Myth: ADHD is a motivation problem
In this video, Becky Thal explains that students with ADHD struggle because they have trouble with executive functioning skills, not because they are lazy or unmotivated.
Transcript
If you've ever thought ADHD is just a motivation problem, this might change your mind.
Students with ADHD often have plenty of motivation. They want to succeed. They want to participate. They want to meet expectations. The challenge is with executive functioning, which is the brain's ability to start tasks, prioritize, sustain attention, manage time, and regulate effort.
That's why a student might spend hours focused on something they find highly engaging but struggle to begin a five-minute assignment. It's not about laziness or lack of caring. Their brain responds differently to interest, novelty, urgency, and immediate feedback. When we assume a student is unmotivated, we risk missing the support they actually need.
So instead of asking, "How can I make them care more?" try asking, "What's getting in the way of getting started or staying engaged?" That shift in perspective can lead to strategies that build success instead of frustration for both students and educators.
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