DeepSummary
The podcast episode features Dr. Anthony Rothstein discussing challenges faced by young adults with ADHD in achieving independence and guidance for parents supporting their children through this transition period. He explains that the journey to adulthood is taking longer for today's generation, with more individuals in their 20s still living with their families. ADHD can further delay this process due to executive functioning difficulties and the lure of digital media.
Dr. Rothstein advises parents to adopt an open, non-judgmental mindset, engaging their children in exploratory conversations about their goals and values rather than dictating expectations. He recommends assessing motivated abilities, utilizing tools like motivational interviewing, and considering vocational coaching to help young adults find a suitable career path. Managing anxiety, building adaptive thinking, and moderating technology use are also highlighted as crucial elements.
While acknowledging the frustrations parents face, Dr. Rothstein emphasizes the importance of allowing young adults to struggle and figure things out themselves, providing gentle guidance without enabling counterproductive behaviors. He stresses the need for parent-child communication, empathy, and finding the right balance of support without micromanaging the transition to independence.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Parents should get on the same page to avoid undermining each other's approach to supporting their young adult child's transition.
- Open communication, empathy, and finding the right balance of support without micromanaging is essential for parents.
- The transition to adulthood is taking longer for today's generation, with more young adults in their 20s still living at home.
- Young adults with ADHD face additional challenges in achieving independence due to executive functioning deficits and struggles with emotional regulation.
- Parents should adopt an open, non-judgmental mindset and engage their children in exploratory conversations about goals and values, rather than dictating expectations.
- Allowing productive struggles and avoiding solving problems for young adults is crucial for developing independence.
- Managing anxiety, building adaptive thinking patterns, and moderating excessive digital media use are key areas to address.
- Vocational coaching and assessments can help identify motivated abilities and suitable career paths for emerging adults.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “I think the notion of an open nest, where sometimes kids come back home, is really more the norm than ever before.“ by Anthony Rothstein
- “Jumping in with the answer is not going to help them figure it out.“ by Anthony Rothstein
- “I think to take charge of your social media usage, the bottom line is you really have to reduce overall time online.“ by Anthony Rothstein
- “Doing your best to adopt a less judgmental and more open minded approach. Doing everything you can to be curious about what's going on, giving them the benefit of the doubt and being open to constructive criticism.“ by Anthony Rothstein
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Episode Information
ADHD Experts Podcast
ADDitude
5/21/24
Some individuals with ADHD take longer to achieve independence than do their peers. Anthony Rostain, M.D., offers practical advice to parents who are struggling to support their 20-something kids during the prolonged transition known as emerging adulthood.
ADHD in Emerging Adulthood: More Resources
- Download: Questions to Get Your Child Talking
- Get: 7 Core Executive Functions in Children & Teens
- Read: 5 Critical Life Skills That Build Independence & Confidence
- Read: “Stop Trying to Fix Everything!” Scripts for Reflective Listening
Access the video and slides for podcast episode #503 here: https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/emerging-adulthood-adhd-young-adult-living-skills/
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