Attention Deficit Disorder, with or without hyperactivity, is primarily characterized as having an inattentive and impulsive nature. Those who suffer from ADD or ADHD are extremely active, fidgety, talkative, and restless. They have difficulty paying attention, forget things easily, and interrupt others. Often, they must contend with the consequences of acting without thinking things through.
Teenagers With ADD/ADHD
For teenagers growing up with ADD/ADHD, these symptoms are exacerbated. Academics are often a struggle. It can be difficult to concentrate on schoolwork, and it might take several minutes for one paragraph to sink in. Kids might have trouble keeping their backpacks, desks, and lockers clean, and it might be difficult to find and turn in assignments.
Teenagers with ADD/ADHD might constantly be late to class and complete their homework at the last minute. They need repetitive reminders to get things done, and might also suffer from other learning disabilities. Teachers often grow impatient with their excuses for not turning in work, and might cast them out, especially if they are disruptive in class.
For teens with ADD/ADHD, relationships and social affairs are also difficult to maintain. It is common for people with ADD to say things without thinking, to be distracted and have a short attention span. They may talk over people and intrude on private conversations. Many of these teens find themselves being the class clown or becoming overly promiscuous to gain a measure of popularity. Alternatively, some teens withdraw from the social scene altogether, and find themselves isolated and depressed. This is common in those who are teased for their lack of attention span and difficulty completing "easy" schoolwork.
Tips for Teenagers with ADD or ADHD
- Try not to sit next to windows or other students in class
- Make an assignment notebook and write all due dates, homework, tests, and appointments down. Check it daily.
- Teenagers should discuss their ADD with teachers and ask for extra help and understanding
- When studying, read, write notes, and tape record the lesson for multi-sensory understanding
- Take time to let off steam and be physically active
- Teens need to learn how to express feelings positively and let others know how they feel
- Ask for support and understanding from friends
- Join an online support group
- Think about speaking to a therapist or clergyman about negative feelings
- If suffering from a learning disability, teens may qualify for special services, and should ask their school counselor for more information. Teens may even qualify for help with standardized tests such as the SATs so that college is an attainable dream.
Tips for Teachers with ADD/ADHD Teenagers in Class
- Pair the student with a classmate who can help him focus
- If issues arise, talk to the student privately, to ease embarrassment
- Offer extended classroom hours to help him develop his skills
- Talk to parents and keep them involved
Tips for Parents of Teenagers with ADD/ADHD
- Parents should keep ongoing contact with teachers, school counselors, and principals
- Parents should participate daily in schoolwork and help teens learn to manage their own priorities
- Parents should open lines of communication with their teenager; if not with themselves, with a counselor or psychologist
- Parents should allow their teens to participate in peer groups or sports programs when reasonable
- Parents should value their teen’s friendships when reasonable
What Teenagers with ADD/ADHD are at Risk For
According to the ADHD Information Library teens with ADD/ADHD can be more prone to sexual promiscuity, shoplifting, alcohol and drug use, eating disorders, and running away from home. Teenagers with ADD/ADHD obtain more traffic accidents and speeding tickets, and find themselves the unwanted bearers of teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Teens with ADD/ADHD are also more likely to be arrested for a felony and are more prone to other psychiatric disorders, such as depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and anxiety disorders.
Overview
If a teenager has been diagnosed by ADD/ADHD by a qualified professional, they should discuss all of their options with parents, teachers, and counselors. There are many medications available to curb the symptoms of ADD, but these must be thoroughly researched and individually assessed. Both academic and psychological counseling can prove beneficial. With a comprehensive approach and a positive attitude, many ADD teenagers can survive this already tumultuous stage of life and come out on top with many accomplishments.
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