Raising a child with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder : a parents' perspective

Abstract

According to DSM-IV criteria a child has attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) if the child consistently shows one or more of the following characteristics over a period of time, and to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with the child's developmental level: (1) inattention, (2) hyperactivity, and (3) impulsivity (Santrock, 2002). Despite the years of research and the advances in understanding and treating children with ADHD, the disorder continues to be a serious educational and social impairment (Weiss & Hechtman, 1993). When examining the literature on ADHD, what is very clear is the scarcity of published literature that draws from parental perceptions on the disorder. If we are to fully understand ADHD and the effect that it has upon our society it is vital that a candid examination of parents' perceptions occur. This qualitative, phenomenological study used in-depth interviews to explore parents' perceptions of raising a child with ADHD. The present study focused on parents' perceptions regarding five aspects of raising children with ADHD, namely: 1) parents' perceptions regarding their interaction with health professionals and the child's use of medication, 2) parents' perceptions regarding the effects of ADHD on family life, 3) parents' perceptions about their ADHD child and the school experience, 4) parents' concerns and hopes for their ADHD child, and 5) getting through the day and advice for other parents of ADHD children. A number of implications for health and educational professionals arose from the current study's examination of parents' experiences, insights, and strategies for dealing with the ADHD child. Parents also discussed their concerns for the future for their ADHD child and offered valuable advice for other parents whose child has just been diagnosed with ADHD. How parents view the experience of raising a child with ADHD, their feelings about the experience, the actions that they take, and the strategies that they use to cope is important information that will assist in understanding and interacting with families who have a child with ADHD.