Myth-Busting: The Lies We Need to Stop Believing About Neurodiversity

There is a lot of noise out there. For every helpful article, there is a comment section full of outdated stereotypes and judgment.

These myths aren’t just annoying; they are harmful. They stop adults from seeking diagnosis, they make parents feel guilty, and they keep neurodivergent people in the closet.

It is time to set the record straight. Here are the four biggest myths, debunked.

Myth 1: “It’s Just a Childhood Phase”

The Reality: Neurodivergence is not a pair of shoes you outgrow.

If you are Autistic at 5, you are Autistic at 50. If you have ADHD in the classroom, you have ADHD in the boardroom.

• Why this myth exists: The supports (like school programs) often stop at age 18, so people assume the condition stops too.
• The Truth: Adults often get better at hiding it (masking), but the internal experience remains. This is why we design our Spectrum Threadz apparel for adults just as much as kids—because we deserve comfort and visibility too.

Myth 2: “It Means Low Intelligence”

The Reality: There is zero correlation between neurodivergence and low intelligence.

In fact, many neurodivergent people are highly gifted, possessing high IQs and exceptional talents in specific fields.

• The Confusion: This myth comes from the fact that we might struggle with performance (like sitting still for a test or speaking clearly under pressure).
• The Truth: Being unable to tie your shoelaces or make eye contact does not mean you cannot understand quantum physics. We have “spiky” skills, not “low” skills.

Myth 3: “It’s Caused by Bad Parenting”

The Reality: This is the most hurtful lie of all.

If a child is having a meltdown in the supermarket, it is not because they are “spoiled” or “undisciplined.” It is because their nervous system is on fire.

• The Science: Neurodivergence is largely genetic. It is biology, not behavior.
• The Truth: Neurodivergent parents often have neurodivergent kids. If you are struggling to “control” your child, you aren’t failing. You are parenting on hard mode.

Myth 4: “Everyone Is a Little Bit Autistic/ADHD”

The Reality: No, they aren’t.

Everyone forgets their keys sometimes. Everyone gets distracted. Everyone hates loud noises occasionally.

• The Difference: For a neurodivergent person, these aren’t “moments”—they are a constant, pervasive state of being that significantly impacts daily life.
• Why it hurts: Saying “everyone is a little bit ADHD” invalidates the struggle. It’s like telling someone with a broken leg, “Yeah, my leg hurts sometimes too.”

Myth 5: “It’s Just a Trend/TikTok Fad”

The Reality: We aren’t seeing a “sudden epidemic” of neurodivergence. We are seeing an epidemic of awareness.

For decades, women, people of colour, and high-masking individuals were ignored by doctors. Social media has simply allowed us to compare notes and realize, “Wait, that’s me.” We aren’t trendy; we are finally just being counted.