Parenting roles for young people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder transitioning to adult services

AIM To inform transitions from child to adult health services, we explored the work and roles parents take in the care of young people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) aged 14 to 25 years old. METHOD Using framework thematic analysis, we analysed data collected from 28 semi-structured interviews with parents of young people with ADHD to generate a typology and triangulated it against findings from 64 interviews with young people with ADHD. The interviews were carried out as part of a three-strand, interactive mixed-method study. RESULTS An entourage typology of three parent roles was identified. Parents moved between 'manager' and 'roadie' roles as their child gradually matured. A 'superfan' role was identified which supported young people's positive self-image but may impede withdrawal from the 'manager' role. Continued parental involvement into adulthood reflected a need to maintain the balance of resources required to maintain quality of life for the whole family. INTERPRETATION This is the first study to explore parental roles in the health care of young people with ADHD. Parents will vary in their capacity to fulfil the identified roles and step back their care as their children reach adulthood. The findings can inform intervention development to support families and transition between services.