Tips for Explaining an ADHD Diagnosis to Your Child

A guest post by Liz Adams, Ph.D., Minnesota Neuropsychology

Approach the conversation with your child by believing that you and your child will feel relief with this new way of understanding their learning experience.

Remember, your child already knows he/she is struggling. Even young children have a gut sense of this, although they may not know how to express it.

Know that talking about it will help your child know he/she does not have to hide it. It will let them know they are not alone.

Believe that ADHD is a different learning style that doesn’t match the current educational system.

Tell them there is no "right" way to learn and, sometimes, those who learn differently discover the most incredible things.

Make it clear that you know and believe they are trying their best.

Remember to connect with and to express your confidence that your child can overcome challenges.

Let them know that there are ways that help and that you will be there to assist him or her.

After talking about their ADHD diagnosis, circle back to their strengths. Create opportunities where they can shine and show off their innate talents.

Focus on providing positive experiences and success at home and being your child's advocate at school, so he has positive experiences there as well.