Many teenagers and young adults are not diagnosed in childhood and on reaching adolescence find it exceedingly difficult to cope with change. A child that has been suspended or expelled from school have an increased chance of having anxiety or depression. For teenagers or young adults who have not been diagnosed in childhood can have difficulty being diagnosed in adulthood. A situation can arise where teenagers and young adults have moved schools, had many teachers throughout their years and to obtain consistent and satisfactory information that verify ADHD symptoms as a child can prove difficult. Download a handy factsheet HERE
Some of the more pronounced symptoms in teens with ADHD are related to deficits in executive functioning, the brain’s ability to prioritize and manage thoughts and actions. In other words, executive function allows individuals to foresee longer-term consequences for actions, plan accordingly, evaluate progress and shift plans as necessary. ADHD help is provided via HERE via the ADHD Foundation National Helpline
Much of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) diagnostic criteria are written for younger and may not be applicable to teens. Register here or download a factsheet that may be helpful as a pathway to diagnosis for your child. Take a closer look at childhood and adolescent Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and use this TOOL as a helpful insight to help you understand your child. The results can support a discussion with your medical professional. Many studies throughout the world such as this ONE conducted in the UK and also this Australian Study in 2019. Other samples of self assessment for your child are similiar to this one.
What About School And Further Studies?
There is more knowledge now around a variety of conditions that students are dealing with, and ADHD is one of them. Schools have access to information, resources, and expertise to support all students experiencing ADHD. Students are all different, and you may need to talk to the student support team or counsellor, to make sure they understand your learning needs. Here is a useful book to read
The school may need you to provide them with your doctor’s diagnosis, any specific learning and behavioural challenges, and any other treatment you are getting. They may also need to know what medications and doses you are taking; also, if your paediatrician, psychiatrist, or psychologist has a management plan in place for you. adhd-facts.pdf (russellbarkley.org)
