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THE ROAD AHEAD I ADHD
ADHD affects attention, self-control, and behavior—even in children and teens. Explore the questions below to learn how to recognize the signs, understand what causes it, and discover effective treatment options.
What caregivers might notice in their child
Kids and teenagers with ADHD usually have a hard time focusing, being still, planning, organizing, and thinking before they act. Adults can also be diagnosed with ADHD but the signs must have started before age 12. Since other health or emotional problems can look like ADHD, it is important to know when your child’s symptoms started and how they show up at school, at home, and socially.
Your child may have inattentive ADHD symptoms if they:
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Miss details or make careless mistakes
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Can’t stay focused on school, reading, or conversations
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Don’t seem to listen when you talk to them
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Have a hard time finishing tasks
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Are messy or disorganized
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Don’t like doing boring things or tasks that are challenging for them
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Lose things often
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Get easily distracted by things around them, or even their own thoughts
Your child may have hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms if they:
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Can’t sit still & are always fidgeting or moving
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Has a lot of energy and moves around when it’s not appropriate to do so
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Has trouble playing quietly or calmly
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Seems like they are always on the go and rarely run out of energy
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Talks a lot and often interrupts people
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Can’t wait their turn or gets impatient
It is important to note that having just one or two of these signs doesn’t mean your child had ADHD. Kids with ADHD will struggle with these things in more than one place (for example, both at home & at school). Also, ADHD looks different at different ages. A very active three-year-old may be typical for their age, but the same behavior in a thirteen-year-old might raise concern.
Who is affected by ADHD?
ADHD is a condition in your brain that starts in childhood and usually continues to affect people as adults. Around 11% of kids in the United States have ADHD. ADHD affects both boys and girls, but girls often get diagnosed less or diagnosed later in life because their symptoms can be harder to spot. Not every kid with ADHD is hyperactive, and parents should watch for problems paying attention, taking longer to finish homework, and difficulty remembering things.
What causes ADHD?
ADHD is not caused by bad parenting or too much screen time. It is much more complicated than that.
A few important factors of ADHD are:
Genetics: ADHD often runs in families. Kids with a parent, grandparent, or siblings who have ADHD are more likely to have it too.
Environment: there are some things that can happen to babies & kids that make it more likely they’ll have ADHD. Babies who are born early, exposed to substances during pregnancy, or exposed to lead in their environment are usually more at-risk for ADHD. But none of these things cause ADHD on their own.
Some areas of the brain actually take longer to grow in kids with ADHD. These parts of the brain help with focus, planning, and impulse control. This is why kids with ADHD can have a hard time making decisions, controlling their feelings, and remembering things they have to get done.
Treatments that work for ADHD
There are a lot of things that you can do to help your child with ADHD – and you’re already taking a big step by learning more! Many kids & parents see a lot of improvement with the right support. Here are some treatments that scientists have found to help with ADHD:
This kind of therapy helps kids learn how to manage their actions. Parents and therapists help them do this by setting clear rules and giving rewards when they do this well.
Great behavioral therapy programs for younger kids (under 10) include:
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Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
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Positive Parenting Program (Triple P)
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The Incredible Years
Usually parents work with a therapist too as part of these programs, because you are an important part in helping your child learn these skills!
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This type of therapy can help older kids and teenagers to understand how their thoughts and emotions impact their actions. It’s best for older kids who understand their feelings (at least a little!) and can talk about what’s going on in their lives.
Prescription medication is often recommended for kids with a lot of ADHD symptoms. It works best to take medication while also doing therapy. You should always talk to your child’s doctor about options for medication and get their advice before trying a new medication or stopping a medication your child is already taking.
There are two main types of medications for ADHD:
Stimulants: these are the most common, they work quickly and usually help your child focus
Non-stimulants: these are less common but work better for some kids, especially kids that have other emotional problems like depression or anxiety
Some parents worry about problems with addiction. Doctors who have studied this tell us that taking medication for ADHD actually makes it less likely that your child will have problems with addiction & substance use in the future.
Mindfulness: this is a skill that can be done with a therapist or even at home. It usually helps kids focus and calm down. Mindfulness skills are easy to learn, you can find an introduction video here.
Executive Functioning Coaching: this type of coaching helps people learn skills like planning, organizing, and managing their time. Coaches help people make goals for themselves based on things that they struggle with most. It is still being studied but some kids & parents say it has helped them.
