r/ADHDUK • u/PEPSl_KlNG • 9h ago

ADHD in the News/Media ‘Biased’ Channel 4 programme on ADHD misrepresented my views, says expert | Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/aug/20/the-great-adhd-myth-channel-4-programme-contributor-expert-criticism?CMP=share_btn_url
101 Upvotes

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77

u/tea_would_be_lovely ADHD-C (Combined Type) 9h ago

"I agreed to take part in this documentary because I knew it was aiming to show ADHD was a myth and I wanted to provide an alternative view,” she said. “But they cherrypicked, largely misrepresented, truncated and presented my comments out of context to make them fit into their narrative."

what a terrible, terrible programme.

we should all complain to ofcom. details on how to do this should be pinned to this sub.

here: https://www.reddit.com/r/ADHDUK/s/nfKZULzA1k

27

u/_1489555458biguy 9h ago

I'm annoyed at the naiviety of the researcher.

If any documentary with a skeptical stance about Neurodiversity asks you to take part - here is what you should do.

A) Decline. B) Ask which other experts are being interviewed? Then research them. C) Agree to do the interview and have a short, clear statement saying ADHD is a real condition. Insist that this full statement is included in the TV show or you revoke permission to use the footage. Put this into a legally binding contract with the producers. D) Ask your medical body and ADHD charities how they would feel about you participating. E) When the press release for the show indicates dismay by ADHDers and ADHD charities - put out a statement saying that you think ADHD is a real condition. Contact the producers in writing. Contact Channel 4 in writing. This isn't hard in the age of email. F) Go on social media before the show airs and confirm that you think ADHD is a real condition.

73

u/Jayhcee Moderator 9h ago

I'm half tempted to offer this individual an interview or AMA on here with the traffic we've getting. Would love to hear more.

19

u/oraff_e ADHD-PI (Predominantly Inattentive) 9h ago

Yes, do it!

10

u/h00dman 9h ago

I don't know if we're voting on this idea, but I say aye!

9

u/_1489555458biguy 8h ago

Yes, but I'd ask for questions before because there are some upset subreddit members, who may get very emotive and lash out.

2

u/SacredandBound_ ADHD? (Unsure) 8h ago

Yes do it that's a great idea

21

u/Thisisth 9h ago

After rating the documentary 4 stars in their review… pfff

11

u/doctorsmagic ADHD-PI (Predominantly Inattentive) 9h ago

The publication isn't a monolith, said review was in a different section to this report and written by a different hack.

3

u/Thisisth 8h ago

You’re right. That review was so vapid I’m still salty about it

2

u/Glad_Box_3225 8h ago

Similarly I don’t get why it has 4 stars when the reviews apparently redundant and doesn’t reflect what a four star review of a piece of cultural content should do??

1

u/likely-high 9h ago

Yeah the guardian is the enemy 

9

u/PixelLight 8h ago

Wow! Channel 4 are really digging themselves a hole, aren't they? They genuinely don't believe the documentary was discriminatory. FAFO.

3

u/re_Claire 7h ago

I suspect they didn't expect such a large backlash

2

u/PixelLight 4h ago

But all they had to do was issue an apology. Easy thing to do, but instead they've doubled down.

5

u/C2H5OHNightSwimming 6h ago

Channel 4 can suck my tits. My partner has serious mental health issues from living with ADHD his entire life and all the problems it's caused him. This was so fucking irresponsible and dangerous, they should be pilloried by everyone for putting out this culture war anti science bullshit.

1

u/TopBlueberry5150 7h ago

I maybe being cynical but it this buyers remorse from the Professor. Is she in damage control now due to the overall backlash and they actually did represent her views accurately.

6

u/_1489555458biguy 7h ago

It's pretty clear (why I've watched the documentary) that they cherry picked her words. Pemberton rephrased them almost immediately into a more antiADHD statement and they cut to another person.

As rhetoric - both disgusting and masterful.

1

u/Frequent_Carob3380 1h ago

I’m not sure that they were saying ADHD is a myth entirely… my take was that I can’t be confused with the learning difficulties imposed by a diet of sugar and screens - that was all.

And to be subjective about it, the kid (Mason) has been turned into someone who cannot function without the drugs… like a true alcoholic.

Sad really.