ADHD in parents.
What You’ve gone through is Valid
– 3 minutes read –
Did you know that about 40% of kids with ADHD have at least one parent who also has ADHD symptoms? *
And many parents of ADHD kids realize that they also have ADHD after their kid’s diagnosis.
According to some studies, less than 20% of adults with ADHD are aware that they have it.
Even though ADHD “symptoms” were discovered in 1902, it seems that it took many years until people without medical knowledge started to notice ADHD symptoms because the spread of diagnosis started in the 90s.
So no wonder why parents’ or grandparents’ generations didn’t know about it until today.
We didn’t know it.
I also wonder if I have ADHD sometimes, but if you didn’t have ADHD symptoms as a child for more than 6 months, it’s not considered as ADHD.
Because it happens that we can be forgetful after childbirth or due to fatigue.
For women, it can be due to a decrease in estrogen levels that can mimic ADHD-like symptoms.
(If you are over 30 years old and a woman, or for your partner, please check this article.)
As my 70-year-old mother realized that she had ADHD all her life since she was a child, you may have had a moment of “That’s why” explanation to all your mysterious incidents and behaviors.
(My mother noticed that she also had ADHD as I was telling her how hard it was to deal with my son’s morning moodiness – then she told me “I was like that” as she was a child. Then many things I noticed about my mother as a child started to make sense.)
I often write or talk about the hardships and obstacles of parents of ADHD kids here and on my Instagram, because that’s what I relate to myself most and it is a real challenge.
But I want you to know that when I think about you who may also have ADHD and learned to live with it without special support or medication all your life, I really think it’s an achievement.
Maybe your parents didn’t know how to help you properly, but they must’ve done their best.
As I look up to my ADHD mother, who is so energetic, positive, easy-going and adventurous, I believe positive sides can EASILY overcome her disorganized room lol
I just wanted you to know that everything you’ve gone through is valid and made you who you are today.
If you are the one who is a parent with ADHD, give yourself a hug (and I’m sending you a warm virtual hug too!)
If you know someone with ADHD, diagnosed as an adult, let’s be understanding about their challenges
I appreciate this community where I can share my thoughts like this, so thank you for reading my message today.
Take care!
References:
https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/adult-adhd-facts-statistics
https://www.additudemag.com/history-of-adhd/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/diagnosis/