Neurofeedback: this is a brain-training therapy that is still being studied. Some kids & parents say it has helped them.
ADVOCATING FOR HELP I ADHD
Getting support for ADHD starts with knowing what to ask for. Use the questions below to find out how to get help, talk with providers, and access the tools your child may need.
How to get help
There are a few ways to get diagnosed with ADHD. Here is how you can get started:
They can do a basic screening and refer you to someone else if needed.
Therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists can help assess your child. Psychologists can test your child for ADHD, and psychiatrists can prescribe medication if needed.
You can request an evaluation for accommodations at school (these are usually called IEP’s or 504 plans). Schools typically can’t diagnose ADHD, but they can help tell you where your child is struggling and offer some help in the classroom.
My child has ADHD, what treatment components should I ask my provider about?
Helps your child learn to manage their time and energy and focus their mind.
Typically involves setting goals, giving clear rewards and consequences for behaviors, and being consistent at home and at school.
You & your child will learn tools that work well for kids with ADHD (because usual parenting methods often don’t!)
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Setting routines and specific rules at home
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Focusing on good behavior and improving your relationship with your child
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Knowing what is a reasonable expectation for your child’s behaviors
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Being able to manage problem behaviors in public
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Stimulants: well-studied and usually effective. Includes things like Adderall and Ritalin. You can ask your child’s doctor about the benefits of short-acting vs. long-acting stimulant medication.
Non-stimulants: can work well when stimulants don’t. Includes things like Strattera and some other drugs that are usually prescribed for emotional problems.
Sometimes it takes a few tries to find the right dose or medication. You can talk to your child’s doctor about the risks and benefits of medication, and you should schedule follow-up appointments with a doctor so they can check on how the medication is working.
Teachers and school staff can help your child do well in school by supporting them with extra time on tests, more breaks during the school day, and quiet spaces to do homework and take tests. Often schools and parents work together to make a formal plan (called an IEP or 504) to make sure these things are helping and to track your child’s progress.
PROGRESS OVER TIME I ADHD
This section offers a few extra tools to help you along the way. Whether things are going smoothly or getting more challenging, these resources can support you as your child grows and their needs change.
My child has ADHD, now what?
Once your child has been diagnosed and is getting treatment, there are still more ways you can support them—and yourself. Here are some next steps to consider:
Just know that you don’t have to figure this out alone. Programs like Incredible Years, Triple P, or Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)* offer step-by-step tools to manage challenging behaviors and strengthen your relationship with your child. Also feel free to take a look at our Parent Toolkit-ADHD for additional ideas/resources.
There are some excellent, practical reads written for parents like you.
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Try “What Your ADHD Child Wishes You Knew” by Dr. Sharon Saline or
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“The Explosive Child” by Ross Greene. They offer real-world tips and help you see things through your child’s eyes.
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Connecting with other parents who get it can make all the difference.
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Groups like CHADD (Children and Adults with ADHD) or
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Understood.org offer both resources and a sense of community.
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You can ask your child’s therapist or doctor to use things like ADHD rating scales or executive functioning checklists to track what’s improving—and what still needs support. Some apps can help you track sleep, mood, and routines too.
Even if your child already has support at school, it’s worth checking in regularly. Ask for updated reports, suggest team meetings, and make sure accommodations are still working. You can also request changes to your child’s IEP or 504 plan if needed.
See the Talking with My Child’s School section below.
My child is getting worse, what can I do?
It’s hard to see your child struggling, especially when things seem to be getting worse instead of better. You're not alone, and there are important next steps you can take. Start by letting your child’s provider know what you'reseeing—changes in mood, sleep, appetite, or behavior. They may adjust the treatment plan, recommend more frequent therapy, or suggest a medication review. You can also ask about creating a crisis or safety plan, which outlines clear steps to take during tough moments. If symptoms are affecting school or home life more intensely, consider layering in tiered supports like in-home therapy, intensive outpatient programs (IOP), or updated school accommodations. Most importantly, if you are ever worried about your child’s safety, don’t wait—call or text 988 for immediate help from trained mental health professionals. Getting worse doesn’t mean starting over—it means it’s time to reassess, lean on your team, and make sure the right supports are in place.
