The 'Raising Children With ADHD Who Thrive' Parenting Program was developed by Dr Louise (Lou) Brown as an advocacy project. Information about the development methodology and the theories, paradigms and principles underlying the parenting program can be found below.

Development methodology

The program was developed using the UK Medical Research Council’s Framework for Developing and Evaluating Complex Interventions (Skivington et al., 2021). This framework promotes a systematic, phased approach to the development and evaluation of complex, theory driven, consumer-informed interventions.

During the development process information from parents was continually gathered and analysed via range of research studies, to ensure lived experience informed every aspect of the program.

Underlying child development theory

The most widely accepted child development theory is Bronfenbrenner’s (2006) Ecological theory of human development. This theory can be viewed as the foundation on which this ADHD parenting program was designed.

This theory is discussed in more detail under the module Child development.

Underlying paradigms

The neurodiversity paradigm provided the philosophical framework on which this ADHD parenting program was developed and influenced the language used within the program.

The paradigm refers to the belief that differences in human neurodevelopment primarily reflect natural human variations, and that these differences (even if they fall outside of the range that is usually considered ‘typical’ and cause significant disability) should be accepted, respected and celebrated, rather than seen as abnormalities or impairments that needs to be ‘cured’ (den Houting, 2019; Pellicano & den Houting, 2022).

In the context of the neurodiversity paradigm, ADHD is viewed as a neurodevelopmental difference that should be embraced, supported and accommodated in a neuro-affirming, strengths-based manner. The paradigm promotes acceptance of disability and recovery so that individuals with ADHD can be empowered to live well with their condition (den Houting, 2019; Dwyer, 2022).

Underlying guiding principles

The guiding principles underlying this ADHD parenting program include:

• Acceptance of difference
• Realistic optimism
• Recovery

In the context of ADHD, acceptance of difference (also termed acceptance of disability or adaption to disability) refers to a person’s journey towards understanding and accepting their ADHD-associated abilities and limitations, recognising their own value, and learning to live successfully with their condition (Park, 2019). The principle aligns with realistic optimism, which refers to being positive and realistic about your strengths and challenges, and your future.

Recovery refers to the process involved in creating and living a full, meaningful and contributing life of one’s choosing, despite having ADHD (AHMAC, 2013). Although the measures of recovery are personal and unique for each individual, they tend to universally encompass the concepts of: hopefulness; an understanding of personal strengths and limitations; self-determination, and empowered self-management (AHMAC, 2013).

These principles acknowledge health and well-being are not exclusively determined by the presence of a neurodevelopmental difference such as ADHD, and that people can be happy and healthy despite their biologically-based challenges (Schultz et al., 2002). Both concepts also involve a continuous, non-linear, and holistic growth process that facilitates wellbeing and quality of life (Schultz et al., 2002).

Adolescents and adults with ADHD report the protective factors that they consider important for facilitating positive wellbeing, adaption to disability, and recovery include:

• An understanding of ADHD
• Self-awareness
• Self-acceptance
• Self-compassion
• Realistic optimism
• Skills and compensatory strategies that support self-mastery.

(Attoe & Climie, 2023; Beaton et al., 2022; Becker et al., 2023; Botha & van der Westhuizen, 2023; Dangmann et al., 2024; Ginapp et al., 2023; Miller, 2017; Rasmussen et al., 2022; Zapata & Worrell, 2023).

Significance of the developmental stage industry versus inferiority