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How Do Children with ADHD Handle Disappointments or Setbacks? 

PostedSeptember 1, 2025
UpdatedSeptember 8, 2025
ByMy Patient Advice

Children with ADHD handling setbacks may struggle more than their peers when faced with disappointments or challenges. The impulsivity and emotional dysregulation that often accompany ADHD can make it harder for children to cope with failure or unexpected outcomes. Rather than bouncing back quickly, they may experience heightened frustration, anger, or sadness, which can interfere with their ability to recover from setbacks. 

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How It Helps 

Improving ADHD handling setbacks begins with developing resilience. Children with ADHD need guidance on how to manage their emotional responses when things don’t go as planned. The key is helping them build coping strategies that promote resilience. This can include teaching relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or mindfulness, to help children stay calm during moments of frustration. 

In addition, setting realistic expectations and encouraging a growth mindset can support children in better handling disappointments. By focusing on effort rather than solely on outcomes, children with ADHD can learn to appreciate the process and not just the result. Praise for perseverance and resilience can help strengthen their ability to handle setbacks over time. 

With consistent practice and support, children with ADHD handling setbacks can build the emotional tools they need to cope with challenges, improving their emotional response to difficulties and increasing their confidence in overcoming obstacles. 

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert advice tailored to your needs.   

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Clinical interviews and History Taking.  

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Harriet Winslow, BSc - My patient advice author - mypatientadvice.co.uk

Harriet Winslow, BSc

Author

Harriet Winslow is a clinical psychologist with a Bachelor’s in Clinical Psychology and extensive experience in behaviour therapy and developmental disorders. She has worked with children and adolescents with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), learning disabilities, and behavioural challenges, providing individual and group therapy using evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT. Dr. Winslow has developed and implemented personalised treatment plans, conducted formal and informal assessments, and delivered crisis intervention for clients in need of urgent mental health care. Her expertise spans assessment, treatment planning, and behavioural intervention for both neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS, author and a reviewer for my patient advice - mypatientadvice.co.uk

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy. 

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