ADHD and Maturity Explained by a Psychologist

As psychologists who diagnose Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), we meet with parents who think that their child may have ADHD. We then conduct testing, interviews, observations, and rating scales to consider the possible symptoms. Next, we tell parents whether or not their child meets diagnostic criteria for having ADHD. This conversation occurs at a feedback session where we review the results and impressions from our collaboration. 

Many parents receiving a first-time diagnosis wonder how long their child will have ADHD. A great question! The answer is that ADHD is a life-long neurodevelopmental condition. So the short answer is “no.” They won’t grow out of it, but there’s something interesting to consider, and that is the 30% rule. Famed ADHD researcher, author, and public speaker, Dr. Russell Barkley, estimates that children with ADHD will demonstrate a delay in maturity and executive functioning, approximately 30% behind their neurotypical peers. 

This means that a 10-year old with ADHD may behave much more like a 7-year old. Developmentally, the interests and maturation of a 7-year old is much different than a 10-year old! Similarly, an 18-year old may act more like a 15 year old. There is still a large developmental difference between 18-years of age and 15-years of age, but not as significant as between 10 and 7-years of age. 

Let’s consider later in life, when children with ADHD grow up and enter adulthood. If we apply the 30% rule to a 60-year old, then the maturity level of a 60-year old with ADHD may appear more like a 40-something year old. Both of these ages are well into adulthood with similar roles and responsibilities. Thus, the maturity difference may not appear as significant. We also know that in adulthood, individuals with ADHD gravitate toward career settings that are much more suited to their behavioral-, emotional-, and cognitive-regulation skills. Check out this recent ADDitude article on the 16 Best Jobs for Creative and Restless ADHD Brains.These are great work settings to stimulate the ADHD brain and find success. 

In summary, think about your child with ADHD. Take their chronological age and minus 30%. This is approximately the developmental age of their executive functioning. Will they grow out of ADHD? Not exactly. But with the right instruction and support, they can wisely build skills and choose career fields of their interests for lifelong progress and fulfillment.

Guest Blogger Molly Bernosky, Ed.S., M.Ed., is Director at Springer Diagnostic Center.