Do Children With ADHD Outgrow ADHD?

Children with ADHD do outgrow ADHD to a certain extend, but as this condition appears to be a biological problem, it can be a life long issue.  The latest data suggest that about two-thirds of children with ADHD continue to display some symptoms into adolescence, and as many as 50% have persistent ADHD into adulthood.  For instance, as they grow older, the hyperactivity may decrease but symptoms of inattention, distractibility, and poor impulse control may continue.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, "About 80% of those who required medication for ADHD as children still need it as teenagers."

However, even in persistent cases, the number of symptoms do appear to be less obvious during adolescence and usually decreases further in adulthood.  From a biological point of view, the reduction of symptoms is probably due to continuing brain maturation that these children go on through adolescence and beyond.

But generally for children with ADHD, their teen years is the time which pose one of the greatest challenges for them and their parents. School days during the teen years often mean more challenging work load, greater number of co-curricular activities interfere with homework completion, and then there are multiple teachers and classroom settings to contend with. The means "routine", which children with ADHD prefers, are out of the window while social stresses makes an unwelcome entry.

As a parent, your involvement with your child's success is now often greater than ever. Here's a few survival tips:

(1) encourage your teen to create a system to keep them on track in their daily endeavours, such as the use of organizers and appointment books.

(2) make a concerted effort to maintain a quiet zone for homework and quiet time.

(3) make sure they get adequate sleep.

(4) establish open communication channels with them and regularly talk not just about their problems but also touch on things like their aspirations, their friends, and interests.

In the course of looking after your teens, be reminded that the teen years often carry an increased risk for depression, drug abuse, gang activities, and possibly accidents on the road. Therefore, do maintain strict observation of their behavior, the people they mix around with, and their school performance. Along the way, regularly thing of ways to strengthen or develop their positives, such as helping them to explore new endeavors like sports and voluntary/charitable activities.

Unfortunately for children with ADHD, academic issues may remain an affected area even if the disorder disappears. However, having said that, it has been noted that some children with ADHD are quite smart and can pick up new knowledge quickly.

To learn about the Facts & Myths concerning ADHD, Click Here.