How Does ADHD Affect Kids Lives When They Grow Up

Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2009/09/08 - Updated: 2025/02/20
Publication Type: Announcement
Topic: ADHD and ADD - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: This announcement highlights an interactive TV-Web event that delves into the progression of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) from childhood into adulthood. The event features the world premiere of the documentary "A Mind like Mine," which revisits individuals previously profiled as children with ADHD, now navigating the complexities of adult life. The film offers an intimate look at their educational pursuits and personal challenges, providing valuable insights for those with ADHD, their families, and professionals. Following the documentary, a live webcast discussion with experts addresses critical questions about the long-term impact of ADHD, available support systems, and strategies for success in various life domains. This event serves as a resourceful platform for understanding the enduring effects of ADHD and exploring effective interventions - Disabled World (DW).

Introduction

Live, interactive TV-Web event explores ADHD and adulthood, and connects viewers to experts

Main Item

Do kids with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) ever outgrow the condition? We often associate ADHD with children, and while overt symptoms may dissipate as they age, the challenges that ADHD presents evolve as kids make the transition into adulthood. What obstacles do young adults with ADHD face? How does ADHD impact their lives at school, home and work?

On Wednesday September 30, TVO explores ADHD and adulthood in an interactive TV-Web event starting with the world premiere of the documentary, A Mind like Mine, at 10 pm, followed immediately by a live webcast discussion with experts at tvo.org.

A Mind like Mine - World premiere

Wednesday September 30 2009 at 10 pm ET - 60 minutes - Written, directed and produced by Karen O'Donnell

In her 2002 documentary Odd Kid Out, filmmaker Karen O'Donnell followed three kids with ADHD - her own son Kail, 12, and Daniel Desjardins, 15, among them - as they and their families dealt with the scope of the pervasive interruptions and frustrations ADHD brought to daily life.

Seven years later in A Mind like Mine, O'Donnell turns her lens back on the now-grown Kail and Daniel to create an intimate portrait of how ADHD affects them as young adults. Chronicling a year in the lives of the young men, the film captures their triumphs and challenges as they work toward their educational goals. Daniel, who has had to cope with depression following devastating losses in his personal life, is attending his first year of college and struggling with classes, homework and fitting in.

Meanwhile, Kail is striving to get into university: he and his mother consult with his teachers to ensure strategies are in place to help him meet admission requirements, and he takes the decision about medication into his own hands. No matter the issues that ADHD brings - the struggle to concentrate and to inhibit and regulate behavior, time management, organization - both men are intent on achieving success.

Along the way, the story takes a powerful twist as O'Donnell herself comes face to face with an intriguing turn of events. What begins as an intimate observation develops into a deeply personal journey.

Webcast discussion at tvo.org - LIVE AND INTERACTIVE!

Wednesday September 30 2009 starting at approximately 10:55 pm ET at tvo.org

Immediately following A Mind like Mine, viewers can further explore and discuss issues raised in the film in a special LIVE, interactive webcast.

What happens when kids with ADHD grow up?

Do they need medications for life?

Are they able to attend postsecondary school, live independently and work? What accommodations, if any, are available to them?

What determines who will succeed?

Join TVO's Cheryl Jackson and experts who offer their insight on these questions and more, and take viewer questions.

Guests Include

Filmmaker Karen O'Donnell. A Mind like Mine is O'Donnell's third exploration of ADHD. In addition to this film and Odd Kid Out, O'Donnell's My Different Life brought to light the challenges of a single mom desperately trying to get the proper education for her three kids, two of whom cope with a learning disability and the third with ADHD.

Kail O'Donnell and Daniel Desjardins, the subjects of A Mind like Mine.

Dr. Attila Turgay, a leading ADHD specialist and director of the ADHD Clinic at The Scarborough Hospital

TVO

TVO is Ontario's public educational media organization and a trusted source of interactive educational content that informs, inspires and stimulates curiosity and thought. TVO's vision is to empower people to be engaged citizens of Ontario through educational media. Cable channel 2 (channel may vary in some areas), Bell TV channel 265, Star Choice channel 353.

Author Credentials: Ian was born and grew up in Australia. Since then, he has traveled and lived in numerous locations and currently resides in Montreal, Canada. Ian is the founder, a writer, and editor in chief for Disabled World. Ian believes in the Social Model of Disability, a belief developed by disabled people in the 1970s. The social model changes the focus away from people's impairments and towards removing barriers that disabled people face daily. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and achievements, .

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Citing and References

Founded in 2004, Disabled World (DW) is a leading resource on disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility, supporting the disability community. Learn more on our About Us page.

Cite This Page: Disabled World. (2009, September 8 - Last revised: 2025, February 20). How Does ADHD Affect Kids Lives When They Grow Up. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved April 25, 2025 from www.disabled-world.com/health/neurology/adhd-autism/adhd-childrens-lives.php

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