Understanding ADHD: New Research and What It Means for Your Child
As a parent, school administrator, and learning specialist with years of experience working with families navigating ADHD, I've seen firsthand how overwhelming this journey can be for parents. Recent research published in the New York Times on April 13 has revealed some eye-opening findings about ADHD that challenge many of our previous assumptions.
I have explored these five key insights and provided insight on how you can apply them to better support your child inside and outside of the classroom.
1. ADHD is more complex and fluid than previously thought
Recent research shows that ADHD isn't simply something a child either has or doesn't have permanently. A study published last October found that only about one in nine children diagnosed with ADHD experiences consistent symptoms throughout childhood. Additionally, symptoms fluctuate and can sometimes disappear for years before returning.
What this means for parents:
Don't assume your child's diagnosis is a lifelong sentence. Your child’s symptoms and needs may change over time.
Keep an open mind about your child's development and regularly reassess their needs with professionals. (i.e. asking your child’s teachers to fill out Vanderbilt forms and provide qualitative data)
Track patterns in your child's attention challenges—note when symptoms improve or worsen, and identify potential triggers or environmental factors.
2. Medication effects may not be long-lasting
While common stimulants like Adderall can improve behavior in the short term, research indicates these benefits often fade. The largest long-term study of ADHD treatments found that after initial improvements, by 36 months the advantage of medication had disappeared compared to the the implementation of behavioral interventions or even no intervention at all.
What this means for parents:
Consider medication as one tool in a comprehensive approach, not a complete solution.
If your child takes medication, maintain regular follow-ups with the school support team and professionals to monitor effectiveness.
Invest in developing behavioral strategies, skills, and internalizing habits that will benefit your child long-term.
Consider working with professionals on parent training and behavioral interventions alongside any medication plan. Cognitive Behavior Therapy can be beneficial in helping children and teens manage symptoms of ADHD.
3. Medications improve behavior but not necessarily learning
Research suggests ADHD medications help children work harder and faster but not necessarily more effectively. They primarily affect emotions rather than cognition—they don't make a child smarter but make them feel more engaged with work by increasing emotional connection to otherwise boring tasks.
What this means for parents:
Focus on building effective learning strategies and skills, not just managing behavior.
Check in with teachers to ensure your child truly understands the material rather than just completing assignments quickly. Quantitative data and assessments will be significant for your records.
Help your child develop intrinsic motivation for learning through pursuing interests and strengths.
Consider additional academic support like tutoring or learning plans (provided by public and private schools) if your child struggles academically.
4. ADHD exists on a spectrum of severity
Rather than a black-and-white diagnosis, researchers now view ADHD as existing on a continuum. The severity varies significantly—with about one-third of diagnosed children experiencing more severe symptoms such as intense anger.
What this means for parents:
Avoid comparing your child's ADHD experience to others - everyone's symptoms and challenges are unique!
Seek more intensive support if your child shows signs of a more severe presentation, particularly if anger is a significant issue.
Adjust your expectations and parenting approach based on your child's specific needs rather than general ADHD advice.
5. Environmental changes can significantly impact symptoms
Perhaps most encouragingly, research shows that ADHD symptoms respond to environmental changes. When a child's surroundings improve—whether through a more engaging classroom, stimulating activities, or a more harmonious home life—their symptoms often improve as well.
What this means for parents:
Experiment with modifying your home environment to better match your child's needs (For example, implement house organization systems and clear routines or set up a space with reduced distractions)
Advocate for classroom accommodations that might help (seating position, movement breaks, multisensory learning).
Consider extracurricular activities that naturally engage your child's attention through interest and movement.
Create a calm, structured home environment that reduces unnecessary stress and sensory overload.
Let’s Connect!
I am hopeful that this perspective of the recent research on ADHD offers guidance and empowers you as a parent. You can make meaningful differences in your child's life by creating environments where your child can thrive and be successful in their school and home setting.
Remember that while ADHD presents challenges, it also comes with so many strengths—creativity, energy, out-of-the-box thinking, and hyperfocus on topics of interest (i.e. your children can spend three hours building complex Legos). By understanding these new research findings, you can better support your child's development while celebrating their unique qualities.
