If your child has ADHD, I bet you wondered who else in the family has it. ADHD is a neurological difference (not a behavioral flaw!) and diagnoses span generations in families.
A recent Washington Post article spoke to this idea. As kiddos get diagnosed with ADHD, more parents see some of the same traits in themselves. The same things they may have beat themselves up over are now explained thanks to ADHD. Issues like always running late, or trouble regulating emotions, or even remembering details shared moments ago all align with some of the executive dysfunction seen in ADHD.
This can be quite nuanced, as ADHD presents differently for everyone. Officially, the DSM-5 refers to three presentations of ADHD:
- Inattentive
- Hyperactive-Impulsive
- Combined
Beyond these three huge buckets, ADHD shows up differently in young kids vs. adults, and with males and females, just to name a few other variables.
In some cases, a hyperactive-impulsive young boy can help his parents see that their daughter also shows signs of ADHD presenting as inattentive. In other cases, a child’s diagnosis starts to answer a parent’s questions on why grad school was challenging, or why certain work tasks just feel impossible.
Consider the executive functions needed to thrive in the workplace:
- Time management
- Emotional regulation
- Working memory (verbal and non-verbal)
Can you imagine the downstream impact of managing ADHD?
MPG is here to help
If you are helping your child navigate their own diagnosis, or learning more about your own ADHD, MPG can help you in understanding ADHD. There are so many incredible resources for adults with ADHD. Follow us on Instagram, enroll in Lead with ADHD, subscribe to our newsletter, or reach out regarding 1:1 coaching!
