If Your Adolescent Has ADHD

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.

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.

Contents
Chapter One: Introduction: Same Old ADHD, Brand-New Teenage ChallengesFive Key Skills for ParentsThe Faces Behind the PagesHow to Use This Book
Chapter Two: ADHD from A to Z: Essential Facts You Need to KnowSnapshots of Teen ADHDADHD or Just Being a Teenager?From Hyper Child to Spacey TeenRising Rates and Diagnostic DebatesGetting an Accurate DiagnosisThe Comorbidity Double WhammyADHD Causes and Risk FactorsThe Perils of Letting Go Too SoonStaying Involved and Promoting Well-BeingLooking Ahead to a Hopeful Future
Chapter Three: Finding the Best Treatment for Your Teen: Behavioral ApproachesBehavioral Therapy for ADHDBehavioral Strategies with Proven BenefitsABCs of Changing a Problem BehaviorPros and Cons of Behavioral ApproachesFinding a Qualified TherapistTeaming Up with Your Teen's TherapistOther Potentially Promising StrategiesCombining Therapy and Medication
Chapter Four: Finding the Best Treatment for Your Teen: ADHD MedicationsStimulant Medications for ADHDNon-stimulant Medications for ADHDChoosing a Treatment StrategyTeaming Up with Your Teen's DoctorWhen Your Teen Rejects MedicationHeading Off Drug Abuse and DiversionADHD Treatment: Putting It All Together
Chapter Five: Your Teen at Home: Building Strong Bonds and Positive Behavior PatternsBeing an Authoritative (Not Authoritarian) ParentBolstering Communication SkillsCollaborating on Solving ProblemsManaging Consequences to Shape BehaviorTeaming Up with Your TeenRebuilding a Damaged RelationshipParenting with Your Partner
Chapter Six: Your Teen in the Community: Fostering Friendships and Safe ChoicesPeer Neglect, Rejection and BullyingSupporting Healthy Peer RelationshipsPromoting Smart Choices, Preventing Health RisksHelping Your Teen Find Success in Sports and ClubsTeaming Up with Coaches and Group LeadersDriving with ADHD: A Unique ChallengeKeeping Your Teen Driver Safe on the Road
Chapter Seven: Your Teen at School: Promoting Smart Learning and Study StrategiesTeacher Strategies that Support Academic SuccessThe Power of a Good Student-Teacher RelationshipUnderstanding Accommodations, 504 Plans and IEPsClassroom Accommodations for Students with ADHDSchool-Based Interventions: Mentoring ProgramsTeaming Up with Your Teen's TeachersFostering Good Homework and Study Habits
Chapter Eight: Transition to Adulthood: Supporting Independence, Staying InvolvedMaking Choices About Higher EducationAccommodations and Support Services in CollegeDealing with ADHD in the WorkplaceWhen Your Child Moves Away from HomeRevisiting Medication as a Treatment for ADHDThe Road from Adolescence to Adulthood
GlossaryResources for Parents and TeensBooks for ADHD Professionals