If Your Adolescent Has ADHD

An Essential Resource for Parents

Dr. Thomas J. Power and Linda Wasmer Andrews

Adolescent Mental Health Initiative

Offers reliable, up-to-date information on adolescent ADHD, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Provides practical, evidence-based advice from a leading psychologist on dealing with common issues, such as determining readiness to drive and instilling good homework and study habits
Covers teen-specific topics such as adolescent friendships, dating, curfews, and sports and extracurricular activities--many of which receive short shrift in other books for parents
Explores the full spectrum of treatment options, including behavioral therapy, stimulant and non-stimulant medications, educational interventions, and parenting strategies
Discusses approaches that may complement treatment, such as school-based mentoring and ADHD coaching
Includes case studies as well as a sample homework chart, sample daily report card, glossary, and resources list

If Your Adolescent Has ADHD

An Essential Resource for Parents

Dr. Thomas J. Power and Linda Wasmer Andrews

Adolescent Mental Health Initiative

Description

Adolescents (ages 12-20) with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are at risk for academic problems, strained relationships, peer rejection and unsafe behavior -- and parents are often at a loss for how to handle these challenges. If Your Adolescent Has ADHD: An Essential Resource for Parents provides the up-to-date information and down-to-earth support that parents need. It offers an in-depth look at causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and parenting strategies.

Contrary to what was once believed, ADHD that starts earlier in childhood usually persists into the teen years. Yet even experienced parents are often caught unawares by the fresh challenges that adolescence brings. This book is one of the few to address ADHD in the context of teen friendships, dating, curfews and sports and extracurricular activities. It also offers practical advice from a leading psychologist on determining readiness to drive and instilling good homework and study habits.

This book is a readable, reliable guide to evidence-based treatments for ADHD including behavioral therapy, medications, and educational interventions. Some approaches, such as school-based mentoring, have been little discussed in other parenting books. The authors also offer effective behavioral strategies that can be used at home, including communication and negotiation, problem solving, rewards, strategic punishments and behavioral contracts; and advice for older adolescents on dealing with college, work, and moving away from home.

If Your Adolescent Has ADHD

An Essential Resource for Parents

Dr. Thomas J. Power and Linda Wasmer Andrews

Adolescent Mental Health Initiative

Contents

Chapter One: Introduction: Same Old ADHD, Brand-New Teenage Challenges
Five Key Skills for Parents
The Faces Behind the Pages
How to Use This Book

Chapter Two: ADHD from A to Z: Essential Facts You Need to Know
Snapshots of Teen ADHD
ADHD or Just Being a Teenager?
From Hyper Child to Spacey Teen
Rising Rates and Diagnostic Debates
Getting an Accurate Diagnosis
The Comorbidity Double Whammy
ADHD Causes and Risk Factors
The Perils of Letting Go Too Soon
Staying Involved and Promoting Well-Being
Looking Ahead to a Hopeful Future

Chapter Three: Finding the Best Treatment for Your Teen: Behavioral Approaches
Behavioral Therapy for ADHD
Behavioral Strategies with Proven Benefits
ABCs of Changing a Problem Behavior
Pros and Cons of Behavioral Approaches
Finding a Qualified Therapist
Teaming Up with Your Teen's Therapist
Other Potentially Promising Strategies
Combining Therapy and Medication

Chapter Four: Finding the Best Treatment for Your Teen: ADHD Medications
Stimulant Medications for ADHD
Non-stimulant Medications for ADHD
Choosing a Treatment Strategy
Teaming Up with Your Teen's Doctor
When Your Teen Rejects Medication
Heading Off Drug Abuse and Diversion
ADHD Treatment: Putting It All Together

Chapter Five: Your Teen at Home: Building Strong Bonds and Positive Behavior Patterns
Being an Authoritative (Not Authoritarian) Parent
Bolstering Communication Skills
Collaborating on Solving Problems
Managing Consequences to Shape Behavior
Teaming Up with Your Teen
Rebuilding a Damaged Relationship
Parenting with Your Partner

Chapter Six: Your Teen in the Community: Fostering Friendships and Safe Choices
Peer Neglect, Rejection and Bullying
Supporting Healthy Peer Relationships
Promoting Smart Choices, Preventing Health Risks
Helping Your Teen Find Success in Sports and Clubs
Teaming Up with Coaches and Group Leaders
Driving with ADHD: A Unique Challenge
Keeping Your Teen Driver Safe on the Road

Chapter Seven: Your Teen at School: Promoting Smart Learning and Study Strategies
Teacher Strategies that Support Academic Success
The Power of a Good Student-Teacher Relationship
Understanding Accommodations, 504 Plans and IEPs
Classroom Accommodations for Students with ADHD
School-Based Interventions: Mentoring Programs
Teaming Up with Your Teen's Teachers
Fostering Good Homework and Study Habits

Chapter Eight: Transition to Adulthood: Supporting Independence, Staying Involved
Making Choices About Higher Education
Accommodations and Support Services in College
Dealing with ADHD in the Workplace
When Your Child Moves Away from Home
Revisiting Medication as a Treatment for ADHD
The Road from Adolescence to Adulthood

Glossary
Resources for Parents and Teens
Books for ADHD Professionals

If Your Adolescent Has ADHD

An Essential Resource for Parents

Dr. Thomas J. Power and Linda Wasmer Andrews

Adolescent Mental Health Initiative

Author Information

Thomas J. Power, PhD is Director of the Center for Management of ADHD at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Professor of School Psychology in Pediatrics and Psychiatry at Perelman School of Medicine of University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Power has served as editor of School Psychology Review and has co-authored numerous books including ADHD Rating Scale-5 for Children and Adolescents: Checklists, Norms, and Clinical Interpretation, Homework Success for Children with ADHD: A Family-School Intervention Program; and Pediatric Psychopharmacology: Combining Medical and Psychosocial Interventions.

Linda Wasmer Andrews is a freelance journalist who has specialized in writing about health and psychology for more than three decades. Ms. Andrews is author or coauthor of 14 previous books, including If Your Adolescent Has Depression or Bipolar Disorder and If Your Adolescent Has an Anxiety Disorder. She blogs about "Minding the Body" for Psychology Today.

If Your Adolescent Has ADHD

An Essential Resource for Parents

Dr. Thomas J. Power and Linda Wasmer Andrews

Adolescent Mental Health Initiative

Reviews and Awards

"A valuable resource and great addition to Oxford's comprehensive series on adolescent mental health." --Library Journal

"Power and Andrews have created a comprehensive resource for addressing treatment, relationships and support across the life span of children and adolescents with ADHD. It includes evidence-based information, strategies, and tips parents need to help their child do well at home, in school, socially, and in transitioning to adult life. A must read!" --Larry Maltin, BuxMont (PA) CHADD