Fitting square pegs into round holes: the challenge of coping with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

This study aimed to further our understanding of young people's perspectives on attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), with particular reference to social context and coping. Twelve young people (aged 10 years 11 months to 17 years 4 months) took part in semi-structured interviews. These were transcribed verbatim and analysed using grounded theory to extract themes and link these into an over-arching model. The model suggested a reciprocal relationship between young people and their social context, with the challenges of ADHD formulated as a mismatch between the two; young people were like square pegs trying to fit into rigid round holes. This 'vicious cycle' led young people to feel out of control and have low self-esteem. ADHD was experienced as less challenging when the environment was adaptable and flexible, and when young people experienced the support and acceptance of others. Such environments may motivate young people to make their own changes, and fostered a sense of agency and positive sense of self. The understanding of others and the willingness to adapt the environment to meet individual needs may ultimately benefit these young people's senses of agency and self-esteem.