Challenging the Challenged – ADHD in Teens

Are you one of those teens bursting with ideas but challenged when it comes to sitting still or waiting your turn?

If the answer is yes, then you could be are one of thousands of teenagers struggling with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder); a neurobehavioral disorder than affects teens and adults alike.

The good news is you’re probably smart, creative and enthusiastic. Most people with ADHD are. The not so good news is you’re probably a bit impulsive, impatient and inattentive. All traits you can manage. Here’s some ways to cope with ADHD and use it to your advantage.

Take those lips and zip `em
Do you ever find yourself so engrossed in a topic that you forget to consider whether anyone else is interested? Watch for signs that your friends are no longer listening. You may want to ask a good friend to let you know when enough is enough.

A good idea will keep
Interrupting others to share a “brilliant” idea is something many people with ADHD struggle with. You know it’s rude, but you just can’t seem to stop. Try using a notepad – or an electronic device – to jot down ideas that pop into your head while others are talking. Monitor yourself and apologize if you slip up.

Turn a con into a pro
Do you hyper focus on tasks or projects you find particularly interesting? Take advantage of this trait and funnel your energy into projects – and subjects – that pique your interest.

Did I really say that?
You may see yourself as refreshingly honest, but others may see you as simply rude. Avoid hurt feelings by taking the time to consider your comments and how they might be taken. Try a self-imposed five-second delay. Count to five (in your head) before saying something you may regret later. The same goes for harsh emails, texts, or decisions you may be tempted to make while angry. If it has to be said (or sent), it can be done later.

Look over there!
Consider ways to cut down on distractions that pull your focus away from the task at hand. Sit near the front of the class and/or ask to take tests in a private room.

Daytimers … when memory fails
Do it now or write it down. Better yet, program your phone or other electronic device to track your to do list and provide you with reminders about important deadlines and events.

Do I have to?
No one likes to be bored, but for teens with ADHD, boredom can make the situation (and them) intolerable. Try delegating “less interesting” tasks to a lab partner or do them when you have the most energy.

I’m late, I’m late, for a very important date
Tardiness is rude and gives the impression that you are unorganized. If being late is an issue try setting an alarm on your watch, computer, or phone.

Be a ‘NO’ person
You want to say yes but the truth is you’ve already crammed too many things into a jam-packed day. Resist the urge to over commit to school or afterschool activities that can only cause stress. Remember, a job done well is better than several done poorly.

How Troubled is Your Troubled Teen? Take the Test and Find Out

At what point do parents throw up their hands in frustration and say “Enough!” We need help local resources just don’t seem able to provide.

That question is one parents living with a troubled teen invariably find themselves asking. For some, the answer comes while completing an online survey created by the Venture Academy for Troubled Teens, Canada’s leading residential treatment program for troubled teens.

The survey, posted online recently, provides parents with an anonymous way to determine if their teen is exhibiting “normal teenager behaviour” or something worse.

“Parents want what’s best for their kids but don’t always know what that is or how to get it,” says Susan Kenney, Director of Admissions. “Many parents have received conflicting advice about the seriousness of their teen’s behaviour or where to go for help and are almost paralyzed with fear, worried that whatever step they take will be the wrong one.”

Kenney says the results of the test often validate their concerns and confirm that it may be time to seek help.

“It’s hard for families to look outside themselves for help, but these are loving families watching their child spiral out of control.”

The survey asks parents to consider how much time their teen spends with friends and if they are more attached to those friends than family. Questions about drug and alcohol use, school truancy, Internet use, aggression, anger, and self-harm are also included.

The survey’s last question may be the most telling of all: “Do you think your child needs help?”

“Parents know instinctively if their teen needs help but that doesn’t always mean they’ve admitted it out loud,” Kenney says. “It’s been my experience that no parent who calls is overreacting to so-called ‘normal teen behaviour.’ Most are dealing with very troubling circumstances and are looking for reassurance and help.”

Signs that may indicate a teen is troubled and needs help include:

• An increased desire for privacy and secrecy

• Sudden outbursts of anger that are out-of-proportion to what seems to have caused the outburst

• Missing curfew, skipping family commitments, and lying about where he or she is

• A change in peer group, especially if behaviour changes seem linked to the new friends

• Extreme mood swings and/or sleeping more or less than usual

• A sudden drop in grades and/or loss of interest in activities they once liked (sports for instance)

Venture Academy for Troubled Teens is a residential treatment program with locations in British Columbia and Ontario. Visit their website at www.ventureacademy.ca and take the test.