Tips from an ADHD Coach: Past punishment for ADHD traits

ADHD traits such as forgetfulness and impulsivity are often viewed as ‘bad behavior’ while growing up. Kids with ADHD might get punished for these things that are actually due to their brains working differently. So what happens when these kids grow up into adults with ADHD? Some might continue to punish themselves.

This week on Tips from an ADHD Coach, Jaye breaks down why the threat of punishment is not the most effective motivator for people with ADHD, and gives some tips that can help end the cycle. 

Related resources

• Masking ADHD symptoms to go above and beyond (René Brooks’ story)
• Behavior: What is it and how can parents affect it?  
• 7 discipline tips when your child has ADHD

Timestamps

(00:41) René’s quote

(02:18) ADHD is not defiance

(05:01) Ways we punish ourselves

(06:28) How can we motivate ourselves without punishment?

(11:05) Recap

For a transcript and more resources, visit the MissUnderstood page on Understood.

Have a challenge you’d like Jaye to talk about in an episode? Email or send a voice memo to us at adhdcoachtips@understood.org

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