ADHD in Children and Adolescents

Age-Based Support Guide

ADHD can make it harder for children and teens to reach their full developmental potential. The three main symptoms – trouble paying attention, hyperactivity, and acting without thinking – create real problems in daily life:

• Emotional ups and downs: Kids have quick mood swings, get frustrated easily, and struggle to control their emotions.
• Getting organized is tough: They miss deadlines, forget appointments, and somehow always lose important papers and belongings.
• Making friends becomes hard: They miss social cues, have trouble following rules and find it difficult to keep friendships.
• Sleep problems: Many kids and teens have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep through the night.

The Five Key Areas:

• Understanding and awareness
• Consistent structure and routine
• Effective communication
• Working together and getting support
• Building self-esteem and resilience

Understanding and Awareness

• Early Recognition: Learn to identify ADHD symptoms for timely intervention and support
• Simple Explanations: Help young children understand their feelings and behaviors in age-appropriate ways
• Visual Learning: Use pictures and concrete examples to explain expectations and emotions
• Patience with Development: Recognize that self-awareness develops gradually at this age
• Family Education: Ensure all family members understand ADHD to create consistent support

Consistent Structure and Routine

• Visual Schedules: Use picture charts to show daily activities and transitions
• Simple Daily Routines: Establish basic morning, meal, nap, and bedtime routines
• Clear Physical Spaces: Designate specific areas for play, quiet time, and meals with minimal clutter
• Short Time Blocks: Structure activities in 15-20 minute segments with frequent breaks
• Predictable Transitions: Use songs, timers, or visual cues to signal activity changes
• Start with Basics: Focus on one routine at a time (e.g., putting toys away after play)

Effective Communication

• Simple, Clear Language: Use short sentences with concrete words and instructions

• Visual Aids: Support verbal communication with pictures, gestures, and demonstrations
• Active Listening: Get down to child’s eye level and show you’re listening through body language
• Immediate Feedback: Provide praise and redirection close to the behavior occurrence
• Patience with Expression: Allow extra time for children to find words and express thoughts

Collaboration and Support
• Early Intervention Team: Work with pediatricians, early childhood specialists, and therapists
• Kindergarten Preparation: Collaborate with preschool teachers to develop readiness skills
• Family Coordination: Ensure grandparents and caregivers use consistent approaches
• Community Resources: Access early childhood programs and parent support groups
• Documentation: Begin tracking behaviors and successful strategies for future reference

Promoting Self-Esteem and Resilience
• Celebrate Small Wins: Praise efforts like sitting for story time or sharing toys
• Identify Early Strengths: Notice talents in movement, creativity, or social connections
• Emotional Vocabulary: Teach basic feeling words and coping strategies
• Social Play Skills: Facilitate positive interactions with peers through guided play
• Build Independence: Encourage self-help skills like dressing and simple chores

 Understanding and Awareness

• Educational Assessment: Pursue formal evaluation and educational planning if needed
• Self-Understanding: Help children understand their ADHD and how it affects learning and friendships
• Strength Recognition: Identify academic and personal strengths to build confidence
• Advocacy Skills: Begin teaching children to communicate their needs to teachers and peers
• Stigma Reduction: Address misconceptions and promote acceptance in school and social settings

Consistent Structure and Routine

• Homework Stations: Create dedicated, organized spaces for academic work with minimal distractions
• Time Management Tools: Introduce planners, calendars, and timers for assignments and activities
• Clear Expectations: Establish consistent rules and consequences across home and school
• Break Down Tasks: Divide larger assignments into smaller, manageable steps with checkpoints
• Scheduled Breaks: Include physical activity and mental breaks in daily routines
• Organization Systems: Teach filing, labeling, and maintaining organized backpacks and desks

Effective Communication

• Structured Conversations: Use bullet points and numbered lists when giving complex instructions
• Written Reminders: Provide written instructions and assignment details as backup to verbal communication
• Regular Check-ins: Schedule weekly meetings to discuss progress, challenges, and successes
• Problem-Solving Discussions: Guide children through thinking about solutions to challenges
• Technology Integration: Use apps and digital tools to support communication and organization

