After parents take their child to a neurologist who determines that their child has a diagnosis of ADHD, they often ask me whether or not they should tell their children that he/she has ADHD. Oftentimes, children with ADHD have accompanying anxiety. They see themselves exhibiting inappropriate behaviors that they cannot control, which frequently is met by peer rejection. That being said, behaving in a certain way and not knowing the cause of their behavior may contribute to the child with ADHD’s anxiety. Additionally, even if they do not experience anxiety, seeing oneself exhibiting socially inappropriate behavior with the resulting peer rejection may lead them to experience anxiety. So, should children with ADHD be told by their parents the root of their difficulties?
Children with ADHD have a right to know if there is a reason that they behave as they do, or are unfocused or impulsive. Typically, these children are quite relieved to know the derivation of their distractibility, hyperactivity and/or their impulsivity. Once they know and are taught to understand their symptoms, they can begin to learn how to diminish their symptoms.
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