Children: ADD and the Family

Many researchers believe that the abilities and limitations that comprise ADD are largely inherited and passed down from generation to generation. If a family member has been diagnosed with ADD, there is a greater possibility that a child, sibling, parent or blood relative has ADD.

ADD symptoms will typically create disruption in family life and stress for family members. Problems frequently encountered include discipline and behavior management difficulties, sibling and parent conflict, poor peer relationships and school learning and behavior difficulties. Traditional parenting techniques are limited in their effectiveness. Parents and children need to understand how ADD effects everyday functioning. For the child, this often involves the acquisition of compensatory skills. For the parents, it may mean the setting of realistic expectations and the implementation of environmental and behavioral strategies to address the child’s limitations and needs.