Talking with my child’s school
Your child spends a big part of their day at school—so it’s important that their learning environment supports their needs. You don’t have to be an expert in education law to advocate for your child. Here’s how to get started:
If your child already has a 504 Plan or IEP, you can call a meeting anytime – not just during annual reviews. Share your concerns, ask for updates, and discuss if changes need to be made. If your child doesn’t have a plan yet, you can formally request an evaluation to see what supports they qualify for.
Schools respond best to clear examples. Keep track of patterns—like missed assignments, behavior changes, or stress around certain subjects. You can also ask your provider to write a summary of concerns or diagnoses to share.
Resources like Wrightslaw explain special education laws in parent-friendly language. Knowing your rights helps you feel more confident in meetings and ensures your child gets what they’re entitled to.
Explore tools from other parents.
Understood.org and wapave.org is a great website full of free tools, templates, and stories from families navigating similar school challenges. It can help you figure out what to ask for and how to phrase it.
A behavioral health consultant or educational advocate can go to meetings with you, help interpret school evaluations, and suggest goals that actually match your child’s needs. This kind of support can make a big difference—especially if meetings feel overwhelming or you’re not sure what to ask for.
CAREGIVER TOOLKIT I ADHD
This section offers simple, practical tools to help you support your child—from building routines and healthy habits to improving communication and recognizing their strengths. It’s also a reminder that taking care of yourself is part of the plan—you’re not alone on this journey.
Daily habits that help
Most kids, and especially kids with ADHD, thrive on routine and consistent structure. Having daily checklists for necessary chores, writing down what your child needs to bring to school every day, or having a family calendar visible can all help your child know what to expect in their day. Finding consistent routines (e.g. a set of things you always do at bedtime) can help your child’s mind and body to react well to the situations they are in.
Because kids with ADHD sometimes need reminders about things and have a hard time remembering things when they hear a lot of information at once, there are some easy things you can do as a parent to set them up for success. When giving instructions, ask them to do one thing at a time. Write things down so they don’t have to remember it on their own. Repeat instructions or set alarms for reminders when you need to. And when your child succeeds at something, try to compliment them on it right away – this helps them remember to do it again!
You are your child’s caregiver, and helping a child with ADHD sometimes requires you to be a coach too. Coaches don’t play the game themselves though – they show, explain, and help the team figure out how to do it from the sidelines! Your long-term goal is to help your child learn skills on their own. You’ll help them solve problems now, and as they get older and understand their brains better, you’ll step away and let them do it themselves, because you know you’ve already put in the effort to help them build the skills they need.
Kids with ADHD can have some really special strengths. People with ADHD are often creative, energetic, and have lots of ideas. These can be great things at home, in school, and in their future jobs. Help your child see what makes them unique and special!
Encourage physical activity and exercise, healthy eating, and sleep. These things help balance ADHD symptoms and help you & your child have more energy and resources to deal with problems and challenges.
Parenting a child with ADHD is a big job. It’s okay to ask for help, and it’s good for your child to learn that they can also ask others for help when they need it!
Lean on your support system and take breaks when you can. It makes a big difference when you can be consistent in the way you respond to your child, but you don’t have to do it alone. The good news is – while it can be a big change & a lot of effort to start working on behavioral changes with your child, once you establish these things, it will make things easier in the long run and your child will start to learn how to practice these skills on their own!
Reward yourself too – behavior therapy is all about providing rewards for your child’s behaviors. You can join in the fun! Pick rewards that are fun for you & for your child (e.g. going on a special outing together) or things you can do on your own when you get a break (e.g. going for a walk alone, reading a book, doing something you love).
Dealing with a new diagnosis can be hard. Parent support groups like this can help you connect with others and get the support and information you need to move forward.
Caregiver self-care
Parenting a child with ADHD is a big job. It’s okay to ask for help, and it’s good for your child to learn that they can also ask others for help when they need it!
Lean on your support system and take breaks when you can. It makes a big difference when you can be consistent in the way you respond to your child, but you don’t have to do it alone. The good news is – while it can be a big change & a lot of effort to start working on behavioral changes with your child, once you establish these things, it will make things easier in the long run and your child will start to learn how to practice these skills on their own!
Reward yourself too – behavior therapy is all about providing rewards for your child’s behaviors. You can join in the fun! Pick rewards that are fun for you & for your child (e.g. going on a special outing together) or things you can do on your own when you get a break (e.g. going for a walk alone, reading a book, doing something you love).
Dealing with a new diagnosis can be hard. Parent support groups like this can help you connect with others and get the support and information you need to move forward.
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