Parenting Teens with ADHD

Does your teenager have ADHD? ADHD, once called hyperkinesis or minimal brain dysfunction, is one of the most common mental disorders among children. It affects 3 to 5 percent of all children, perhaps as many as 2 million American children. Two to three times more boys than girls are affected. On the average, at least one child in every classroom in the United States needs help for the disorder. ADHD often continues into adolescence and adulthood, and can cause a lifetime of frustrated dreams and emotional pain.

But there is help...and hope. In the last decade, scientists have learned much about the course of the disorder and are now able to identify and treat children, adolescents, and adults who have it. A variety of medications, behavior-changing therapies, and educational options are already available to help people with ADHD focus their attention, build self-esteem, and function in new ways.

Teachers and the school psychologists can help develop a treatment plan that may include participation in a program to increase your teens attention span and develop his/her social skills. Counseling may also help your teen recognize his/her strengths and overcome any other issues that may accompany the ADHD.

Programs that Can Help Teens with ADHD

Programs that help treat teens with ADHD include boarding schools, residential treatment centers, wilderness programs, and boot camps. Residential treatment centers and therapeutic boarding schools are well equipped to help teens with ADHD learn to increase their attention span and complete tasks. Many programs have been successtul in helping teens graduate from high school, who previously had not thought it possible. Talk to admissions counselors to see how well they are equipped to help your teens ADHD.