ADHD diagnosis stigma in faith-based communities remains one of the most heartbreaking barriers preventing children from receiving the support they desperately need.
As an ADHD coach working with families from diverse backgrounds, I’ve witnessed countless parents struggle between their religious convictions and accepting their child’s neurodevelopmental condition.
The intersection of faith-based ADHD support and cultural barriers ADHD creates a complex challenge that affects not just the child, but entire families seeking to honour both their beliefs and their child’s wellbeing.
Understanding the “Not Our Portion” Mindset
I come from a Nigerian Christian background, and I’ve heard this statement so many times, it breaks my heart. The statement is “It’s not our portion”—this declaration is made in relation to their child potentially having an ADHD assessment or even receiving an ADHD diagnosis.
“It’s not our portion” may be prefixed with “Jesu” or “I rebuke it in Jesus’ name” or any other similar statement. In any case, I hope you get the general gist.
To these parents, having to consider that their child or young adult may have an ADHD diagnosis is not something they would like to entertain.
I often want to ask them, well whose portion is it then? But I stay silent and spend the next few hours explaining what I can about ADHD and why early intervention matters.
The Real Cost of Denial
What saddens me the most is the thought that children will not get the support they need due to the limiting beliefs of their parents.
The world is tough enough without having to go it alone with no understanding from those you depend on and love the most.
Research shows that delayed diagnosis and lack of support in childhood can lead to academic struggles, social isolation, and long-term mental health challenges.
Furthermore, as a parent navigating Christian parents’ ADHD acceptance, how do you look to support a child if there is no acceptance of the diagnosis, but you are looking to God to fix it?
This is where many families find themselves stuck—caught between prayer and practical action.
Mama Clara’s Favorite Joke: A Lesson in Recognizing Help
At some point during conversations with such parents, I like to share a joke that a wise old woman, my mother, told me years ago.
Mama Clara’s Favourite Joke:
The joke about God and the drowning man goes like this:
A terrible flood is threatening a town, and a devout man is trapped on his rooftop, praying to God for salvation.
First, a man in a rowboat comes by and offers to help. The devout man replies, “No, thank you. God will save me.”
Later, as the waters rise, a motorboat approaches and offers a rescue. The man again refuses, saying, “I have faith in the Lord. He will save me.”
Finally, a helicopter hovers overhead and lowers a rope. The pilot shouts for the man to grab on. “No thanks,” the man replies. “I’m sure God will deliver me.”
The man eventually drowns and goes to heaven. He finds God and asks, “Lord, I had unwavering faith in you. Why didn’t you save me from that flood?”
God replies, “I sent you two boats and a helicopter, you fool. What more did you want?”
Recognising Divine Intervention Through Modern Medicine
Even if your child is diagnosed with ADHD, there is a vast array of tools at your disposal including therapy, coaching, and medication.
Perhaps these evidence-based interventions are the “boats and helicopters” God has sent to support your child’s journey. Rejecting professional help while waiting for divine intervention may mean missing the very help that has been provided.
Beyond Cultural and Religious Boundaries
I confess that as a Nigerian parent, I used to think that this statement “Not our portion” was synonymous with Nigerian Christians alone.
But as an ADHD coach, I’ve learned this is not the case. I’ve had the pleasure of speaking to a vast array of people from diverse backgrounds, both culturally and religiously, and I can no longer leave that label at the head of Nigerian Christians alone.
A Universal Challenge Across Communities
Nigerian heritage and Christianity have nothing to do with it. All different kinds of people have this mindset across various faiths and cultures.
Studies confirm that cultural barriers to ADHD recognition exist in Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, and secular communities worldwide.
The common thread isn’t religion—it’s the fear of stigma, misunderstanding of neurodevelopmental conditions, and the desire to protect our children from labels.
But what I have also learned is that when people approach me on this topic, it presents an opportunity for them and me to learn.
I always take the opportunity to impart my knowledge on ADHD, break down misconceptions, and show parents that acceptance doesn’t mean giving up on their child—it means equipping them with the right tools to thrive.
Breaking the Stigma Starts With Education
Understanding ADHD as a neurodevelopmental condition—not a spiritual failing, character flaw, or discipline problem—is the first step toward providing meaningful faith-based ADHD support. When we educate ourselves about:
- Executive function challenges
- Attention regulation difficulties
- Impulse control issues
- Time management struggles
We begin to see our children through a lens of compassion rather than judgment. We recognise that they’re not being defiant—their brains are wired differently, and they need specific strategies and accommodations to succeed.
Conclusion: Faith and Action Can Coexist
Accepting an ADHD diagnosis doesn’t diminish your faith—it demonstrates wisdom in recognising the help God has provided through medical professionals, therapists, coaches, and evidence-based treatments.
Your child’s ADHD is not a punishment, a test of faith, or something to rebuke. It’s a neurological difference that, with proper support, can be managed effectively.
The greatest act of faith is taking action to support your child’s unique needs. Whether that’s through behavioural therapy, ADHD coaching, educational accommodations, or medication management, these tools exist to help your child reach their full God-given potential.
Overcoming ADHD diagnosis stigma in our communities requires brave parents who are willing to speak openly, seek help without shame, and demonstrate that faith and science can work together for the well-being of our children.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
I wrote this post to outline that depending on their mindset, people including parents can either hinder or support children who have an ADHD diagnosis. The choice we make as caregivers, educators, and community members directly impacts whether these children will flourish or struggle in silence.
Whether you resonate with this mindset or are struggling to reconcile faith and ADHD acceptance, I’m here to help. As someone who has walked this journey both personally and professionally, I understand the unique challenges faith-based families face when navigating ADHD diagnosis and treatment.
If you would like to have a confidential conversation about your child’s ADHD journey, I invite you to reach out at AtaraxiaCoaching.com. Together, we can explore how to support your child while honouring your values and beliefs.
Let’s support them. Our children deserve nothing less.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is getting an ADHD diagnosis against my religious beliefs?
No. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition recognised by medical science worldwide. Seeking diagnosis and treatment is similar to addressing any other health concern like diabetes or asthma.
Q: Will medication change my child's personality?
When properly prescribed and monitored, ADHD medication helps regulate brain chemistry to improve focus and impulse control. It doesn’t change who your child is—it helps them function at their best.
Q: Can I still pray for my child while pursuing ADHD treatment?
Absolutely. Prayer and medical intervention are not mutually exclusive. Many faith-based families find that combining spiritual support with practical strategies yields the best outcomes.
Q: What if my church community doesn't understand ADHD?
Education is key. Share resources, invite dialogue, and connect with other faith-based families navigating similar journeys. Your openness may help others in your community.
I wrote this post to outline that depending on their mindset, people including parents can hinder or support children that have an ADHD diagnosis, let’s support them.
Whether you have this mindset or not, if you would like a chat, visit the rest of the site AtaraxiaCoaching.com and Connect with me today