ADHD Truth Check: The MAHA Report & what you need to know.

July 26, 2025

ADHD, MAHA, and Why You Should Care

By Chelsea Dye

If you have been anywhere near the news since early summer, you’ve seen these letters sparking big debates: M‑A‑H‑A. The Make America Healthy Again report came in hot with claims about kids, chemicals, chronic disease—and ADHD landed front and center.

Here’s why it matters: even if you don’t think ADHD touches your life, it probably does. This report influences how schools treat kids, how doctors hand out diagnoses, and how workplaces view neurodivergence. Some of MAHA’s points had merit, but too much of it felt like someone let an AI write citations in the dark.

This blog cuts through the noise—what MAHA got wrong, what the science actually says, and what’s changing right now. Because ADHD isn’t just a diagnosis; it’s a daily reality for millions of kids, adults, and families—and the conversation around it needs facts, not fear.

Why are We Even Talking About MAHA and what's MAHA?

Earlier this year, the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) report made headlines with sweeping claims about kids, chemicals, and chronic disease. ADHD was front and center.

MAHA suggested ADHD is overdiagnosed, overtreated, and maybe even overhyped. But here’s the truth: many of its citations were either missing, misquoted, or perhaps were a case of AI Assistance without human fact checking.

So what’s real? What’s noise? And what does the actual science say about ADHD?

ADHD 101: The Basics You Actually Need to Know

What ADHD Is: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurodevelopment condition, not a “bad behavior” problem. It’s marked by differences in attention regulation, impulsivity, and (sometimes) hyperactivity.
What Causes ADHD: Research now points to the fact that ADHD is 70–80% genetic. Environment, diet, and toxins can influence, exacerbate and intensify symptoms but there is not a direct link to any if these factors being the sole cause.
Who Has It: 6.1 million U.S. kids (ages 2–17) have been diagnosed with ADHD, and millions of adults live undiagnosed (CDC, 2024).
Why It Matters: Untreated ADHD increases risks for accidents, substance use, school/work struggles, earlier mortality rates and challenges with interpersonal relationships (CHADD, 2025).

The Real Science vs. the MAHA Spin

MAHA said: ADHD is “overdiagnosed” and driven by “Big Pharma.” Ok, bear with me in this. I have a hard time with Big Pharma and that we have, as a culture, prescribed to the notion that there is a pill, patch or potion for everything. I am not an out the quick fix from Pharma. I happen to agree with the report in that medication isn't the only answer BUT there is so much more to the story than just this. We need to reshape the conversation about ADHD and ask the folks who write the report to reconsider....

The science says ADHD is still under diagnosed pin key groups (especially girls & adults) (Hinshaw, 2022).

What’s Actually Changing in ADHD Right Now

New Medications, More Options. Long‑acting, micro‑dose, and non‑stimulant meds mean more tailored treatment. Most of those who know me also know I do not take medication for my ADHD. I am not against it for my clients and these new advances COULD be a great option. But note that like anything else where big pharma gets involved, tread wisely. Do your research, get good guidance form a doc who actually understand ADHD and you (or your loved one), know that medication is just a part of the treatment (if you choose that path). Be your own advocate.
Finally... it's Therapy’s Time to Shine! Behavior Therapy, ADHD coaching (Hello, that is me), and new strategies for school and workplace are now key to success -not optional.
There is actually Technology That Helps. There are now some new options to give ADHD brains real‑time feedback. Apps, trackers and more are among the new tech tools to "help". Tread lightly with this- I think we all know that technology can turn fr feels to foe fast.
Adult ADHD Is Finally being Seen. Not only are we finally seeing how different the symptoms and signs can be in different genders, we are now able to look at the Adults- Especially in women- who’ve been under-diagnosed for decades. Just because you are grown woman with lots of accomplishments doesn't mean you don't have ADHD. Maybe a diagnosis could help you find more self compassion and allow you to get the tools you need to find greater ease in life while still being your badass self.
The Gut‑Brain Research Is Everywhere. Not only is it being highlighted for its role in Dementia and Parkinson's (along with a lot of other conditions), Blood sugar balance and gut health are now part of the ADHD conversation.
The art of Movement is being seen now as another form of Medicine. For over two decades I used movement as an essential part of my personal ADHD journey. I love to move, and more than that- I love how my brain and body feels after I move. If you don't love it, learn to at least like it, schedule it daily, and be consistent. Just Twenty minutes of activity can literally boost dopamine.
The Stigma Is Finally Cracking. ADHD is being reframed as a difference—not a defect (as it was defined by the medical community). There are so many really high performing public leaders in every industry who have ADHD- perhaps soon this difference will actually be considered an asset.

My Takeaway
The MAHA report created headlines and maybe even some confusion and certainly a debate. Here’s the truth: ADHD is real.

Until the science proves otherwise the research points to the fact that ADHD is genetic. If you have it there is a chance your child has it. If your kiddo has been diagnosed, there is a change you may have it too.
ADHD can make life a struggle, but it doesn't have to. The future of ADHD is brighter, broader, and backed by science. ADHD can be a superpower so grab your cape and let's go!

Ready for What’s Next? Join me

Join my newsletter for fresh, no-nonsense ADHD updates every week—delivered with science, strategy, and a clear path forward.

Coming soon: ADHD Boot Camp. Real tools, not trends. A brain + body reset for anyone ready to ditch the guilt, level up focus, and find their groove again.

📩https://mailchi.mp/blendpresswellnessbar.com/alchemist-untamed-newsletter-sign-up-download

resources

1️⃣ CDC – ADHD Facts

https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/facts.html

2️⃣ Faraone et al., 2021 – Genetics of ADHD

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34378141/

3️⃣ CHADD – ADHD Basics & Risks

https://chadd.org/about-adhd/overview/

4️⃣ Hinshaw, 2022 – Adult ADHD Diagnosis Gap (APA)

https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/07/adult-adhd-diagnosis

5️⃣ Banaschewski et al., 2023 – Medication Effectiveness

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37567402/