Alternative Theories
Hunter vs. farmer theory of ADHD
The hunter vs. farmer theory is a hypothesis proposed by Thom Hartmann about the origins of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). He believes that these conditions may be a result of adaptive behavior of the species. His theory believes that those with ADHD retained some of the older hunter characteristics.
Neurodiversity
Proponents of this theory assert that atypical (neurodivergent) neurological development is a normal human difference that is to be tolerated and respected as any other human difference. Social critics argue that while biological factors may obviously play a large role in difficulties sitting still and/or concentrating on schoolwork in some children, for a variety of reasons they have failed to integrate into the social expectations that others have of them.
Social construct theory of ADHD
Social critics question whether ADHD is wholly or even predominantly a biological illness. A minority of these critics maintain that ADHD was, “invented and not discovered”. They believe that no disorder exists and that the behaviour observed is not abnormal and can be better explained by environmental causes or just the personality of the “patient.”
