Interesting ADHD-related tidbits for church leaders

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I'm not sure why, but ADHD-related news has been catching my eye lately. Here are just a few of those tidbits:
  • Kids with ADHD may find it easier to focus on screens (i.e. video games, movies, and other media) than other stimuli. [1]
  • Some ADHD drugs, such as Adderall, have been in short supply this spring. They are harder to find in some areas, leading patients to shop around at multiple pharmacies or miss doses. [2]
  • Being diagnosed with ADHD as a child could be correlated to abusing drugs such as alcohol and marijuana as an adult. [3] There is a possibility that sexual addictions could be higher as well [citation, article]. [and, for good measure, one more source]
  • While the present diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorders doesn't allow a child to be formally diagnosed with ADHD as well, approximately half of children with ASDs exhibit characteristics of ADHD. [4]
So what are the implications of this for you as a ministry leader? Here are a few that came to mind for me:
  • You might want to involve screens in your ministry occasionally, through movie clips, YouTube, or powerpoint. (And, of course, make sure any media you use is age-appropriate and pre-approved by anyone who needs to give an okay. I know our church has policies related to that.)
  • Those with ADHD in your church may be dealing with extra stress of finding medications. They may need your support: emotional (such as listening), practical (such as babysitting while they hunt for meds or making phone calls to help them find a place carrying the pills they need), or financial (to cover the cost difference between generics and brand name versions in places where the generics are unavailable). Also, some individuals who are usually treated with these drugs might be unmedicated or undermedicated. 
  • We have a timely opportunity now to share the Gospel with these kids, which may make them less likely to turn to addictive behaviors as they grow up.
  • As we aim to welcome all families and individuals, it is wise to realize that many special needs co-exist with others. My friend at Key Ministry, Dr. Stephen Grcevich, posted about this last week.
What other implications come to mind for ministry settings?
 
(If you want more information about ADHD, this page from the National Institute of Mental Health is a good place to start.)