Coping
Strategies for the ADHD Teenager
 For
teenagers with ADHD, growing up into a self-sufficient adult
might seem a bit overwhelming at times. The teenage years
are difficult for anyone, but for those with ADHD, being a
teenager comes with a whole new set of goals and circumstances.
Sadly, to
the outside world, teenagers with ADHD are sometimes viewed
as less capable of living up to their potential. Of course,
this accusation is not true! The ADHD
teenager usually has good intentions of doing homework,
paying attention in class, and cleaning his or her room. Somehow,
unfortunately, the distractions of ADHD might get in the way
of what the ADHD teen tries to accomplish.
Never fear,
though, because there’s plenty for the ADHD teen to
be hopeful about. By learning some key ways to cope with attention
difficulties, the ADHD teenager can stay on course toward
a bright future:
Learn
educational rights. In both high school and college,
there are laws to help teenagers with ADHD in the classroom.
Be
goal oriented. The ADHD teenager should not be overloaded
with lots of goals. He or she should choose one goal, work
on it until it’s completed, and then go on to the next
goal. The goal could be getting a part-time job, applying
for colleges, or watching less TV.
Get
to know oneself and the way ADHD affects the brain.
Observe study habits and behavior. How does the teenager with
ADHD learn best? Taking notes? Studying in a group? Audio
books? Find out what helps him or her to succeed and stick
with it.
Choose
a career that fits the diagnosis. People with ADHD
are more suited to some jobs than others. When the time comes
to choose a career, the teenager may want to consider how
ADHD will affect him or her at work. The ADHD
career choice can be based on the positive qualities of
ADHD.
Do
not fall victim to self-medication with alcohol and drugs.
ADHD teenagers are more likely to try alcohol and drugs as
a way to cope with the condition. Teenagers should find ways
to stay away from recreational drug and alcohol use. Teenagers
can speak to your parents, a counselor, or a doctor if they
are tempted to drink or take drugs. Teenagers also can get
involved in anti-drug campaigns and avoid those peers who
experiment with drugs.
Be
very careful when driving. ADHD teenagers are also
more likely to get into car accidents. When it comes to ADD
teens and driving, teenagers should limit distractions
in the car like cell phone use, music, and passengers.
Try
to stay away from TV and video games. Brain studies
have shown that for some people, TV and video games stimulate
brain chemistry in unhealthy ways, similar to drug addiction.
TV and video games also provide an easy distraction that an
ADHD teenager does not need.
Speak
to adults more often. Teenagers with ADHD should
feel free to set up meetings with guidance counselors, teachers,
doctors, and other adults in his or her life. Teenagers can
speak to them about the future and ask them for advice. Plus,
by keeping their own appointments, ADHD teenagers learn how
to be more self-reliant adults.
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