Home grown behavioral therapy tips for parents of ADHD teens facing behavioral problems.

Behaviours Unique to Teenagers with ADHD Without Hyperactivity:

Challenging Behaviour

Low energy

Possible Ways to Help

• Encourage physical activity
• Consult doctor
• Get physical exam
• Check for depression/meds if needed

Challenging Behaviour

Absent-minded/spacey

Possible Ways to Help

• See suggestions re: organisation
• Anticipate problems/make adjustments
• Medication may help

Challenging Behaviour

Slow processing

Possible Ways to Help

• Make adaptations at home and school
• Speak to school and see if they can help with some suggestions for maintaining focus in school also share any ideas which have already been successful at home

Behaviours Unique to Teenagers with AD/HD With Hyperactivity:

Challenging Behaviour

Attention seekers

Possible Ways to Help

• Give opportunities to be centre stage
• Participate in activities allowing recognition
• Discuss inappropriate attention
• Ignore some behaviour

Challenging Behaviour

Intrusive

Possible Ways to Help

• Set boundaries
• Identify parent's & sibling's space
• Impose consequences
• Try to explain and teach the arms length rule for how far to stand away from a person when speaking to them
• Teach to wait

Challenging Behaviour

Difficulty relating to others

Possible Ways to Help

• Invite their friends on outings
• Invite their friends to house and organise things to do which you can oversee or take part in so that you can encourage them to participate with others
• Provide tips on relating to friends
• Wait for teachable moment
• Coach his team
• Medication may help
• For boys, encourage having friends in addition to girlfriends