Coping with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder : the parents' perspective : three case studies

Abstract

The main aim of this study was to look at parental perspectives of three couples on bringing up a child who has been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The study looks at the impact on parents of having a child with ADHD. Issues related to the family environment, parental coping and management of the ADHD symptoms by the respective parents were explored. Their experiences with having to deal with such a situation, and how this, in tum, affects their everyday life and that within the family, were also looked into. Expectations and concerns of the parents have also emerged throughout the data collection. The effects of ADHD on the parents' marital life were also considered. The results show that the main anxieties revolve around their childrens' education, and effort on the parents' part is mainly focused on improving the childrens' academic performance. Medical decisions and issue regarding support for parents also featured prominently. This dissertation highlights the importance of parental roles in the management and treatment of ADHD, and how parents and professionals can work more collaboratively in the best interest of the children.