Collaboration and Support

• Formal/educational Support Plans: Create and implement individualized educational accommodations
• Teacher Collaboration: Maintain regular communication with teachers about strategies and progress
• Multidisciplinary Team: Coordinate with counselors, psychologists, and medical professionals
• Peer Support: Facilitate connections with other children who understand ADHD challenges
• Extracurricular Activities: Find activities that match interests and build social skills

Promoting Self-Esteem and Resilience

• Academic Accommodations: Ensure appropriate supports are in place for learning success
• Talent Development: Nurture areas of strength through lessons, clubs, or special programs
• Social Skills Training: Practice conversation skills, conflict resolution, and friendship building
• Coping Strategy Toolkit: Teach stress management, deep breathing, and self-calming techniques
• Growth Mindset: Emphasize that challenges are opportunities to learn and improve

Understanding and Awareness

• Adult ADHD Recognition: Understand how ADHD presents differently in adulthood and academic/work settings
• Building Self-Advocacy Skills: Develop skills to communicate needs and request accommodations independently
• Career Alignment: Choose fields and roles that leverage ADHD strengths and manage challenges
• Relationship Education: Learn how ADHD affects personal and professional relationships
• Lifelong Learning: Stay updated on ADHD research and management strategies

Consistent Structure and Routine

• Homework Stations: Create dedicated, organized spaces for academic work with minimal distractions
• Time Management Tools: Introduce planners, calendars, and timers for assignments and activities
• Clear Expectations: Establish consistent rules and consequences across home and school
• Break Down Tasks: Divide larger assignments into smaller, manageable steps with checkpoints
• Scheduled Breaks: Include physical activity and mental breaks in daily routines
• Organization Systems: Teach filing, labeling, and maintaining organized backpacks and desks

Effective Communication

• Professional Communication: Master email etiquette, meeting participation, and workplace communication
• Academic Discourse: Develop skills for presentations, group projects, and scholarly discussions
• Relationship Communication: Practice clear, honest communication with partners, friends, and colleagues
• Technology Utilization: Leverage communication apps, reminder systems, and organizational tools
• Feedback Integration: Learn to receive and implement constructive criticism effectively

Collaboration and Support

• Disability Services: Access college disability services and workplace accommodation resources
• Professional Networks: Build relationships with mentors, colleagues, and industry contacts
• ADHD Communities: Participate in adult ADHD support groups and professional organizations
• Healthcare Team: Maintain relationships with therapists, psychiatrists, and other healthcare providers
• Academic Support: Utilize tutoring, study groups, and academic coaching services

Promoting Self-Esteem and Resilience

• Career Development: Pursue roles and opportunities that align with personal strengths and interests
• Skill Building: Continuously develop both ADHD management skills and professional competencies
• Stress Management: Explore advanced coping strategies for high-pressure academic and work situations
• Goal Setting: Set realistic short-term and long-term goals with measurable milestones
• Identity Integration: Develop a positive sense of self that incorporates ADHD as one aspect of identity
• Leadership Opportunities: Take on roles that utilize ADHD strengths like creativity and problem-solving

Transitions between life stages often bring new challenges, like fear and uncertainty. It’s important for parents, teachers, and close family and friends to pay attention during these times and put extra support strategies in place.

• Kindergarten to School: Focus on academic readiness and social skill development
• Elementary to Middle School: Emphasize independence and self-advocacy skills
• High School to College/Work: Develop adult-level self-management and support systems

Evolving Needs

• Early Years: Emphasis on basic structure, understanding, and skill building
• School Years: Focus on academic success, social development, and self-awareness
• Young Adulthood: Priority on independence, career development, and relationship skills
  Consistent Principles Across Ages
• Strength-Based Approach: Always build on individual talents and interests
• Individualized Support: Tailor strategies to specific needs and developmental stage
• Collaborative Care: Maintain coordinated support across all environments
• Gradual Independence: Systematically transfer responsibility from caregivers to the individual