Children and Youth Living with ADHD

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition characterized by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. The most commonly diagnosed behavior disorder in young people, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that ADHD affects an estimated 9 percent of children aged 3-17.

When engaging with your health care professional regarding your child’s ADHD, it is important to learn the most you can to develop the best treatment and intervention plan. A strategy that focuses on his or her strengths will ensure the best outcome.

Further, it is important to know that ADHD is a brain-based disorder and is strongly inherited, but parenting styles do not cause ADHD.

In this section, NAMI offers a variety of information, tips and resources to assist you in understanding children and youth with ADHD.

[Download the NAMI ADHD in children fact sheet.]

ADHD and School

The common symptoms of ADHD can cause disruptions to a child’s learning, peer relationships, functional performance and behavior within the school setting. Read more.

ADHD and Secondary Education

Challenges with organization and time management, challenges with writing skills, difficulty focusing on goals and high frustration levels can make the transition to college more challenging. Read more.

ADHD and Parenting

ADHD is not the product of bad parenting. There are many things parents can do, however, to ensure that their child living with ADHD lives a happy, productive and fulfilling life. Read more.

ADHD and Coexisting Conditions

Over one-half of children living with ADHD live with at least one other major mental health condition. Coexisting conditions must be considered simultaneously to broaden understanding of the child’s symptoms and to maximize treatment outcomes. Read more.

ADHD and Juvenile Delinquency

When the symptoms of ADHD are left untreated they can create serious behavioral challenges. Youth living with ADHD should be identified early and linked with effective services and supports to avoid these consequences. Read more.