Megan Foley Nicpon, Ph.D., a licensed clinical psychologist and administrator of the Assessment and Counseling Clinic at the Belin-Blank Center, led a parent seminar for The Davidson Institute Parents entitled, “ADHD and Giftedness: What do Parents Need to Know?” Major themes from this seminar will be highlighted in this “Tips for Parents” summary.
Treatment issues
Behavioral Interventions
Medications
Predictors for Long Term Success
The research shows that ADHD is not typically outgrown – 80% of those diagnosed in childhood continue to display symptoms to a significant degree in adolescence and young adulthood. However, that means that 20% do not. This may be because these adolescents were misdiagnosed as children or that they no longer exhibit symptoms severe enough to meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD.
There are several factors that are linked to long-term success in children who have ADHD:
In thinking about college, it is vital that the gifted student with ADHD investigate university and/or college services for students with disabilities. Students will find that accommodations vary significantly from setting to setting. Also, documentation needed to obtain services varies so it is important to know what “data” you need in order to qualify for accommodations at the college/university you choose.
Finally, to all parents, You are human beings whose patience can wax and wean depending on your circumstances. When you are feeling your own aggression/agitation rise, give yourself a timeout from the situation so that you can calm down. That is a better solution than taking out your frustration on your child. We all make mistakes, but everyone suffers if you blame yourself for a past that you cannot change.
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