Attention/Focus/ADHD

Here is a summary of an article from Child Mind Institute:

Do kids outgrow ADHD? No, but that doesn’t mean the symptoms stay the same. And parents can help kids learn skills that will enable them manage symptoms effectively as they get older.

In preschool and early grade school, kids with ADHD may have trouble sitting still and following directions. Tantrums and acting out when they are frustrated are also common issues. When kids get a little older they might struggle with homework, act out or seem distracted during class, and be very disorganized. During the teenage years ADHD can look like trouble managing emotions and academic and social difficulties. Teenagers may participate in risky behaviors like smoking, substance use, or reckless driving.

Accommodations at school and support at home can help kids learn to manage their ADHD. Parents can help by keeping a clear, consistent routine at home and helping kids work on important executive functioning skills like managing their time, completing tasks, thinking things through before they act, and using strategies to stay organized.

ADHD can also have a big impact on kids’ self-esteem. It’s important to help kids understand their ADHD and build their confidence by finding activities they can excel at. Having ADHD can be hard, but it has nothing to do with how smart, or capable, or amazing kids are.

Many famous and fabulous grown-ups have ADHD — musicians, artists, business leaders, scientists, and people who’ve changed the world. Kids may not grow out of ADHD, but they can grow into amazing, happy adults.