ADHD support toolkit | NIH MedlinePlus Magazine

If someone in your life has attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), here are some ways you can offer your support. 

Do:

• Educate yourself. NIH has resources where you can learn about ADHD and better understand its symptoms, causes, and challenges. 
• Offer practical help. There are many practical ways to help someone with ADHD, such as giving them a hand with tasks like cleaning and organizing or simply being present and engaged while they work. This technique, known as “body doubling,” can give individuals with ADHD a sense of accountability and motivation, helping them stay focused and on track.
• Be patient and understanding. ADHD can be frustrating both for those who have it and for the people in their lives. Be patient, flexible, and empathetic. 
• Encourage breaks. Help prevent burnout by encouraging time for short breaks during tasks that require sustained attention.

Don’t:

• Blame or criticize. It’s important to remember that people with ADHD are dealing with a neurodevelopmental condition. This means their brain works differently than others, and they may struggle with certain tasks or behaviors and use different strategies to succeed.  
• Make assumptions. Instead of assuming that you know what someone with ADHD is going through, learn about their individual challenges by listening to them and asking questions. Everyone experiences this condition differently and uses different strategies to manage it.
• Try to “fix” them. The best thing you can do is be there for those with ADHD by offering support and encouraging them to learn how to manage their symptoms.

Diving deeper

Knowledge is power. The more you understand ADHD and its unique challenges, the better you can support those who have it. ADHD is a lifelong journey, and your understanding and acceptance can make a world of difference.

• Start with the basics. Discover what you need to know about ADHD, including signs and symptoms, causes, who it affects, and how it’s diagnosed and managed.
• Discover how it changes across the lifespan. While ADHD often starts in childhood, its symptoms can continue into adulthood. Explore what ADHD might look like in children and teens and how it evolves in adulthood, including ways to support at each phase.
• Understand treatment options. While it’s not a cure-all, medication can be a valuable tool for managing ADHD symptoms, especially when combined with other approaches such as therapy and behavior management. Learn about different types of medication, their mechanisms, potential side effects, and strategies for finding the right fit.