These children can be creative and charming, but may require more of the parents' time and effort than other children. It is a physical problem that is often inherited. But in many if not most cases, the condition persists into their adult life. Even grandparents might make similar discoveries. It helps to recognize this since symptoms of ADHD are quite often treatable in adults.
Family support is important during and after the time of the initial diagnosis.
Parents may feel defensive and inadequate. They may compare themselves unfavorably to their own parents or in-laws. Extended family can be an important source of support, but can also be a source of tension. Grandparents and others may base their opinions on inaccurate or skewed material in the popular press. In previous generations, there was more stigma associated with mental illness and behavior disorders.