Can A Child With ADHD Have A Normal Life? Understanding ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has the potential to affect many aspects of a person's life. Whether their child was diagnosed with ADHD recently or is having a particularly rough time as of late, parents might wonder - is it possible for my child with ADHD to have a normal life?

In this article, we'll talk about understanding ADHD, whether those diagnosed with ADHD can have a normal life, and how parents can help their kids with ADHD thrive.

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Understanding ADHD

Parents play an important role in helping kids with ADHD succeed, and understanding the disorder is often the first step. Here are some facts to know about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder:

• ADHD is very common. According to the National Institute on Mental Health, 11% of kids in the US aged 4-17 had an ADHD diagnosis in 2011. Higher rates of ADHD throughout the years are likely due to an increase in knowledge about the condition.
• ADHD looks different for everyone. There are three main presentations of ADHD, including primarily inattentive, primarily hyperactive/impulsive, and combined type. While some challenges can be experienced across the board, ADHD can look very different from one person to another, depending on presentation.
• ADD is no longer a separate diagnosis. What used to be called attention deficit disorder (ADD) is generally diagnosed as primarily inattentive ADHD.
• Managing ADHD is not a matter of willpower. ADHD symptoms are caused by brain differences and cannot be overcome by "trying hard enough."
• Treatment makes a difference. Research suggests that those who get treatment for ADHD have better mental health outcomes and academic performance, a lower risk of substance use disorders, and a decreased likelihood of criminal activity. On the other hand, untreated ADHD is associated with negative outcomes such as more emergency room visits due to injuries, low self-esteem, self-medicating (substance abuse), and depression.

Can a Child Outgrow ADHD Symptoms?

Most of the time, people do not outgrow ADHD symptoms. While ADHD was once considered a childhood disorder, we now understand that it is usually lifelong. Specifically, it is said that only around 10% of those diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in childhood outgrow symptoms to the point that they're no longer clinically significant. What is relevant to note, however, is that ADHD symptoms tend to evolve over time and will not necessarily look the same in adults as they do in kids.

Although kids are unlikely to outgrow ADHD, it's possible to live a normal life with the disorder. Often, that involves finding what works for the child as a unique individual and getting support for challenges that arise.

Living A "Normal Life" With ADHD

What do we mean when we say that it's possible to live a normal life with ADHD? While what a normal life entails can be subjective, there are common denominators. Often, when a parent asks whether it's possible for children with ADHD to live a normal life, what they're really asking is:

• How will ADHD symptoms affect my child's life as they get older?
• Will my child be able to get and hold a job?
• Will my child be happy?

These, alongside other questions you might have, are serious and valid. Similar questions are frequently asked on behalf of kids who face various other concerns, like anxiety and adverse events. So, let's talk about navigating parts of life, including those that occur in various life stages, with ADHD.

Create healthy routines

With ADHD, people often face difficulties with memory and organization. While they can be hard to implement at first, routine structure can be highly supportive and can reduce power struggles in the home long-term. When a child with ADHD has a routine that includes tasks such as personal hygiene activities, homework, and chores, they form positive daily habits alongside other benefits. Try Joon to help your child build healthier routines. Click here to claim your 7-day free trial. 

Schooling

Many children with ADHD experience challenges at school. Challenges at school vary from child to child but can include trouble focusing on schoolwork, negatively affected academic progress, and difficulty making friends with other children. In fact, it is common for kids to get diagnosed with ADHD in the early years of their education.

What can help:

In addition to treatments like medication and therapy, various approaches help children with ADHD at school, depending on their needs. ADHD is a recognized disability that children can get accommodations for at school through a 504 plan. School accommodations and catering to a child's learning style may help level the playing field and give kids the tools they need to do well. Extra help from parents, teachers, and tutors can aid academic success. Behavior management plans can help manage classroom disruption. For kids who struggle socially, social skills training, support from teachers, and finding group activities a child enjoys (whether in or outside of school) can be helpful.

