ADHD Through the Generations: Why Parents and Grandparents Are Getting Diagnosed Now.
For decades, ADHD was seen as a childhood condition—one that kids would eventually “grow out of.” But as awareness has grown, we now know that ADHD is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition. What’s even more surprising? Many parents and even grandparents are now receiving ADHD diagnoses for the first time. Why? Because they’re recognizing their own symptoms through their children’s diagnoses.
How ADHD Was (and Wasn’t) Recognized in Each Generation
Boomers & Gen X (Born ~1940s–1980s)
ADHD was barely on the radar when these generations were growing up. Hyperactive boys may have been labeled as “troublemakers,” but many kids—especially girls—were overlooked. Instead of ADHD, they were often told they were lazy, spacey, or just needed to “try harder.” The idea that adults could have ADHD was practically unheard of, so many individuals went undiagnosed for decades.
Millennials & Gen Z (Born ~1980s–2010s)
By the time Millennials came along, ADHD awareness had grown, but it was still riddled with misconceptions—many believed it only affected hyperactive young boys. Girls and inattentive-type ADHD were still frequently missed. The internet and social media, however, became game-changers for Gen Z, leading to a surge in self-recognition and diagnosis.
One of the biggest reasons for the rise in adult ADHD diagnoses is simple: many parents recognize their own symptoms when their children are diagnosed. This “aha moment” leads them to seek evaluation, often explaining decades of personal struggles.
Another key factor? Advancements in ADHD research and awareness. We now know that ADHD is highly genetic. According to Dr. Russell Barkley (2015):
If a parent has ADHD, their child has a 57% chance of having it.
If a sibling has ADHD, there’s a 32% chance the other sibling does too.
If one identical twin has ADHD, the other has a 70-80% chance of having it as well.
With this knowledge, many families are realizing that ADHD isn’t just showing up in their kids—it’s been present across multiple generations.
The ADHD Experience Across Generations: How It Presents Differently
ADHD symptoms don’t change, but how they are understood, masked, and managed varies greatly across generations.
Boomers & Gen X: Likely to have spent years undiagnosed, overcompensating, or misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression. Many internalized struggles as personal failings rather than recognizing them as symptoms of ADHD.
Millennials: More likely to receive a diagnosis in early adulthood, but often still missed due to stigma or internalized masking.
Gen Z: The most ADHD-aware generation, benefiting from better access to support, accommodations, and an online community that normalizes neurodiversity.
Breaking the Cycle: The Power of Intergenerational Understanding
When parents and grandparents acknowledge their own ADHD, it can create a ripple effect of understanding and validation. Instead of shaming themselves or their children for struggles with focus, organization, or impulsivity, families can work together to develop strategies that actually support their neurodivergent brains.
For many adults, a late diagnosis is life-changing. It’s not just about getting treatment—it’s about reframing their past and understanding themselves in a way they never have before. Recognizing ADHD in previous generations can also be deeply healing, offering clarity on family dynamics and lifelong patterns.
The Future of ADHD Awareness
As ADHD awareness continues to grow, more adults will receive diagnoses—not because ADHD is “trendy” but because it was always there, just overlooked. The more we learn about ADHD across generations, the more we can support individuals of all ages in embracing their neurodivergence and thriving on their own terms.
If you’ve ever wondered why ADHD seems to run in families, now you know—it does. Recognizing it can be the first step in breaking cycles of misunderstanding and unlocking support across generations. It’s also important to remember that each person with ADHD is 100% unique so it’s essential to hold judgment on others ’ experiences with being diagnosed as it may be different than yours.
