforms needed across healthcare, education and justice to better support people with ADHD.
For all enquiries related to media including quotes or to arrange interviews with Annette Wilson please write to [email protected] or visit our website here. Links for of all our social media channels can be found at the bottom of this page.
Further information
Prior to the release of the programme, ADHD Embrace raised concerns about both the title and premise of the programme and the impact it will have on the perception of ADHD. Please access this link to view an open letter from Annette Wilson, Chair and Founder of ADHD Embrace to Channel 4 which voices our concerns.
ADHD Embrace is an impactful community support charity working with families and professionals who live and work with children and young people with the neuro-developmental condition, ADHD. We provide information, knowledge, and practical support, advocate for ADHD awareness and empower those with ADHD.
ADHD affects 5% of the population and is often referred to as a hidden disability as it is under-diagnosed and less visible than a physical disability. The lives of young people with ADHD are extremely challenging with difficulties with concentration and organisational abilities and as a result frequently face isolation and discrimination. If unsupported they can face difficulties into adulthood.
With early interventions and dedicated support from the people closest to them, children with ADHD can excel in school and at home. ADHD Embrace’s mission is to help the children and young people with ADHD to be better understood, supported and to thrive.
ADHD Embrace was started 20 years ago by a parent of a child newly diagnosed with ADHD, who felt isolated and alone and wanted to get a better understanding of the condition. Since then, the needs of our community have always been at the heart of our services which include expert-led Seminars, Courses and Workshops for both parents and young people, 1 to 1 Advice sessions, drop in Meet Ups and a regular newsletter.
Our Schools Outreach Programme includes school visits and teacher seminars to train teachers on ADHD and ADHD awareness workshops at schools for parents. We have one of the most extensive websites on ADHD in the UK and we support a closed forum for parents via Facebook. We advocate our community’s needs to statutory providers and also collaborate with the Education Faculties of local universities to raise awareness of ADHD.
“What an amazing job you are all doing supporting parents, helping kids, educating schools and the wider community. Your work is so appreciated and, as a mother of a 17-year-old with ADHD I have found your group a constant source of information and support during some difficult years” (Parent)
“ADHD Embrace has trained the teachers – passing on their expertise about the condition means that children with ADHD will be better understood and more likely to flourish and thrive. Furnishing teachers with the best advice and practical strategies means a more positive classroom environment for all.” (Co-Chairs of PTA)