ADHD Today: How Families Can Support Members With ADHD

For some people, having a short attention span can be normal. It may even branch out from other problematic habits such as being disorganized and reckless or having constant discomfort in keeping still. We may not immediately realize it, but these signs that affect daily routines and family relationships may be pointing to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) already.

Understanding ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD is among the most commonly diagnosed disorder in children and young adults. This disorder has a relation to behaviors which show hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Usually, these disorders are an effect of a childhood memory or parenting style, which, when continuously done, may inhibit the child’s development. Most of the time, this type of behavior affects family relationships and academic performance. Because of the symptoms of the disease, the person affected tends to do or say things which can cause a distraction to the people around him.

Recent scientific studies show it is more likely for families with members diagnosed with ADHD to experience more conflict and arguments on a regular basis. In addition to this, the likeliness for married couples with a partner with ADHD to get a divorce is very high as well.


Given these circumstances, it is essential to understand the causes and effects of ADHD and how we can be more empathetic and proactive in dealing with such situations to empower the affected person and give them a healthier and less toxic social environment. 

Detecting Symptoms

You can avoid the likeliness of ADHD to develop and worsen as a person grows old. It’s critical to be aware of the different signs and symptoms so that as early as the first symptom shows, your family member can immediately get checked or ask for treatment.

As said earlier, ADHD can develop at a very young age. However, this doesn’t change the fact that it can happen to anyone at any age. But to know better, a child who may have ADHD is more likely to

  • Have a short attention span. The thing with ADHD-diagnosed people is that they cannot keep themselves focused on one thing. They usually get bored quickly. Because of this, accomplishing tasks may seem harder than it is.

Fidget more constantly. In relation to the lack of focus, people with ADHD also have a hard time to keep still. Because of this, they may tend to move more to keep them from being bored too quickly.



  • Lack of concentration. Because attention and focus are key points that people with ADHD have a hard time with, concentration is another thing that may get affected. Since they always want to be doing something, excessive movement and/or talking may also be a result of this.

Being Understanding

Although ADHD is a common disorder in many people, the stigma attached to it doesn’t get any harmless. Along with the prevalence of ADHD is the stigma that continues to discriminate, isolate, and discourages the affected people—be it at home, in the workplace, in school, or other public places. Thus, it’s important to know what ADHD is and become more understanding towards them because they need it.


It may not show directly, but constant lack of treatment and understanding towards persons with ADHD may lead to worse cases of mental health problems including anxiety disorder, depression, and even autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) which cause a decline in social interaction, communication, and other related activities. Due to this, it’s important to know how to deal with people ADHD or, better yet, know how to interact more appropriately with these people to fight the continuing stigma and make the world a better place.

Supporting The ADHD Community

There are many ways for families to show their support and care for them o help make every community a safe space for each member diagnosed with ADHD. Some of these ways start in the most basic forms such as in the house setting, while others go out more in the community.

One of the best ways is by starting with the most basic unit of society—the family. They say everything starts in the family, and one of the best ways to support and nurture people with ADHD is by starting small at home. For families with ADHD-diagnosed members, one of the best ways to tackle the issue is through proper parenting.

For parents with children with ADHD, proper parenting is the key to help them slowly combat the disorder and become better individuals. By embracing ways such as developing concentration tasks, following a schedule to practice time management, and downloading ADHD-friendly apps, you may help teach your child of the proper behaviors to adapt to.

In parenting children with ADHD, patience is a must. By being aware of the possible effects of each action done, parents can become instruments of change in their children. In combatting ADHD, being supportive with your child is one way to lessen their feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Families can easily guide their children and pave the way for love, understanding, and nourishment to prosper. Only then we may make the world a friendlier world for them.