Child to Adult ADHD — ADHD Tip O the Day 859

About 8% of US children have ADHD.

About 50% outgrow it during adolescence. For the rest of us it changes somewhat. We usually get less impulsive and less hyperactive.  For example, at a business meeting, we don’t keep leaping from our chair and running around the room or yelling inappropriate things; we just fidget and occasionally say something inappropriate. And maybe knock over our water glass or forget to bring the essential notes.

Some of the improvement is due to maturation of our brains. But even if we are in the fortunate 50 and no longer have enough symptoms  for an ADHD diagnosis, our brains are still different from vanillas and we probably  have  mild ADHD problems.

Another reason for the positive change is that we’ve learned some strategies and we cope better.  So maybe we won’t forget the notes.

My experience of ADHD in children is  limited.  Of course, I experienced  my own childhood, plus my son Duane’s. I’ve heard a lot of others’ childhoods, and I follow the literature.  I haven’t evaluated nor treated children for ADHD.

If you read the comments on these posts, which I highly recommend, you’ve read the discussion  Ken initiated (Post 857).  We have somewhat different views on the use of medication for children with ADHD. Ken’s comes from his experience with his son and his experience as a teacher.  I’m hoping Ken will continue the discussion a bit further.

Kens’ comments stimulated this post and a few to follow, addressing medication and other interventions for children, many of which apply to adults.

Just to give you a preview: colored manila folders are wonderful!

Feel free to share your childhood experiences.  (Or your opinions, or almost anything else  you wish. Almost.)

doug

Hopeful Note O the Day:

I think we have some guest posts lined up.  I’m eagerly awaiting those.  Feel free to contribute one. Or more.

Book Notes O the Day:

The Your Life Can Be Better book would be useful for teens, but I don’t know about children.  Certainly the principle of how to formulate and apply strategies would. The 365 Tips book is on the 11th draft and is being edited by Tom. Thank you, Tom.  Progress in a long slow process.

Irrelevant Note O the Day:

I have a miniscule amount of experience of teaching kids with ADHD and was able to help some. That was very gratifying.

ADHD Links:

Helping ADHD Kids Focus

Improving Adult ADHD Without Medicines

(Or I might say, in addition to medicines.)

@addstrategies  #adhd  #add  @dougmkpdp

“Why not just let boys be boys?” Because with ADHD, they can’t function.

 

 

Did your ADHD show early?