Teenagers With ADD
Teach Them How
To Help Themselves

They’ll Be Better Equipped
When It’s Time To Leave The Nest

The teenage years are hard for all teens, but teenagers with ADD have extra challenges. The three main things you should focus on that will help you overcome challenges are:

1. You are not alone. Not only are there millions of other teens who are dealing with ADD/ADHD just like you are, there are many people around you who are willing to help you if you give them a chance. First of all, you have to inform them of your challenges. You may have to educate them about ADD. You will be surprised at how many people will respond. If some don’t, that’s OK, you will find others who will help.

2. There are positive aspects of ADD that can give you an advantage in certain circumstances. You are probably a whiz at multitasking. You can think outside the box and come up with creative solutions to problems. You rule at brainstorming new ideas. You can accomplish a lot with your abundance of energy. Your enthusiasm can be contagious. You are spontaneous and NEVER BORING!

3. You have the power to take charge of your life!

Real Strategies You Can Do
To Make Things Better

If one of your challenges is being organized you can: Use lists to stay on top of the things you have to do. Highlight with different colors what items are “Urgent,” “Important but not urgent,” “Not important, not urgent.” Check off each thing as you do it. Put your clothes out the night before and have your books and things ready to go out the door for the next day. Use a day planner and write everything down, when something is due and when you will start on it.
What you can do in school: Explain to your teachers what they can do to help you. If you are easily distracted, ask to sit in the front of the room. Ask them to write assignments on the board as well as give them verbally.

Break your assignments into parts and list each part you are going to do: Example: 1. Research report. 2. Write first draft for report. 3. Write report. Color code your classwork. Put a colored dot on the corner of each paper relating to that class.

Try to study in different ways, using different senses. Record yourself reading the material for a test and listen to it (aural). Take notes as you are reading an assignment (visual/kinetic). Draw a picture of something you want to remember. If the book belongs to you and not the school, you can underline main points as you read. Find other ways to study-you have ADD-You’re good at finding CREATIVE SOLUTIONS!

People who have ADD/ADHD have lower levels of dopemine and norephrine in the brain. Exercise increases the levels of these chemicals and can help balance teenagers with ADD. Get some exercise every day.

Coaching Isn’t Just for Sports
A Good Coach Can Help You
Overcome Your ADD Challenges

Sally McAfee has worked with young people and adults for the past 35 years, 20 of them as a school guidance counselor. It is there where she became adept at bringing out the strengths in her ADD/ADHD clients.

She can help you and your family deal with your ADD/ADHD.

Contact Sally to arrange for a complimentary consultation.

She has the experience needed to help teenagers with ADD and their families.