Kids into Adults with ADHD | ADHD Information

Okay, I've been a member here for just over a year now and I must admit, I'm totally flabbergasted by the number of parents that come here looking for support and help.  What really concerns me is that all these kids who are currently being diagnosed and treated today will someday grow up and be adults with ADHD.  Studies show that many people don't "outgrow" this.  What is going to happen to all these kids when they grow up?  I hope they are able to cope with their ADHD in a positive way and don't accept the stigma that it's a "childhood" condition because it isn't.  It's a lifelong condition.  It just saddens me a bit to know that millions of kids will grow up with this. Very good points kj. The facts are that ADHD does not go away and no one grows out of it. As one grows into adulthood, inattentiveness intensifies and self esteem plummets in the absence of effective treatment. I've been a member and moderator of this board for years and despite all the educational information, I still see the same myths being spewed over and over. So many parents are brainwashed by society (media, journalists, talk show hosts,  Internet propaganda, etc) who give their non professional opinions about ADHD and the treatment for it. Parents are made to feel that if they don't choose medication to treat ADHD symptoms, they are "good" parents. As a result of such a mentality, the most formative, critical years are spent trying this or that to treat symptoms and in the process, the struggles for the child is tremendous and issues of low self esteem eventually cause depression and an entire host of problems like self medication, juvenile delinquency due to impulsivity which is many times punishable by the criminal justice system, not a school principal anymore. There are exceptions but this is the norm for ineffectively or untreated ADHD. When children are young, parents can control them or a situation but as they grow into young adulthood, parents can't control nor protect the child anymore.   Because you live ADHD, you are giving very sage advice which should serve as a wake up call. Unfortunately, too many people would rather take the advice of a  snake oil sales person who is selling untested, not proven for safety products that claim a cure. The seller will convince the public that the products work and initially, many people will see what they want to see in terms of results but long term results need to be researched before concluding that any product is effective . That's the proof in the pudding. The seller does very well as they continue to dip into the wallets of the most vulnerable in our society   Thank you for your input kjDid you mean in the quote     "Parents are made to feel that if they don't choose medication to treat ADHD symptoms, they are "good" parents.  That they AREN'T good parents if they don't choose medication?

I think more importantly than medication is the need for good parenting.  I'm not saying that parents of children with ADHD are bad parents nor am I saying that good parenting can solve all the problems but rather that children with ADHD need good parenting.  Heck, all children need good parenting but more so with kids and ADHD.

I totally hear you about all the "potions" out there to help kids and often times, parents are confused.  The best source for coping with ADHD well after childhood is the pediatrician.  They have the resources for continuing treatments and are best able to direct and guide families where to get help.

I'm just sad that so many kids will either get the label of being ADHD when they really aren't or that kids won't get the diagnosis when they really are ADHD and hence will either get unnecessary treatment or not get treatment at all. 

I truly feel compassion for all the parents on this board that are struggling - whether their kids have ADHD or not.  Parenting is difficult enough without ADHD or any other condition.  Kudos to those who find successes!


No, I meant they are made to feel they are bad parents if they DO medicate and then I went on to compliment you for your sage advice. I'm not judging anyone. I just stated my observations.Gotcha.  Just wanted to make sure I understood. :)  Oh, I know you aren't judging anyone.  Neither am I.  :)  You made good points too.  I worry, too, about kids and parents who get bombarded with all the choices for treatment.  I myself, am skeptical of alternatives to traditional treatment but I also understand some parents are skeptical of traditional treatment.  In the end, everyone has to do what is best for themselves.  Thanks for the clarification and input.