Therapist Tip of the Week: Help Parents See ADHD as a Skills Challenge, Not Just a Behavior Problem

When working with parents of neurodiverse children, therapists may hear concerns such as, “He never listens,” “She knows what to do but won't do it,” or “I have to remind him a hundred times!” For children with ADHD, difficulties with attention, impulse control, organization, and getting started on tasks can make everyday routines challenging. These struggles may look like noncompliance, but sometimes children need more support to use a skill consistently. Helping parents understand this difference can change how they respond to their child.

One Idea

Encourage parents to consider whether their child won't do something or is having difficulty doing it independently and consistently.

Try This This Week

When a parent describes a child with ADHD as “not listening,” “being lazy,” or “refusing to cooperate,” ask what parts of the task may be difficult for the child to do independently. The child may need help getting started, remembering steps, or managing distractions. Choose one support to try, such as a visual checklist, a short instruction, a predictable routine, or a brief movement break. The goal isn't to remove all expectations, it's to make sure that there are supports available to help the child meet the expectations.