by web@dmin
6 October 2026 
This is a subject that isn’t always easy to discuss. But it happens. Within my 24 years of practice. I’ve come across it within my client base.
ADHD is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder. The meltdowns can be reasoned away when your son is small. However, when they are in their teen years and older, that’s when it can become intimidating and threatening. To you and the rest of your family. It becomes a dark secret. As parents you may feel ashamed. That you have failed. That you didn’t have the ‘correct’ coping strategies. No amount of SENS at school can offset the silent suffering at home.
ADHD is a complex condition. There are many different variables to consider. Not all ADHDers are the same. But there are many different things to consider and that being the risk of intimate partner violence and emotional abuse among young adult males with childhood ADHD and sometimes adverse childhood experiences (ACE) that can amplify your son’s ADHD traits. Not only have you endured the pain of trying your best to control your son’s destructive impulsive behaviours within the home and outside including drug and alcohol addiction. But you have to consider your son’s problematic behaviour, that is somewhat inevitable, towards their romantic partners. Especially if he should have a child with them.
That said ADHD counselling in St. Albans is available to you with the utmost discretion.
Research has clearly documented the social dysfunction of youth with ADHD. However, little is known about the interpersonal relationships of adults diagnosed with the condition in childhood, including the rates of intimate partner abuse.
Males with childhood ADHD, especially those with conduct problems persisting from childhood, were more likely to be verbally aggressive and violent with romantic partners than males without histories of ADHD or conduct disorder.
Overall, ADHD is far more complex than just a focus problem. Individuals with ADHD face a much higher risk of both experiencing and perpetrating emotional and physical abuse due to core traits such as emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and a history of early life stress.
Research shows that adults with ADHD are more prone to toxic relationships. They either don’t see the red flags, or they ‘invite’ them in due to repetition compulsion. Either way, as parents who love your (adult) children. It affects the family dynamics. My ADHD Counselling in St. Albans can offer exploration and support in a confidential space.
If your marriage and/or your family has been affected by the complexities of a Son with ADHD pleased contact me: Penny Glazebrook Counselling and Psychotherapy: 07739 106062 for counselling support that offers a non-judgmental space to talk.
