There are so many myths out there about ADHD.  But we will try to break those here.

Myth: ADHD is becoming, more and more prevalent

The truth is that ADHD is something that most likely has always existed.  Thirty years ago there weren't many children diagnosed because there wasn't as much understanding of the disorder in the medical community or the educational system.  Kids that were very severe might have been found, but most weren't.  Thirty years ago hyperactive children were often seen as class clowns, stupid, slow, obnoxious, crazy, brats and a variety of different discriptions.  These children often dropped out before graduation and flew under the radar.  But in recent years there has been a push to make sure every child can read, every child graduates.  This push brought much of the problems to the forefront and hence, the "explosion" of ADHD.

Myth: ADHD isn't real, it is just poor parenting

The truth is that ADHD is a biological trait and if it wasn't, people with ADHD would not respond to medications.  Parents of ADHD children might seem like "bad" parents simply because ADHD is hereditary and if the child has it, then it is possible, on or both of the parents might also have it and may have more challenges then other parents without ADHD.  When a parent has a difficult time with attention and impulsivity, it is exteremely hard to build and maintain the structure ADHD children need to be successful.  Just because a child runs around the classroom, doesn't mean that he doesn't know any better, but might be because he can't stop himself.