ADHD Guide
Understanding ADHD at any age — at home, at school and in life.
WRITTEN BY:
Cindy Lopez
Director, CHC Community Connections
REVIEWED BY:
Melina Foden, PsyD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
CHC’s Catherine T. Harvey Center for Clinical Services
A View of ADHD over the Lifespan
Although you don’t ‘grow out’ of ADHD, it may look different across the lifespan of an individual. You may see the characteristics listed below at various stages throughout one’s life. Note that these characteristics can also be seen as fundamental strengths. That is part of the journey of a person with ADHD — to recognize and understand both their strengths and challenges. These characteristics are meant to help you understand ADHD over time, they are not meant to be a diagnostic tool.
Young Child
ADHD in a young child can be characterized by hyperactivity and impulsivity as well as being adventurous and innovative.
- Behavioral challenges, also adventurous
- Difficulty with transitions, also spontaneous
- High energy, lots of movement
- Distractible, also persistent
- Creative and artistic
- Inventive and innovative
- Sense of humor
School Age Child
As academic demands increase, ADHD in a school age child may continue to be characterized by hyperactivity and impulsivity as well as by charisma.
- High energy, lots of movement
- Academic frustration, also an innovative thinker
- Low self esteem, also charismatic
- Social challenges, also has a sense of humor
- Disorganized, also inventive
- Persistent, also disorganized
- Creative and artistic
- Adventurous, also impulsive
Adolescent
Adolescents with ADHD tend to demonstrate decreased signs of hyperactivity along with beginning to see and understand their strengths.
- Impulsive, also innovative
- Adventurous, also prone to risky behavior
- Inattentive — leading to increased academic challenges
- Disorganized, also inventive
- Prone to anxiety/depression, also expressive
- Restless, also energetic
- Persistent, also impatient
- Creative and artistic
- Spontaneous with sense of humor
Adult
ADHD in adults may be characterized by inattention and lack of focus, while at the same time finding their niche through their strengths.
- Impulsive, also adventurous
- Restless, also innovative
- Social exchange is difficult
- Disorganized, also persistent
- Creative and inventive
- Charismatic, also spontaneous
- Occupational challenges
- Energetic and artistic
- Sense of humor
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CHC Voices of Compassion Podcast
Our weekly CHC podcast with expert insights, inspiration and creative conversations about mental health, education and family.
A Parent’s Journey: A Child with ADHD
EPISODE 13, SEASON 2 | DECEMBER 2, 2021
with Lauren Barry Sims
In this episode, we talk candidly about what parenting a child with ADHD is really like — the challenges, joys, worries and wonder. How do you know when it’s time to get help? Is medication necessary? What kind of impact will your child’s behavior have on the rest of the family? While we may sometimes wish that our kids came with an instruction manual, remember that you are doing the best you can and so is your child. And you are not alone. Tune in today to hear from Lauren Sims, the mom of a child with ADHD, as she shares her real-life personal journey filled with encouragement, empathy and strategies to set your child up for success.
I Just Learned My Child has ADHD — Now What? Part 1
EPISODE 12, SEASON 2 | NOVEMBER 18, 2021
with Glen R. Elliott, PhD, MD
Your child has just been diagnosed with ADHD…now what? Part of you might feel relieved that there’s an explanation for your child’s behavior, while another might feel overwhelmed by the prospect of parenting a child with attention challenges. ADHD is a lifelong journey filled with wonderful surprises and extraordinary obstacles. How can you best equip your child for happiness and success? In this episode, one of CHC’s foremost and beloved ADHD experts, Dr. Glen Elliott, offers sage advice as both a parent and a professional. You’ll walk away with valuable insights, practical suggestions and evidence-based words of encouragement.
I Just Learned My Child has ADHD — Now What? Part 2
EPISODE 34, SEASON 2 | AUGUST 17, 2022
with Glen R. Elliott, PhD, MD
In this episode, we continue the conversation with Dr. Glen Elliot. If you are a parent of a child with ADHD, you’ll be glad to hear that “there truly is light at the end of the tunnel.” Persistent, loving, unconditional support, effective interventions and adapting to your child’s evolving needs can lead to really positive outcomes. Dr. Elliot speaks with experience on all fronts: as an accomplished researcher, writer and practitioner on the subject, and the parent of an adult son with ADHD. Listen as he shares his wisdom on the different types of ADHD, behavioral interventions, medication considerations and other strategies for supporting your unique child.
