What is ADHD? worksheet
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If you’re looking for ADHD psychoeducation resources for parents, download this ‘What is ADHD?’ worksheet to share with therapy clients.
ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, can be challenging for parents to understand, especially when dealing with their child’s behavior and development.
Resources, such as ADHD psychoeducation for parents and worksheets for kids, can help parents recognize ADHD signs and use effective strategies to support their child’s focus, emotional control, and social skills.
In this article, we’ll provide an overview of ADHD, discuss tips for ADHD psychoeducation to help parents support their children, and share guidance on using ADHD worksheets.
You’ll also find a free, downloadable “What is ADHD?” worksheet PDF that you can save to your electronic health record (EHR) for future reference or share with your clients.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention and impulse control. First recognized as a clinical disorder in children, ADHD is now known to persist into adolescence and adulthood in many cases.
According to a systematic review, about 43% of people diagnosed with ADHD as children still have symptoms as adults.
ADHD presents through specific patterns of behavior in three core areas:
- Inattention: Difficulty focusing on tasks, frequent daydreaming, struggling to follow instructions, or becoming easily distracted.
- Hyperactivity: Excessive movement or fidgeting, restlessness, and trouble staying seated or engaging in quiet activities.
- Impulsivity: Acting without thinking, interrupting others, or having difficulty waiting for their turn in conversations or activities.
Though all children may occasionally seem inattentive or impulsive, ADHD symptoms tend to be more intense and persistent, and they impact daily functioning.
Tips for ADHD psychoeducation
ADHD psychoeducation for parents and caregivers is an important aspect of supporting families of children with the condition, especially once the diagnosis has been made.
Being informed allows parents and caregivers to better advocate for the child and implement strategies at home.
Here are some ADHD psychoeducation tips for mental health clinicians to keep in mind:
- Provide clear explanations of ADHD, including its symptoms, causes, and how it may affect various aspects of a child's life. It’s important to use simple language and avoid jargon.
- Allow parents and caregivers to ask questions beyond just “What is ADHD?”. Respond to their concerns about ADHD to help them feel more assured.
- Point out the strengths often seen in children with ADHD, such as creativity. Doing this helps parents appreciate their child's unique qualities and potential, not just the challenges they may encounter.
- Encourage parents to collaborate with teachers and school staff. Laws like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act make sure that kids receive modifications in school to help improve their learning experience.
- Share educational materials, books, and online resources. For example, ADHD worksheets for children in PDF format include activities that help kids develop skills like focus, self-control, and organization.
ADHD psychoeducation for parents
Here are some key points parents should know:
What is ADHD? and what it is not
Parents should understand that ADHD is not just a matter of being overly energetic or inattentive.
It is a condition that can impact different areas of their child's life, including their school performance and social interactions.
Common ADHD symptoms
Parents need to realize that behaviors like difficulty paying attention, trouble organizing tasks, impulsive behavior, and excessive talking or movement are not intentional. Rather, these are challenges linked to their child’s condition.
Medication and effective strategies for support
Stimulants and non-stimulants can be part of their child’s treatment plan as they help manage hyperactivity and improve focus.
In addition to, or in place of, medication, parents can implement techniques to help their child thrive, such as teaching coping skills, creating consistent schedules, using visual aids, and providing positive reinforcement.
Since children with ADHD struggle with social interactions due to difficulty reading social cues, parents can encourage participation in social activities and teach conflict resolution skills.
ADHD worksheets for children
The ADHD worksheets for children PDF can be used in any setting, including therapy sessions, at home with parents, or in school environments.
Parents can have their children complete these worksheets regularly—ideally once or twice a week—for consistent practice and improvement over time.
Whether used in therapy or as an extra ADHD psychoeducation resource for parents and teachers, these “What is ADHD?” worksheets help children appreciate their strengths and focus on the positive as they continue to improve their ability to handle the challenges that come with ADHD.
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