Enabling successful life engagement in young people with ADHD: new components beyond adult models of recovery

Life Gets Better: Important Resilience Factors When Growing Up With ADHD

“…For example, to be open about difficulties may be beneficial in some contexts but not another, and participating in meaningful activities may be a positive supplement to daily life, but not if it takes precedence above all else. This balancing act is also described in other studies of growing up with ADHD (Chen et al, 2023; Grønneberg et al, 2023).…”

“…At the same time, they describe a maturational shift from being passive to active decision-makers, highlighting the importance of being acknowledged, understood, and taken seriously. Through the process, they developed greater self-knowledge, life skills, and mastery ( Chen et al, 2023 ). With time, they develop several strategies to manage their ADHD, for example educating themselves on the diagnosis, structuring daily tasks, and engaging in activities of personal interest.…”

“…With time, they develop several strategies to manage their ADHD, for example educating themselves on the diagnosis, structuring daily tasks, and engaging in activities of personal interest. In addition, social networks, professional support, medication, and adjustments at school or work had positive benefits ( Chen et al, 2023 ). Some express positive self-esteem highlighting their strengths and talents ( Eccleston et al, 2019 ).…”

“…Some express positive self-esteem highlighting their strengths and talents ( Eccleston et al, 2019 ). The following are also viewed as positive attributes of ADHD by individuals themselves: High levels of energy and drive, creativity, thinking “out-of-the-box”, adventurousness, hyper-focus, agreeableness, empathy, and willingness to assist others ( Chen et al, 2023 ; Holthe & Langvik, 2017 ; Mahdi et al, 2017 ; Sedgwick et al, 2019 ). The period of late adolescence and early adulthood is by some labeled “emerging adulthood” ( Arnett, 2007 ) and this might be an important developmental phase to explore considering the maturational shift described in other studies ( Chen et al, 2023 ).…”

“…The following are also viewed as positive attributes of ADHD by individuals themselves: High levels of energy and drive, creativity, thinking “out-of-the-box”, adventurousness, hyper-focus, agreeableness, empathy, and willingness to assist others ( Chen et al, 2023 ; Holthe & Langvik, 2017 ; Mahdi et al, 2017 ; Sedgwick et al, 2019 ). The period of late adolescence and early adulthood is by some labeled “emerging adulthood” ( Arnett, 2007 ) and this might be an important developmental phase to explore considering the maturational shift described in other studies ( Chen et al, 2023 ). Emerging adulthood is characterized by major biological and social changes, including increased self-focus, identity exploration, as well as increasing independence and new demands parallel to the withdrawal of familial and institutional support ( Arnett, 2007 ).…”