Professional life

Unmanaged or untreated ADHD can cause problems at work. For school-aged children, symptoms like trouble focusing, being easily distracted, or making seemingly careless mistakes can affect academic performance. In adulthood, symptoms can transfer to the workplace.

What can help:

People with ADHD all have unique skills and strong suits. Many adults with ADHD find that the key to job success is finding a career that they are passionate about or that allows them to meet their needs. Think about all of the work opportunities out there and what they entail. You will notice that every job requires vastly different skills and areas of knowledge. Some jobs are sedentary, whereas others require extensive physical stamina and endurance. Similarly, some jobs are social, whereas others require that you work alone.

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Mental health

ADHD isn't a mental health condition, but ADHD symptoms do affect mental health, especially if left untreated. Similarly, a higher incidence of mental health conditions such as depression, substance use disorders, and anxiety are seen in those with ADHD compared to the rest of the general population.

What can help:

Taking medication for ADHD is associated with better mental health outcomes. Young people need to learn healthy coping skills to help manage emotions and concerns associated with ADHD, like rejection sensitivity. Therapy is highly beneficial for people with ADHD and related disorders. Those who live with a mental health condition alongside ADHD should get the appropriate and recommended medical care for the condition.

Relationship problems

Increased hardships in friendships, familial relationships, and romantic relationships are not uncommon for people diagnosed with ADHD. Impulsivity and emotional dysregulation, for example, may affect bonds with others both in childhood and adulthood.

What can help:

Medication can be a serious game-changer for interpersonal challenges in addition to difficulties with school, work, and mental health. Therapy is highly beneficial for those with ADHD and can help people address specific challenges in friendships, family relationships, and romantic relationships.

Helping And Supporting Your Child

Now that we have talked about specific challenges and how to address them, let's take a look at how to support your child and help them manage symptoms of ADHD overall. Here's what you can do as a parent to help your child have the life they want:

Seek effective treatment

Proper treatment is crucial for children with ADHD. A combination of stimulant medications, therapy, and lifestyle interventions are often used to address ADHD alongside support at home and in school. There are non-stimulant medication options for those who do not respond well to stimulants, as well as alternative ADHD treatments. Family physicians and other medical providers can help you determine the best treatment plan for your child with ADHD.

Help your child find something they love

All kids need to find an activity they love, whether that's a topic they enjoy learning about, a sport, music, or something else. For children with ADHD, having that outlet can make a world of difference. Kids with ADHD need something that makes them feel happy and as though they belong. Encourage your child's interests and listen to their desires, even if it is outside of the box.

Provide positive regard and emotional support

Unconditional positive regard and emotional support are imperative for kids. Many parents of children with ADHD spend a great deal of time on their child's behavior. Talking about mental health in the home and identifying your child's positive traits are equally as important.

Be understanding and empathetic

In addition to unconditional positive regard, extend patience and understanding to your child. Work to understand ADHD symptoms and how attention deficit hyperactivity disorder affects your child. That way, you can see where they're coming from and help them find effective solutions.

Advocate for your child when necessary

You may run into situations where you need to advocate for your child. For example, if a teacher doesn't follow a child's 504 plan, you will need to learn about your child's educational rights and advocate for those rights. It can be daunting, but don't hesitate to be the "squeaky wheel," so to speak, when you need to.

Make sure that you have support, too

Parents need a support system, too. Attending a support group is one way to meet other parents of children with ADHD and can provide a sense of community. You can find support groups that meet in person or online, and they are usually free to attend. If you find yourself experiencing persistent stress, worry, or other mental health effects, it may be worthwhile to speak with a therapist.

Takeaway

ADHD is a chronic but common condition. While it was once thought of as a childhood disorder, many children with ADHD continue to experience clinically significant symptoms into adulthood. Even though ADHD does not go away, it is possible to reduce ADHD symptoms through a combination of treatment options such as medication and therapy. Treating ADHD can also prevent or address potential lifelong problems that can coincide with the disorder. Use the tips in this article to support a child with ADHD, and know that it is possible to live a normal life with ADHD.