Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a common neurodevelopmental disorder often diagnosed in childhood. Children and teens with ADHD often struggle with their focus and behavior, leading to difficulties in school, at home, and in their social life.

Symptoms of ADHD in teens may include:

• Very High Energy
• Forgetfulness
• Fidgeting
• Excessive Daydreaming
• Excessive talkativeness
• Careless errors
• Unnecessary risk-taking
• Trouble taking turns
• Difficulty interacting with others
  

ADHD can be a complex disorder to deal with for many teens, as it can interfere with their ability to perform well in school and make it difficult to maintain relationships with others. ADHD can interfere with an individual’s ability to focus on tasks for extended periods. It is not unheard of for these individuals to struggle with schoolwork, have difficulty attention in class, and forget to do chores. For teens with ADHD, it can be helpful to learn different coping strategies to manage their symptoms as best they can.

Tips for Teens Managing ADHD

School and home can be challenging for those with ADHD, as there are many distractions in these places that can take their focus from their tasks. Below is a list of strategies that can help with managing symptoms of ADHD at school and home.

• Try Sitting Upfront: Sitting in the front of the classroom can help to reduce the number of distractions one faces in class.
• Let a Teacher Know: Informing a teacher about your ADHD can help you and your teacher to form a game plan around how best to manage your symptoms in class.
• Use tools to stay organized: organization tools such as planners, calendars, and lists can help you remember which tasks need to get done and when they need to get done. Setting reminders on your phone can also help alert you to a job not to forget it.
• Exercise: As those with ADHD are often high energy, exercise can help to relieve some of that energy and improve focus.
• Mindfulness: Mindfulness and meditation can help recenter your attention and improve your focus.
• Don’t forget to take breaks: Taking breaks during your tasks can help you to relax and refocus your attention.
  

Tips for Parents‍

For parents of those struggling with ADHD, it is important to learn different techniques to foster growth and positivity and limit destructive behavior in your child. Learning how to manage ADHD is important. A child with ADHD needs not only discipline but empathy and encouragement as well. When parenting a child or teen with ADHD, some important tips to remember include:

• Defining the rules of acceptable and unacceptable behavior: You must be clear on what behaviors will and will not be tolerated. Rewarding good behavior and discoursing bad behavior can help foster good habits in a teen with ADHD.
• Giving them room to grow: Kids make mistakes, and all have their own quirks. Give your child room to grow as well as teach them good habits.
• Giving them Time-outs: children and teens with ADHD are more prone to outbursts of aggression. Time-outs can be a great way to give your kid time to cool off.
• Creating structure and simplicity: ADHD can make it hard to focus on and complete tasks. Creating structure around tasks can help encourage positive behaviors. Simplifying tasks can make them easier to remember. Creating lists of what tasks need to be done and a routine around how they are done can help structure and simplify tasks for your child.
  

A Program that can Help

There are many programs designed to help teens with behavioral issues to thrive. These programs can teach teens various coping skills and put them into contact with professionals and peers who understand what they are going through. These services can also provide parents with the tools needed to best support their teens. Teensavers CTA is a rehabilitation program located in Orange, California, that offers residential and outpatient programs for adolescents who suffer from substance abuse and emotional and behavioral issues. You can contact Teensavers through their website, by phone, or by email. Contact Teensavers for more information on their life-changing programs.

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Sources:

https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/childhood-adhd/adhd-teens

https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/facts.html#:~:text=ADHD%20is%20one%20of%20the,)%2C%20or%20be%20overly%20active.

https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/adhd-tips.html

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/adhd-benefits#managing-the-challenges