Since many of the behaviors associated with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are child-like, including impulsivity and forgetfulness, often parents suppose (or hope) that their child will eventually grow out of it. But statistically, your son or daughter with ADHD is likely to struggle with the condition well into the teenage years and beyond. And some children are not even diagnosed until adolescence. That’s because what seemed initially like childish recklessness becomes a more obvious concern as the child matures and cannot stop the behaviors. Studies have shown that 80% of children with ADHD will continue to have symptoms of inattention, forgetfulness and impulsivity throughout the middle and high school years.
Here are some symptoms commonly seen in adolescents with untreated ADHD:
- Difficulty making and keeping friends.
- Increased risk for substance abuse.
- Higher likelihood of antisocial behavior.
- More family conflicts and negativity at home.
- Impaired study skills in math, reading, and writing.
- Higher incidence of failing grades, suspensions, and expulsions.
- Difficulty with driving and a higher incidence of traffic accidents.
What can I do as a parent to help my child?
Fortunately, with the proper treatment and symptom management, the problems described above can be significantly improved.
- Medication, especially stimulant therapy, can be tremendously helpful for teenagers with ADHD. Whether or not to medicate your child should depend on how significantly the symptoms are interfering with his education and general well-being. Consult with a doctor and do your own research before starting your child on stimulant (or any medication) therapy.
- A successful treatment program requires a team effort with parents, teachers, and physicians working together to address your child’s particular areas of concern.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends that children with ADHD be moved to the front of the classroom, that they utilize daily checklists to help them keep on track with assignments, and that they have periodic follow-ups with teachers and physicians to see what other strategies may be necessary.
- Many parents do not realize that ADHD is a recognized disability according to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA), and that their child has educational rights. If your son or daughter has been diagnosed with ADHD and is struggling in school, federal laws guarantee your child’s right to an appropriate education if the current school situation is not meeting her needs. In a future blog I will address this rights and how you can use them for your child’s best interests.
Kristyn Crow is the author of this blog. Visit her website by clicking here. Some links on this blog may have been generated by outside sources are not necessarily endorsed by Kristyn Crow.
Related Articles:
ADHD: To Medicate or Not to Medicate That is the Question
Ten Ways to Help Your Child with ADHD Succeed in School
ADHD in the Land of Middle School