Will My Child Ever Out-grow His Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?

If your child has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder then at some point you will be asking the question, "Will my child ever outgrow it?"

Well, there is good news, and not so good news, when it comes to the answer. Studies indicate that about half of those with ADHD will outgrow many of the symptoms of the disorder by the time he or she is in their 20's. However, even for these fortunate ones, some of the symptoms will remain. The old school of thinking was that once a child with ADHD reached puberty he no longer needed any help for his Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, but this is simply not true.

But parents, hang on! There is one final growth spurt of the brain, particularly in the frontal lobes, at about 19 or 20 years old. It is not much, but for those with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder it just might make a big difference. Once this growth takes place it seems that the young adult becomes more mature, better able to focus, and may improve in school. Hyperactivity may diminish at this time, and may look more like restlessness or fidgetiness. Chances are this young adult will become more socially appropriate as well.

However, symptoms of impulsivity tend to remain. This is often the biggest complaint of adults with the disorder. It causes a variety of problems from often interrupting others in conversations to quitting jobs for little reason and without other employment already lined up.

Problems staying focused may also persist into adulthood. It is often described as a constant "brain-fog" which makes tasks such as balancing check books and doing taxes very difficult. As with children, there is little problem doing interesting or exciting tasks. In fact someone with ADHD may enjoy some tasks so much that it seems everything else in the world is blocked out, for hours! But when it comes to routine or boring tasks, it is hard to focus for even a minute. Learn more about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder at the ADHD Information Library.

We should also acknowledge that for many ADHD will turn out to be the ticket for disaster in their lives. About half of all individuals with ADD will also develop problems with society, with authority, with the rules of life. These individuals will average about two felony arrests before the age of 20 unless they are properly treated as a child.

One study suggests that about half of all men in prison in the state of California carried the diagnoses of ADHD and Conduct Disorder as children, but went untreated, either because the families denied that there was a problem, or didn't have the financial resources for treatment, or because they just didn't know what to do about the problem. It is extremely important that all children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, whether the inattentive space-cadets or the impulsive hyperactive ADHD children, it's important that all children with ADHD receive the help that they need. These children need to tools to help them be successful.

Gladly, most young adults with ADHD can find jobs where their strengths can shine, and can be successful. Depending on skills and preferences, we have seen many with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder shine working with computers and computer programming, art work, sales positions, and even trucking. Look around and find a profession that is rewarding and stimulating, and pursue it.

Douglas Cowan, Psy.D., is a family therapist who has been working with ADHD children and their families since 1986. He is the clinical director of the ADHD Information Library's family of seven web sites, including http://www.newideas.net, helping over 350,000 parents and teachers learn more about ADHD each year. Dr. Cowan also serves on the Medical Advisory Board of VAXA International of Tampa, FL., is President of the Board of Directors for KAXL 88.3 FM in central California, and is President of NewIdeas.net Incorporated.

---

The Top 5 Reasons Why Unwed-Parents Must Establish Paternity

"It takes a village to raise a child" is more... Read More

Parenting Your Teenager: 8 Things You Need to Be Doing

Get into their world. The world that teens are growing... Read More

Water! Water Everywhere!

What one word best sums up summer fun? Water. I... Read More

THE NEW SCHOOL VISIT: 5 Things to Look For

Today the little red school house is not what it... Read More

Toxic Chemicals, Are Your Children Being Exposed?

You do what you can to keep your little ones... Read More

Educational Toys And Childrens Books - A Must For Optimal Childhood Development

The brightly colored plastic mobile dangles lazily overhead in the... Read More

How to Take Charge of the TV

Many children enjoy TV, and they can learn from it.... Read More

Empty Nest Syndrome

Paula's last child had just gone off to college and... Read More

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: What is Impulsivity?

Impulsivity is one of the hallmarks of people with Attention... Read More

Whos Teaching Your Child About Money?

Managing money is one of the most critical skills we... Read More

From Birth to Teen, Spirituality in Children

Until about the age of six, children do not generally... Read More

So You Want to Adopt?

Many reasons will cause some people to feel the need... Read More

A Minute Can Turn into Hours for the Child of a Work-at-Home Mom

In theory, working at home is an ideal situation. But... Read More

Bedtime and Sleep Habits

Bedtime and children's sleep habits can cause nightmares - for... Read More

Does Sexual Abuse Usually Occur Just Once?

Your daughter tells you that Uncle Charley has touched her... Read More

Top Seven Tips To Become A Good Stepmother

Becoming a stepmother can undoubtedly be one of the most... Read More

Old-Fashioned Ways to Inspire Children

"Walk through any toy store and you will see walls... Read More

The ADHD Parents Guide: Questions for the School

Here is something that you might want to keep if... Read More

Who Are Your Kids Talking To Online?

Studies have shown that:1 out of 4 children were sent... Read More

Top 20+ Reasons to Pay your Kid an Allowance

1. They can make mistakes under your guidance2. They will... Read More

Preventing Obesity in Young Children

Do you have a young child whose weight or eating... Read More

Fundraising For Your Preschool Or Daycare Center

Most day cares are non-profit organizations that must operate within... Read More

My Dads Secrets

From the book Spider's Night on the BoomI've only begun... Read More

The Secret To Keeping Kids Interested on Family Vacations

Vacations and trips are great family events, but how do... Read More

Examining Drugs for ADHD, Particularly Strattera

In memory of 14 year old Matthew Smith; 11 year... Read More

Child Safety at Home

Maintaining a safe home environment for your childrenAs adults and... Read More

How to Raise Creative Kids

"Where did he come up with that?" Kids often amaze... Read More

Hair Care for Children

Salon visits can be scary experiences for small children: They... Read More

Just What Is A Learning Disability?

A learning disability is defined as a permanent problem that... Read More

Strengths and Weaknesses

All too often, children with learning disabilities are seen through... Read More

A Chance for a Home

"He is happiest, be he king or peasant, who finds... Read More

Getting Through to Your Teenager

Have you ever watched your teenager make a mistake (that... Read More

Teaching Your Children with Coupons

Coupons can be a great tool in educating your child... Read More