What it's Like to Have ADHD as a Child
A new report shares the feelings of college students with ADHD who were diagnosed as children.
Wednesday February 6th - 10:33am
A new report in the Journal of Pediatric Nursing sheds light on how it feels to live with ADHD as a child.
Professors at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro School of Nursing interviewed 16 college students who had been diagnosed with ADHD as children. Overwhelmingly, the students reported difficulties in school, missing important information because of their inability to focus and having trouble with test-taking. However, the majority were able to develop strategies and gain accommodations to help them succeed.
The interviewees also reported problems in social relationships. They often were unable to think before saying things that might offend others, and many "felt different" or were even teased because of their disability.
Finally, while the students reported some conflict with parents, especially over chores and other tasks that required focus and attention, they felt their parents support throughout their lives.
While noting the key struggles these young adults faced as children with ADHD, the report does provide an optimistic picture for parents of children currently being diagnosed with ADHD.