TITLE

Is It Possible to Outgrow A.D.H.D.?

DESCRIPTION

When children are given a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, it means that they exhibit a number of behaviors that meet DSM (American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual) criteria.  Do children outgrow the disorder as they move into adulthood?  Or if they no longer meet the DSM criteria, does that mean that they no long have the disorder?  This informative article examines the differing perspectives that professionals have in understanding what happens as the child moves to adulthood.   What is agreed on is:   “Doctors typically advise a combination of behavioral interventions, counseling and medication to address a child’s symptoms. A child who can manage the symptoms of A.D.H.D., allowing for a more successful experience in school, may reach a point when A.D.H.D. is far less of a problem. So facilitating success in school and ultimately in life may be the path to “outgrowing” the diagnosis.”

Students interested in this disorder will find the article helpful in exploring the different research issues related to A.D.H.D.

SOURCE

New York Times, November 13, 2020, by Cheryl Maguire

LINK TO RESOURCE

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/13/well/family/is-it-possible-to-outgrow-adhd.html?smid=em-share

(Tiny URL)  https://tinyurl.com/y56q5yuf

CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

•What is A.D.H.D. ?

•What criteria are used to diagnose A.D.H.D.?

•Explain three of the different perspectives as to whether children can or do outgrow A.D.H.D.

•What do the professionals agree upon in terms of advice to both parents and adults regarding A.D.H.D.?

•If you were asked the question as to whether children outgrow A.D.H.D., what would you answer?  What advice would you give?