Myth or Fact: ADHD Symptoms Can Get Worse With Age

Have you ever heard someone say that “kids will grow out of it” when talking about ADHD? While that may be true for some childhood habits, it doesn’t apply to ADHD. The truth is, ADHD is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder; it affects the way the brain develops and functions, and it can persist throughout a person’s life. That doesn’t mean the symptoms will stay exactly the same, though. 

Myth: Bigger kids, bigger problems?

Think of a room that’s full of exciting activities — games, toys, crafts, the whole thing. It’s a fantastic place for curious minds to explore. However, for kids with ADHD, all that stimulation can be overwhelming. They may have trouble focusing on one activity, get easily distracted by sights and sounds, or feel restless and impulsive. 

Younger children with ADHD may struggle with the sheer amount of sights, sounds and things happening around them. This overstimulation can lead to them moving around a lot, not being able to pay attention for long periods and having a hard time controlling their impulses. 

The changing faces of ADHD

The good news is that as children with ADHD grow up, becoming teenagers and then adults, the way their symptoms show themselves can change. The room full of toys may become a classroom, a crowded cafeteria or even a busy workplace. While moving around a lot may decrease, challenges with focus, organization and keeping track of time can become more prominent. Here’s a breakdown of how ADHD symptoms may shift over time:

• Hyperactivity — Hyperactivity may not be as big an issue for teens and adults as it is for children. However, fidgeting, feeling restless and difficulty sitting still for long periods can still be present. 
• Inattention — Trouble focusing can continue throughout life for people with ADHD. They may struggle to stay on task, be easily distracted by things happening around them, and forget instructions or details. 
• Impulsivity — Making impulsive decisions without thinking things through can still be a challenge for teenagers and adults with ADHD. This may show up as blurting out answers in class, interrupting conversations or making choices that could be risky. 

Challenges and triumphs: Life with ADHD

While ADHD can present challenges, it also comes with unique strengths. People with ADHD are often described as creative, energetic and good at finding solutions. They may think differently than others, come up with innovative solutions and approach problems from a new perspective. 

The key is to understand how ADHD affects your child’s life and then develop strategies to manage it. This may involve things like:

• Organization techniques — Using planners, checklists and reminders can help people with ADHD stay on top of their tasks and deadlines. 
• Time management skills — Learning to break down large tasks into smaller, more manageable steps can make them feel less overwhelming.
• Focus strategies — Finding a quiet place to study, using headphones to block out noise or trying fidget toys can help people with ADHD focus on the task at hand. 
• Communication — Openly talking about your child’s needs with teachers, sports coaches and family members can help them create a more supportive environment. 

Executive Function skills coaching

One powerful tool for helping to manage ADHD symptoms is Executive Function coaching. It can be particularly helpful for challenges related to:

• Focusing 
• Organizing
• Time management

Executive Function skills are like the brain’s conductors, helping a person:

• Plan
• Prioritize
• Stay on track

For people with ADHD, these skills can sometimes be weaker, leading to challenges in everyday life. 

What is Executive Function skills coaching?

Executive Function skills coaches are specially trained professionals who can help individuals with ADHD develop strategies to address these specific challenges. They work one-on-one or in small groups, tailoring their approach to each person’s unique needs and learning style. Here’s how coaching can help:

• Planning and organization — Coaches can help teach individuals how to break down large tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. They can also help them develop systems for organizing their belongings, schedules and schoolwork.
• Time management — Coaches can work with individuals to develop realistic schedules and deadlines. They can also teach them techniques for staying focused on tasks, such as using timers and taking breaks. 
• Focus and attention — Coaches can help individuals identify and manage distractions. They can also teach them relaxation techniques and strategies for improving focus. 
• Impulse control — Coaches can help individuals develop strategies for resisting impulsive decisions. This may involve teaching them to:
• Take a deep breath before reacting
• Use positive self-talk
• Practice relaxation techniques

Free resource: Student Success Kit

Benefits of Executive Function skills coaching

There are many benefits to working with an Executive Function skills coach for individuals with ADHD. These benefits can include:

• Improved academic performance
• Enhanced performance in sports or activities
• Increased self-esteem
• Improved relationships

While ADHD symptoms may change throughout life, there’s always room for growth and success. By understanding how ADHD affects your child, developing coping strategies like organization techniques and time management skills, and seeking support from professionals, you can create a fulfilling life that celebrates their unique strengths. With the right tools and support, ADHD doesn’t have to hold them back. It can become a part of their story, but not the whole story. There’s a world of possibilities waiting to be explored, and your child has the power to achieve anything they set their mind to.

Navigating the ADHD journey with Beyond BookSmart: Growth and success through every stage

Every student has the ability to become the best version of themselves by improving their Executive Function skills, such as emotional regulation, organization and time management. All of these skills can be taught, learned and applied for success. They can contribute to an effective study routine that leads to greater academic and personal achievements. 

At Beyond BookSmart, we help students improve these important, lifelong skills through our Executive Function coaching services. We know that every child has unique strengths and challenges. That’s why we customize our coaching sessions for each student’s individual needs, learning differences and emotional patterns.

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an inquiry call.