Understanding ADHD starts with awareness. In this Healthy Delaware segment of Good Morning Delaware, hosts Matt Ford and Ashley Rice talk about attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in both children and adults — what it looks like, why it’s often misunderstood, and how families, friends, and coworkers can support someone navigating daily challenges. The conversation is presented by the Behavioral Health Consortium and airs during ADHD Awareness Month this October.
What Is ADHD?
Understanding ADHD begins with the basics. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person manages attention, activity level, and impulse control. It isn’t a result of laziness, bad parenting, or a lack of effort. Many people are diagnosed in childhood, but plenty of others don’t recognize the signs until they’re adults juggling work, relationships, and household responsibilities.
Understanding ADHD in Children and Adults: Common Challenges
ADHD can show up differently from person to person and can change with age. During the segment, Matt and Ashley highlight several everyday challenges people with ADHD may face:
- Focus — difficulty staying on task, especially with work that feels repetitive or unrewarding
- Organization — misplacing items, losing track of paperwork, or struggling to plan multi-step projects
- Time management — running late, underestimating how long tasks take, or missing deadlines
- Impulsivity — interrupting, making quick decisions, or acting before thinking things through
In children, these challenges often surface at school or during homework. In adults, they can affect job performance, finances, and relationships.
Why ADHD Is Often Overlooked in Girls and Women
One of the biggest misconceptions about ADHD is that it only looks like a hyperactive young boy. Girls and women are more likely to experience the inattentive side of ADHD — daydreaming, forgetfulness, or feeling overwhelmed — which is quieter and easier to miss. As a result, many women aren’t evaluated until much later in life, sometimes after years of wondering why everyday tasks feel harder for them than for others.
Common Misconceptions About ADHD
- “Everyone is a little ADHD.” Occasional distraction is normal; ADHD involves persistent patterns that interfere with daily life.
- “Kids grow out of it.” Many children with ADHD continue to experience symptoms as adults.
- “People with ADHD just need to try harder.” ADHD is about how the brain regulates attention, not about willpower.
Why a Professional Evaluation Matters
Understanding ADHD in your own family often starts with noticing patterns. If you recognize these patterns in yourself or your child, the next step is talking with a qualified professional — such as a pediatrician, primary care provider, psychologist, or psychiatrist. A professional evaluation can rule out other causes, confirm whether ADHD is present, and open the door to the right kind of support.
ADHD Treatment and Support Options
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Depending on the person, support may include a combination of:
- Behavioral therapy or coaching
- Medication prescribed and monitored by a healthcare provider
- School accommodations for students
- Workplace accommodations for adults
- Parent training and family support
Everyday Strategies for Living With ADHD
Understanding ADHD also means focusing on what helps. Small, practical habits can make a big difference at home, at school, and at work:
- Build routines — consistent morning and evening routines reduce decision fatigue.
- Use visual reminders — calendars, checklists, sticky notes, and phone alerts keep important tasks in sight.
- Break tasks into smaller steps — turning a big project into short, specific steps makes it easier to start and finish.
- Be patient and encouraging — understanding and kindness go a long way for someone managing ADHD.
ADHD Awareness Month: Reducing Stigma Together
October is ADHD Awareness Month, a time to focus on understanding ADHD and reduce stigma — one conversation at a time. Whether you live with ADHD, love someone who does, or simply want to learn more, open and honest conversations help everyone feel more supported.
What’s one thing you wish more people understood about ADHD? Share your thoughts with us on social media.
ADHD Resources and Support
For reliable information and support for children and adults with ADHD, visit CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder).
Want more conversations like this one? Catch more Good Morning Delaware segments and Healthy Delaware health stories on DETV, and subscribe to DETV on YouTube so you never miss an episode.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have concerns about ADHD, please talk with a qualified healthcare provider.
