When people hear the term ADHD, most people might think of an unruly child around prep-school age who cannot sit still and struggles in school. This is the child who always seems to be in the principal’s office. But ADHD is a more complex and multifaceted disorder than this picture portrays. People of all ages and walks of life struggle with ADHD, and one of the demographics that struggles hardest is teens.
At Venture Academy, our team provides comprehensive and compassionate for teen ADHD, and we can design an individualized education plan for your teen to succeed.
Does Your Teen Have ADHD?
ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. There are several different types of ADHD, including teen ADHD. People with ADHD are often impulsive, hyperactive, distractible, or inattentive. Some of the most well-known symptoms of teen ADHD include:
- An inability to concentrate
- Excessive fidgeting or uncontrolled physical movement
- Impulsive actions
- Struggles in school
If these traits familiar, you may consider speaking with a healthcare professional to start your teen on the path of care to move through their diagnosis and thrive.
Risks Associated with Teen ADHD
You may think that your child was very well adjusted, so why are these symptoms showing up now? The truth is that ADHD symptoms may not appear until a child’s teen years because their hormonal changes may exacerbate problems that were previously not acute. This can make the teen years’ adjustment period unbearable and can lead to struggles in schools or withdrawal from previously enjoyable activities. Some of the symptoms of ADHD that can affect schoolwork include:
- Talking too much is one of the symptoms of ADHD. The constant conversation could cause teens to miss important details of school assignments or conversational markers that could help guide them in healthful decision-making.
- Difficulty with concentrating on reading material or in a lecture environment can mean that teens may struggle with completing or remembering to turn in schoolwork.
- One of the most common symptoms of ADHD is physical hyperactivity, making it difficult to sit still in a classroom for long periods of time.
- Distraction or disorganisation are symptoms of ADHD that can make research, studying, or focusing on schoolwork a task that is insurmountable for your teen. This can also affect your teen’s ability to drive safely, leading to serious repercussions in your community.
- Impulsive actions can affect decision-making in social situations and lead to dangerous or risky behaviours such as drinking and driving, taking drugs, or engaging in sexual activities. Some of these delinquent activities can affect the family or community as they come with steep legal consequences.
Because teen ADHD may involve issues with impulsivity, this puts them at risk of struggling with many problems. But you can get ahead of these consequences by obtaining the guidance your teen needs to understand their impulses. The right environment and treatment can set your teen up for success to surpass their disordered thinking and turn it into an advantage. Quick thinking can give your teen a leg up in taking the initiative in society, and with the right nurturing, that means they can be their best self.
Treatment for ADHD Can Make the Difference for Your Teen
It can be very frustrating to watch your teen struggle with concentration, but finding them the treatment they need to succeed is possible. With Venture Academy’s 30-day assessment, intervention program, and behaviour treatment, your teen can learn new tools tailored to their learning and communication styles. As a result, you can get back to working together as a family with less worry.
If you are still feeling unsure, take our interactive child behaviour test 866.762.2211. It only takes about five minutes of your time and may assist you in your evaluation process as you consider the best steps to take in helping your teen receive treatment for ADHD.
