What is the impact of ADHD on a child and his school?

Answer

Life can be hard for a child with ADHD. They're the ones who are so often in trouble at school, can't finish a game, and have trouble making friends. They may spend agonizing hours each night struggling to keep their mind on their homework, then forget to bring it to school. It is not easy coping with these frustrations day after day for children or their families. Family conflict can increase. Also, a child with ADHD can have problems with peers and friendships. In adolescence, these children are at increased risk for motor vehicle accidents, tobacco use, early pregnancy, and lower educational attainment.

When a child receives a diagnosis of ADHD, parents need to think carefully about treatment and medication choices. And when they pursue treatment for their children, they may face high out-of-pocket expenses because treatment for ADHD and other mental illnesses is often not covered by insurance policies.

School programs (social skills and behavior training) to help children with problems often connected to ADHD are not available in many schools. Also, not every child with ADHD qualifies for special education services. All of this leads to children who do not receive proper and adequate treatment. To overcome these barriers, parents may want to look for school-based programs that have a team approach involving parents, teachers, school psychologists, other mental health specialists, and doctors.

Answer

I find this an interesting question since most discussions regarding ADD focus on the impact of ADD on the sufferer & not on how it affects his/her family. My brother, aged 59, was recently diagnosed with ADD. The impact his ADD has had on our family for so many years has been immense. Family members always thought there was something just "not quite right" about my brother's behavior but he was "normal" enough that none of us could put a finger on just what was wrong. We have spent endless hours discussing, analyzing and worrying about him. So many times my father and brothers, especially, would get furious at him due his inability to focus, forgetfulness, inattention, impulsivity, inability to handle finances, etc, the list just goes on and on. There has been frustration, endless worry and anxiety because he just didn't seen able to cope with everyday living, his house was a mess, he never completed a task and was easily distracted and appeared overwhelmed yet he is an extremely intelligent,likable and interesting man. Perhaps of all the siblings he is, in fact, the most intelligent. So intelligent that it is astounding and therefore made it even more difficult to understand why he couln't use his intelligence to make good choices, think situations through and consider the consequences of his actions. Family members would ask "Whats wrong with you? Are you stupid? retarded? lazy?" He has never been able to multi-task, retain employment or enjoy a successul relationship with a member of the opposite sex. His relationships with family members has suffered too. Consequently, he suffers from very low self esteem. To say my brothers ADD has been a nightmare for all of us who love him would be an understatement. I finally convinced him to go to a counselor because I suspected Adult ADD after his son had been diagnosed with ADHD and I had begun to research it. BINGO-a light went on and I thought "these symptoms fit my brother like a glove". I accompanied him to the counselors office and described his lifelong behavior as I had observed it. Thank God for that counselor and my brother's willingness to cooperate with him. Once my brother was diagnosed I discussed the diagnosis with the rest of the family (with his permission, of course)and we, as well as he, are so relieved to finally know what has been wrong all these years. Some of us broke down and cried. He has recently begun taking medication. His self esteem has already begun to rise and he is trying very hard to deal with the ADD. Now, instead of our family being pulled apart, anxious, worried, frustrated & angry we are working together with my brother to help him cope with his ADD. Our father, especially, feels very guilty that he did not get help for his son years ago. But Dad knows that is counter productive and now we can look to a better and happier future. My brother will never be 'cured" we know but he finally no longer feels like he is "stupid" and "an outsider". And we all feel very hopeful that the counseling, medication and support of his family will go a long way to helping him lead a more fulfilling life. Thank you for allowing me to "ramble" on and the opportunity to perhaps help others understand ADD's impact on a family.