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With the release of a recent study on adults with ADD and ADHD suggesting that symptoms continue into adulthood (here), it is starting to help redefine people’s perception that ADD/ADHD is no longer a childhood disorder. Many adults are dealing with the challenges ADD/ADHD presents on a daily basis. In my practice, the number of clients I’m beginning to see in his or her mid-to-late 20s continues to increase. While many of these clients have been told that they’ve outgrown ADD/ADHD and the struggles from childhood, others are just finding out that he or she has ADD/ADHD.
In conversations with clients and his or her family, the question I get asked most often is…
Isn’t ADD/ADHD a childhood thing?
In reality, the answer to this is no. But the bigger truth is that many successful adults with ADD/ADHD find ways of compensating for his or her condition. For example, the use of technology like smart phones is really helping improve one’s executive functioning. So on the surface, an individual can improve organization skills with some help. But if we were to take away that device, the symptoms and conditions associated with ADD/ADHD would still be present. There’s nothing wrong with identifying things that help us better function, but we need to recognize that these interventions are not cures.
My experience has taught me that younger people with ADD/ADHD are less mature than his or her peers. Does that mean that he or she will remain that way? Not at all. Time and experience helps the individual grow up. But the societal pressures can make this maturity gap seem broader. But with proper interventions and tapering pressures, there’s a good chance that things will even out. Just because our society says things have to be a certain way doesn’t mean it will happen. But I strongly suggest that individuals dealing with these issues seek proper help to improve skills and functioning.
For more information on my ADD, ADHD and Executive Functioning coaching, please visit www.adhdefcoach.com. In addition to working with clients in-person, I also work with clients all over the United States and World online, please visit www.onlineadhdcoach.com for more information. To learn more about my other services, please visit www.carrolleducationalgroup.com & www.iepexperts.com. I can be found on Twitter at ADHDGuru. You can also find me on Facebook, Google Plus and Tumblr. Feel free to email me at [email protected] or call 877.398.ADHD (2343) with any additional questions.