How Do Children with ADHD Turn Out?

Children with ADHD can have bright futures and successful lives. It's true that about 2/3 of children with ADHD will continue to have symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity into adulthood, but this does mean they cannot do well. They can learn ways to stay organized, work around these differences and put their energy into positive things.

What leads to a good outcome for children with ADHD?

• Early diagnosis. Early diagnosis of ADHD and any co-occurring (i.e. comorbid) mental health or learning issues leads to early treatment and can prevent children with ADHD from developing other problems, like school failure.
• Effective treatment. Getting children with ADHD effective treatment can reduce symptoms and help children do well in school and life. Effective treatments include medication, particularly those called "stimulants" to stimulate attention, and behavior therapy. These treatments are effective in about 85% of children and adults with ADHD. What is effective is different for different people, however. Treatments like changes in diet are generally not effective for treating ADHD.
• Support. Having supportive family and friends can help children with ADHD feel good about themselves and have confidence in their abilities. Family and friends can also help children have a sense of humor about their struggles, be less disruptive and enjoy life. Joining a support group for families of children with ADHD (such as CHADD.org) can also help parents get new ideas that help.
• Building on strengths. Everyone has strengths as well as weaknesses. When children with ADHD are helped to find their strengths they stay optimistic and can handle any difficulties better.
• Acceptance. When children know that their family members love them even with their symptoms of ADHD they can relax and do their best rather than feel tense or discouraged.

How can children and adults with ADHD use their extra energy in productive ways?

• Exercise. People with ADHD can use their energy to stay physically healthy and learn to master challenges. They often are great at sports such as gymnastics, soccer or running. Regular exercise can also help maintain a positive mood.
• Arts. Children with ADHD can be very artistic. Their fast thoughts can lead to many creative ideas. They may especially enjoy splatter painting (flinging paint on a canvas or piece of paper) or finger painting because it does not require intense focus.
• Music. Children with ADHD can be very musical. They may especially enjoy playing the drums because it lets them move around and get out their energy.
• Dance. Children with ADHD may enjoy using their energy in dance classes, particularly tap. They can also enjoy just turning up the music at home and dancing in their socks!

How can parents help children with ADHD succeed in life?

• Parents can help their children find their talents and abilities. If children are artistic, they can give them art supplies as birthday presents or sign them up for an art class. If children are athletic, parents can sign them up to be on sports teams or go running with them on Saturday morning.
• Parents can encourage children to do activities and find lines of work that use their ADHD symptoms in a positive way. Activities and work that allow people to move around a lot often work well for people with ADHD.
• Parents can ensure that children receive effective treatments from professionals.
• Parents can advocate for their children in the school system and ensure they receive help when needed.

Are their advantages to having ADHD?

• While having ADHD can bring lots of challenges, many people with ADHD also have unique advantages. They tend to be outgoing and ready for action.
• Because of their extra energy, many find great success in a variety of fields. Some of these are business, sports, music, construction, and public speaking. Because they can think about many things at one time (multitasking), people with ADHD have found fame in business, as artists and as inventors.
• Many people with ADHD choose work that gives them the freedom to move around. But some find ways to be effective in quieter, desk jobs or working on computers. Some adults with ADHD hire people to help them keep organized.
• There are many successful and well known people with ADHD. For example, Michael Phelps was diagnosed with ADHD as a child. His mother encouraged him to swim as a way to help him focus and use his extra energy. Phelps went on to win 14 gold medals in swimming!