What parents should know about the MAHA report

ADHD gets mentioned a lot in the new report from the Make America Healthy Again commission. It’s pitched as part of the “childhood chronic disease crisis,” and the authors make a lot of big claims:

• Food additives cause behavioral disorders
• Time outside can help treat ADHD
• ADHD is overdiagnosed and overtreated

But are any of these claims legit? We asked a licensed psychologist who specializes in learning and thinking differences like ADHD. Dr. Andy Kahn also happens to be Understood’s Associate Director, Behavior Change and Expertise.

He’s spent decades working with kids and families with ADHD, and he joins this episode of Hyperfocus to talk us through more of the MAHA report and what it has to say about kids with ADHD.

(PS…if you didn’t listen to our last episode breaking down the science in the report, definitely  go check it out.)

Related resources

• The MAHA report on ADHD is misleading — a researcher explains why
• ADHD meds at risk? Unpacking the new executive order, DEA proposal
• ADHD alternative treatment

Timestamps

(02:00) How do food additives interact with ADHD?

(04:58) Can exposure to environmental toxins cause ADHD?

(10:07) Does lack of exposure to nature lead to ADHD?

(16:55) All about ADHD diagnosis and treatment levels

(28:55) Recap of takeaways from the report

For a transcript and more resources, visit the Hyperfocus page on Understood.

We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at hyperfocus@understood.org.

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Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give