Press Release Statement from ADHD Embrace
Channel 4 has announced “The Great ADHD Myth?”, due to air on Tuesday evening, 18 August 2026. The programme is promoted as examining whether ADHD is a genuine neurodevelopmental disorder or a social construct. The programme includes discussion on medication, lifestyle changes and a family’s experience.
Our concerns
ADHD Embrace is concerned about the programme’s title and premise. Our concern is not that ADHD services, assessment, treatment or prescribing should be beyond scrutiny. These are important issues for children, young people, families and professionals.
We have concerns around the programme and the impact it will have on the perception of ADHD. Framing ADHD itself as a “myth” or an unresolved question may imply that the condition, and people’s lived experiences are not real or do not warrant support.
ADHD is a recognised neurodevelopmental condition, and can make life very challenging for the children and young people with ADHD and their families. If left untreated or unsupported, children and young people with ADHD can be significantly disadvantaged which will adversely impact them into adulthood. The condition and its holistic treatment should not be trivialised.
A duty for balance
We believe that Channel 4 has a duty to encourage a balanced debate, and we hope that a well-balanced view will be conveyed so that the general public have a better understanding of ADHD, its complexities and how it presents in different children. If not, we believe this programme is perpetuating misinformation about ADHD and discrimination against those families whose lives have been severely impacted by the condition.
ADHD Embrace will respond to the programme itself after it has been viewed, but we wish to respond now to concerns raised by the title and premise.
We have formally written to Channel 4 to voice our concerns and have shared this as an open letter on our website and social channels to inform our community of concerned families, stakeholders and professionals.
Links
Please access this link to view the open letter from Annette Wilson, Chair and Founder of ADHD Embrace.
Further information on the charity, ADHD Embrace
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, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (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 where they have difficulty with concentration and organisational abilities and as a result frequently face isolation and discrimination and if unsupported 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 what we do and our service provision is user-led.
We provide a broad range of services including both in-person and online support including expert-led Seminars, Courses and Workshops for both parents and young people, 1 to 1Advice sessions, drop in Meet Ups and we have a fortnightly newsletter. Our Schools Outreach Programme includes school visits and teacher seminars to train teachers on ADHD and we also run ADHD awareness workshops at schools for parents allowing us to access harder to reach communities. We have one of the most extensive websites on ADHD in the UK and we also support a private forum for parents via Facebook which provides a safe environment to discuss ADHD with other parents on the same journey.
We advocate our community’s needs to statutory providers and also collaborate with the Education Faculties of local universities to raise awareness of ADHD.
We are the only specialist ADHD charity focused on supporting children and young people with ADHD in Southwest London and the surrounding area and the community we serve is large and growing.
“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)
For all enquiries related to media including quotes or to arrange interviews with Annette Wilson please write to [email protected] or for more information and links to our social channels, visit our website here.