If Your Adolescent Has ADHD: An Essential Resource for Parents

Adolescents (ages 12-20) with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are at risk for academic problems, strained relationships, peer rejection and unsafe behaviour -- and parents are often at a loss for how to handle these challenges. If Your Adolescent Has ADHD: An Essential Resource for Parents provides the up-to-date information and down-to-earth support that parents need. It offers an in-depth look at causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and parenting strategies.

Contrary to what was once believed, ADHD that starts earlier in childhood usually persists into the teen years. Yet even experienced parents are often caught unawares by the fresh challenges that adolescence brings. This book is one of the few to address ADHD in the context of teen friendships, dating, curfews and sports and extracurricular activities. It also offers practical advice from a leading psychologist on determining readiness to drive and instilling good homework and study habits.

This book is a readable, reliable guide to evidence-based treatments for ADHD including behavioural therapy, medications, and educational interventions. Some approaches, such as school-based mentoring, have been little discussed in other parenting books. The authors also offer effective behavioural strategies that can be used at home, including communication and negotiation, problem solving, rewards, strategic punishments and behavioural contracts; and advice for older adolescents on dealing with college, work, and moving away from home.

Table of Contents

Chapter One:

• Introduction: Same Old ADHD, Brand-New Teenage Challenges
• Five Key Skills for Parents
• The Faces Behind the Pages
• How to Use This Book

Chapter Two: ADHD from A to Z: Essential Facts You Need to Know

• Snapshots of Teen ADHD ADHD or Just Being a Teenager?
• From Hyper Child to Spacey Teen
• Rising Rates and Diagnostic Debates
• Getting an Accurate Diagnosis
• The Comorbidity Double Whammy
• ADHD Causes and Risk Factors
• The Perils of Letting Go Too Soon
• Staying Involved and Promoting Well-Being
• Looking Ahead to a Hopeful Future

Chapter Three: Finding the Best Treatment for Your Teen: Behavioral Approaches

• Behavioral Therapy for ADHD
• Behavioral Strategies with Proven Benefits
• ABCs of Changing a Problem Behavior
• Pros and Cons of Behavioral Approaches
• Finding a Qualified Therapist
• Teaming Up with Your Teen's Therapist
• Other Potentially Promising Strategies
• Combining Therapy and Medication

Chapter Four: Finding the Best Treatment for Your Teen: ADHD Medications

• Stimulant Medications for ADHD
• Non-stimulant Medications for ADHD
• Choosing a Treatment Strategy
• Teaming Up with Your Teen's Doctor
• When Your Teen Rejects Medication
• Heading Off Drug Abuse and Diversion
• ADHD Treatment: Putting It All Together

Chapter Five: Your Teen at Home: Building Strong Bonds and Positive Behavior Patterns

• Being an Authoritative (Not Authoritarian) Parent
• Bolstering Communication Skills
• Collaborating on Solving Problems
• Managing Consequences to Shape Behavior
• Teaming Up with Your Teen
• Rebuilding a Damaged Relationship
• Parenting with Your Partner

Chapter Six: Your Teen in the Community: Fostering Friendships and Safe Choices

• Peer Neglect, Rejection and Bullying
• Supporting Healthy Peer Relationships
• Promoting Smart Choices, Preventing Health Risks
• Helping Your Teen Find Success in Sports and Clubs
• Teaming Up with Coaches and Group Leaders
• Driving with ADHD: A Unique Challenge
• Keeping Your Teen Driver Safe on the Road

Chapter Seven: Your Teen at School: Promoting Smart Learning and Study Strategies

• Teacher Strategies that Support Academic Success
• The Power of a Good Student-Teacher Relationship
• Understanding Accommodations, 504 Plans and IEPs
• Classroom Accommodations for Students with ADHD
• School-Based Interventions: Mentoring Programs
• Teaming Up with Your Teen's Teachers
• Fostering Good Homework and Study Habits

Chapter Eight: Transition to Adulthood: Supporting Independence, Staying Involved

• Making Choices About Higher Education
• Accommodations and Support Services in College
• Dealing with ADHD in the Workplace
• When Your Child Moves Away from Home
• Revisiting Medication as a Treatment for ADHD
• The Road from Adolescence to Adulthood

Glossary

Resources for Parents and Teens

Books for ADHD Professionals

"Power and Andrews have created a comprehensive resource for addressing treatment, relationships and support across the life span of children and adolescents with ADHD. It includes evidence-based information, strategies, and tips parents need to help their child do well at home, in school, socially, and in transitioning to adult life. A must read!"
- Larry Maltin, BuxMont (PA) CHADD

"A valuable tool for parents and professionals."
- Journal of Child and Family Studies