What is the Impact of ADHD on Children and their Families?

For children with ADHD, life can be really hard. They are commonly the ones why often get into different kinds of trouble at school, they are unable to finish a full game without getting bored or frustrated when they’re losing, and they also have trouble socializing and making friends. They can also spend hours every night finishing their homework, only to forget bringing it to school the next day.  

For someone who is living the normal life, coping up with these everyday frustrations is not easy for and ADHD child, or their families. Conflicts among family members can also increase. ADHD children are also at increased risks of street accidents, drug use, lower educational attainment, and even early pregnancy.

When a child is diagnosed with ADHD, parents should think carefully about their choice of treatment. They should be mindful that pursuing treatment for ADHD and any other type of mental disorder is expensive and not covered by insurance policies. There are also school programs that help children with problems that are associated with ADHD.

Overall, to treat a child with ADHD, every family member should be involved. Parents can also look for different school-based programs that focus on the diagnosis, treatment, and support for children with ADHD.

Sources: https://www.adhdcentre.co.uk

ADHD may affect all aspects of a child's life. It impacts not only on the child, but also on parents and siblings, causing disturbances to family and marital functioning. The adverse effects of ADHD upon children and their families changes from the preschool years to primary school and adolescence, with varying aspects of the disorder being more prominent at different stages. The families of children with ADHD have to contend with a greater number of behavioural, developmental and educational disturbances. This often requires that more time, logistics and energy be spent. Parents need to be constantly vigilant to monitor their child’s behaviour and emotions and assess what is and is not working. In addition, caring for a child with ADHD is often expensive and time-consuming. The resulting worry can spill over to the rest of the family. Children with ADHD behave unpredictably and have many ups and downs. They are easily distracted, impulsive, and disorganized, and often misunderstand or miss instructions. ADHD can affect families in different ways depending on the age of the child who has ADHD. Generally, the older the child with ADHD, the more family conflict may occur. Moreover, healthcare professionals have an important role in providing balanced and supportive information about ADHD and meeting the needs of affected individuals and their families.