Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is often misunderstood. Teens who exhibit behaviors common in people with ADHD are often blamed for them. In reality, ADHD brains work differently than neurotypical brains. This can put them at odds with the rest of society.
There's nothing wrong with having ADHD, but that doesn't mean the world doesn't treat our teens like it is. To live in a neurotypical world, teens with ADHD unfortunately need to adapt.
In this article, we'll look at a few ways ADHD can affect your teen and what you can do to help. The following advice can help your teen bring out the best in themselves and others.
How ADHD Affects Teens and What Parents Can Do to Help
The best way to manage ADHD as a teen is through cognitive behavioral therapy and/or medication. This can make it easier for them to build habits in the following areas.
1. ADHD Can Affect Academics
If a teenager has ADHD, then they likely have issues sustaining focus in class. They may also forget about important deadlines or dates, which can cause them to fall behind. If they do remember, they may suffer from ADHD paralysis impacts, making it hard to start or finish a project.
Managing these symptoms requires more than self-discipline, and relying on this could cause a lot of distress for your teen. Instead, teach your child organization skills, scheduling, and prioritization. Using headphones in the classroom can help maintain your teens' focus.
2. ADHD Can Affect Relationships
ADHD and social relationships are a circular cycle. Their inattention and impulsivity can make it hard for them to listen and cause them to speak out of turn. This can cause people to distance themselves from them, which makes it difficult for a person with ADHD to build social skills.
Don't tell your child to act like the other kids to fit in, as this can cause them to "mask" and not be themselves. Instead, teach your child how to wait their turn and actively listen. Practice with them by speaking to them about your day and asking them to respond based on what you say.
3. ADHD Can Affect Emotional Functioning
People with ADHD feel emotions quickly and deeply, meaning they're more likely to discuss feelings publically. If they express emotions in the wrong context, they may feel guilt or shame. They may experience emotional dysregulation, making it hard for them to restore balance.
If your teen is experiencing a wave of emotions, encourage them to name it. Ask them to slow down and become aware of what caused the emotion and what it is. This can help them regulate. Exploring mindfulness can also help teens become more in touch with themselves.
4. ADHD Can Affect Behaviors
Teens with ADHD are more likely to participate in risky behaviors like substance use, aggressive driving, and gambling. The reason for this is that people with ADHD have lower dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin than average. Risky behaviors up these neurotransmitters.
People with ADHD can assess risk like anyone else, but if they don't have a healthy outlet to get those neurotransmitters, they'll seek them elsewhere. Parents can teach children how to safely improve their mood by encouraging them to participate in the healthy things they enjoy.
In Conclusion...
The most important thing to learn about ADHD is that it isn't a deficit and can't be willed away with self-discipline. What teens with ADHD need is understanding. Once parents accept that their child needs a different approach, they'll see them be the best version of themselves.
Teaching an ADHD teen to be like the other kids can cause them a lot of pain later in life. Acknowledging your child's needs and working with them is often the best approach.
