Cingulate CEO Dr. Shane J. Schaffer: Why a Child’s ADHD Diagnosis Often Reveals ADHD in a Parent

The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. How often have proud parents, or perceptive friends, reached for this aphorism in light of a child’s talents or triumphs? Sometimes it just comes down to looks or personality. What we don’t hear is that phrase casually applied to children who may have inherited asthma, diabetes or obesity.

And if a young boy or girl shows symptoms of a disorder like autism or dyslexia, how many parents trace it backward and honestly put their own behavior under a microscope? “Family history significantly affects risk and, increasingly, a child’s diagnosis gives parents a reason to look in the mirror,” says Dr. Shane J. Schaffer, Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO of Cingulate Inc. (NASDAQ: CING), a Kansas City biotech working on a new approach for treating ADHD.

A Stronger Focus on Family Health

“As healthcare becomes more expensive, preventive healthcare can save insurers, providers and patients money by adopting a whole-istic approach, seeking to keep families healthy and educated,” says Dr. Schaffer. This extends from screenings, appropriate vaccinations, early detection and education to proper nutrition and exercise. Today, with a spike in chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes and heart disease affecting multiple generations, parents are better aware of family health and lifestyle choices.

Greater availability and broader insurance coverage of genetic testing is also helping families better understand inherited health risks and take action earlier. Couple this with the boom in wearable health tech and AI-powered health tools, it’s becoming easier for families to proactively monitor their health. Explains Dr. Schaffer, “Like flight attendants tell you on the plane to put on your own oxygen mask before assisting others, parents are focusing more attention to their own health, as well as their loved ones.”

ADHD Often Runs in Families

ADHD is one of the most strongly inherited neurodevelopmental conditions, yet its perception as a “childhood disease” eludes many adults with the same symptoms – hyperactivity, trouble focusing, impulsiveness, disorganization, etc. The CDC estimates that, along with approximately 12% of U.S. children, 6% of American adults have been diagnosed with ADHD. Although a highly heritable condition, over 50% of adults with ADHD are not identified until later in life.

Genes, however, tell only part of the story. Families also share socioeconomic status, routines and behavioral patterns that can either amplify or help manage ADHD symptoms. As a result, clinicians encourage families to think about ADHD as a family health issue rather than an individual diagnosis. Understanding its genetic nature can facilitate earlier recognition and support across the family.

A Child’s Diagnosis Leads to a Parent’s

“A common story heard in ADHD clinics is that parents seeking answers for a son or daughter suddenly find themselves recognizing many of the same characteristics in their own lives. This runs from chronic procrastination to forgetfulness to impulsive decision-making, making it extremely difficult to keep track of everything,” explains Dr. Schaffer, adding, “During the evaluation process for their child, many parents realize they have been managing similar symptoms for decades without ever being formally diagnosed.”

This increased awareness is taking place as screening tools and diagnostic guidelines have markedly evolved, notes Dr. Schaffer. In previous generations, many adults, particularly women and those with predominantly inattentive symptoms, were overlooked because ADHD was widely viewed as a disorder affecting only hyperactive boys. Today, families are discovering that what appeared to be isolated struggles often reflect an inherited and broadly shared condition.

More Families Recognize ADHD

A matrix of cultural shifts has made these family discoveries more likely. Public understanding of ADHD has improved, replacing outdated stereotypes with a more accurate picture of how the condition affects children and adults as well as males and females. Major news organizations, podcasts, advocacy groups such as CHAAD, documentaries and social media have helped normalize conversations about living and working with ADHD.

Then there’s a reduction in the stigma. High-profile business, sports and entertainment figures have openly discussed their struggles with ADHD and, by inference, proven that a diagnosis does not prevent success. All of this awareness is driving parents toward greater self-reflection, using their child’s or family member’s diagnosis as a springboard to rise above their own challenges, strengthen their relationships and advance their careers.

Innovation Expands Treatment Options

Fortunately, awareness is growing alongside continued innovation in ADHD treatment. Although existing medications have helped millions of people, many patients and physicians continue to seek treatments that provide more consistent symptom control throughout their active day while fitting more naturally into busy family and work schedules. As a board-certified pharmacist who helped develop and commercialize the ADHD medications Ritalin and Focalin, Dr. Schaffer recognizes that the most meaningful advances in pharmaceutical science are those that optimize both effectiveness and convenience, ensuring treatment better reflects the realities of everyday life.

“When we first established Cingulate 14 years ago, we were driven by the absence of an ADHD medication that had rapid onset, lasted the entire active day, avoided the need for boosters and reduced potential abuse and diversion,” says Dr. Schaffer. As Cingulate advances toward potential FDA approval of its first product, a true, once-daily ADHD medication, he says the company hopes to introduce a new treatment option that improves symptom management for individuals and families.

Better Outcomes Across Generations

When children receive support through diagnosis and treatment, Dr. Schaffer explains, they are more likely to succeed academically, develop stronger social relationships and build confidence. Through a similar lens, he says that parents who recognize and address their own ADHD have the best chance to enhance their skills in organization, productivity and emotional regulation, creating a happier and more grounded home environment for everyone.

“As medical professionals involved in ADHD for decades, we are excited to see these giant leaps in awareness and science,” says Dr. Schaffer. “For many, ADHD is a lifelong genetic condition, but we are crossing a new threshold that has the opportunity to improve lives across generations.”

“However,” Dr. Schaffer continued, “It is critical to emphasize that ADHD must be diagnosed over time by an experienced healthcare professional. While this may not be a typical statement from the leader of a business, I can say without reservation, that I do not want any individual to take our product unless properly diagnosed.”