Featured Presentations
Learn more about ADHD from CHC experts.
A Father & Son Conversation: Growing Up with ADHD
Hear from the perspective of a personal narrative what it really means to live with ADHD. Glen Elliott, PhD, MD, and his son, Mark Elliott, MD, psychiatrist, talk about their personal experience with ADHD and the different types of ADHD, ADHD symptoms, the connection between ADHD and executive functioning, treatment options and more.
The ADHD/LD, Stress, Anxiety Connection
Individuals with ADHD and learning differences (LD) often experience stress, anxiety and other mental health conditions. It is sometimes difficult to tell what is ADHD/LD and what is anxiety. Students can often have difficulty concentrating or be restless – which could be a symptom of ADHD or LD or it could be anxiety.
In this session presented by Chris Harris, MEd, Chief Schools Officer at CHC, you’ll learn more about the interrelatedness of ADHD, LD and anxiety and how you can support your child.
Panel Discussion: Supporting Your Child with ADHD
Parenting a child with ADHD has its challenges. This panel discussion is about ADHD and strategies and ways to support your child from three different perspectives–Glen Elliott, PhD, MD, Chief Psychiatrist and Medical Director at CHC, Kendra Fraka, MSW, clinician at CHC and Lauren Sims, parent.
How We Help
CHC provides life-changing services for learning differences and mental health for young adults, kids and teens.
Sand Hill School
The Silicon Valley school where learning differences are considered superpowers.
Because Sand Hill School students learn differently, we teach differently. We’re dedicated to helping 2nd – 8th grade students with language-based learning differences, ADHD and school-based anxiety learn to love school again.
Our students feel a sense of belonging at Sand Hill for so many reasons. Come see why! Visit our campus, or sign up for an informational tour.
ADHD Parent Support Group
You are not alone. Connect with other parents at a monthly parent support group for parents of children and teens with ADHD.
Do you feel like you are all alone as a parent of a child with ADHD? Come and join other parents of kids with ADHD at CHC’s parent support group. Parents and caregivers are invited to attend this free, virtual monthly support group facilitated by CHC experts with extensive experience serving children, adolescents and families. Sign Up Now!
Join CHC’s Virtual Village
A community of experts, parents, kids, teens and young adults who support and celebrate neurodiversity.
Sign up for CHC’s Virtual Village email list to be the first to know about new CHC expert content, events, programs and more! We’re in this together.
Educational Evaluations
Unpack your brain.
Concerned you have a learning difference that warrants accommodations in college or in the workplace?
The Schwab Learning Center (SLC@CHC) offers educational evaluations to identify or re-evaluate learning disabilities and ADHD. Learn more about SLC Educational Evaluations.
Psychiatry & Medication Management
Safe, effective and developmentally appropriate strategies to diagnose and treat mental health and behavioral concerns.
CHC’s Catherine T. Harvey Center for Clinical Services offers a client-centered, comprehensive approach in collaboration with parents and allied providers. Our expert psychiatry team recommends and monitors any use of medications in tandem with a strong emphasis on therapeutic interventions. Contact our Care Team to learn more careteam@testing.chconline.org.
Our Experts
At CHC, we have learning and mental health experts who can help you overcome barriers to learning and help you develop skills that last for a lifetime. Real people you can talk to. People who can really help.
Neilson Chan, PhD
(he/him)
Licensed Psychologist
Rosinel Ermio, MS
(she/her)
Senior Learning Specialist
Melina Foden, PsyD
(she/her/ella)
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Liberty Hebron, LPCC
(she/her)
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Julie Abbott Olsen, MA, CCC-SLP
(she/her)
Speech-Language Pathologist
Amy Tsai, PhD
(she/her)
LEAD THERAPIST
Comprehensive & Integrated Services for Learning Differences & Mental Health
CHC’s Catherine T. Harvey Center for Clinical Services
CHC therapists provide specialized, individualized and age-appropriate services for you to take charge of your own mental health and wellbeing. Services in California.
The SLC@CHC empowers all types of learners to adopt tools and strategies to support their unique strengths. Students and young adults with diagnosed or suspected ADHD, dyslexia and other learning disabilities discover their gifts, strengths and potential.
Related CHC Offerings
Check out other CHC offerings for services and support for kids, youth, and families with ADHD.
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