Why do people think people with ADHD are "retarded?"?

Help me out here. I know someone with the mental disorder, and she acts "different", but she is ranked third in her class, thanks to her good grades. But she is sometimes harassed by people who call her a "retard" because of her ADHD, "big" because of her 5"11, 180 lb. frame, and "ugly" because of her acne scars that are riddled across her entire face because she has bad skin problems. I am the ONLY person she turns to when she's down, and I always tell off people who make fun of her. I love this girl(not like THAT!)and I hate when people do this to her. We're home girls for life, and I was wondering what you guys think about this ADHD v. mental retardation thing.

And if you guys don't know, ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

My Chloe is 7 and struggles to sit still ect ect but I have been told many times that she has an above average IQ for her age and has a photographic memory. I worry that she will become that child that nobody likes. I am sorry that this girl is going through this but I see nothing that you can do. anyone that thinks people with ADHD are stupid or retarded in anyway have not got 2 brain cells to rub together.

some people are just plain mean, and just want to hurt those with conditions that they do not understand, or are different

Ya, that is weird.... I am familar with adhd and i have never heard someone refer to a person with it as retarded.... maybe the people who are doing are just being immature with their name calling rather than actually meaning what their work defines.... I think you should just continue what you are doing and stay supportive of your friend!!

Ignorance explains many sins. God bless your kind heart for being this girls friend.
Do your own thing. Much of this worlds grief is trying to change it. What it ought to be is not what is here and happening right now. Dont go into fights for standing up for your friend. Instead help her look more and more "normal" looking by guiding her towards fixing the scars on her face etc.

If the American society was half as educated as it thinks it is, you would not be having this problem, or your friend would not be having it. What is lacking is pure compassion.
Of course children are mean to each other without really understanding how sensitive others are at times in their lives, so you have to know that kids can give and take more than you would think is possible, but it is not a pretty thing to witness.
It seems tht America has lost a great deal of compassion for others, or "The Other Person, or People".
It is "the in thing" to do to rank on others like it is a joke, but of course to some it is no joke at all, it is more like an attack. It is not so important to confront the enemy as it is to love and support the victim.
So, please stop taking on the world. You can't win that fight. But you can make a wonderful difference for your friend by being her friend.
Good work!

You are truly a wonderful person to befriend and stand up for your friend with ADHD. People who call your friend "retarded" are misinformed. Why don't you ask one
of your counselors or teachers to host a class on this disorder to inform those who are crass enough to make fun
of another human being.
You are doing just what you were put here on earh for........to
help someone........your rewards will follow you the rest of your life. I tip my hat to you my friend. Your friend is not ugly......your friend is tall and stately, not too overweight for her size and her skin can be treated. Nothing is impossible.
But you already know that, don't you?
Good luck to both of you and remember there are always people who understand problems. But you are wonderful.

i'm not sure why people think it my 12 year old has been said to have ADHD but she is very bright.

adhd is not retarded it just makes people concentrate less and more hyper
autism and downs syndrome is retarded not adhd

it's not true it just means attetion difesit hyperactive disorder i have it and i am not retarded