Stop the Stigma: Channel 4 Must Apologise for “The Great ADHD Myth?“

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The Issue

Last week, Channel 4 aired The Great ADHD Myth. The programme caused real harm across ADHD communities by repeating outdated stereotypes and dismissing our lived experience. After seeing the heart‑breaking impact it had on so many people, I feel justified in asking Channel 4 to take responsibility for the hurt and anger they have caused — and to redress this by issuing a public apology.

I got my diagnosis in my 60s. It was life‑changing. For the first time, I had an answer to the question I’d battled with since childhood: “WTF is wrong with me?” That moment gave me understanding, self‑acceptance, and freedom from a lifetime of shame.

My story is not unusual. Thousands have found that same clarity and compassion — a framework that finally explains our lives. Now Channel 4 is trying to take that away from us. The programme suggests our diagnosis is a “myth” or a “trend”, pushing us back to the old message we heard all our lives: try harder, do better. As if that was something we hadn’t already tried — over and over.

This broadcast has empowered bullies and trolls who now feel entitled to sneer at us, claiming they learned more about our condition from one TV programme than we know from a lifetime of masking, coping, and surviving.

Channel 4, you should be ashamed of the harm you’ve caused. You owe our community an apology

Edit: ADHDUK are also collecting evidence about the harm caused by the programme. If you’d like to contribute, their survey is here: 
https://adhduk.co.uk/challenging-c4-the-great-adhd-myth/

avatar of the starter
Louise CombPetition StarterLate‑diagnosed ADHD advocate committed to improving understanding and reducing stigma.

The Decision Makers

Directed to: Priya Dogra
Directed to: Priya Dogra
Chief Executive, Channel 4

Supporter Voices

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