If Your Adolescent Has ADHD: An Essential Resource for Parents

Published as part of an initiative developed by the Annenberg Public Policy Center to spread awareness about adolescent mental health issues, this volume from Power (director, Center for Management of ADHD, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia; coauthor, ADHD Rating Scale-5 for Children and Adolescents) and Andrews (If Your Adolescent Has Depression or Bipolar Disorder) addresses new challenges teens face in academics and social relationships created by ADHD, providing information on symptoms, diagnosis, behavioral modification, and the pros and cons of therapy and medication. The second half of the book assists with the struggles of enforcing curfews, promoting healthy sleep habits, being involved without being intrusive, helping your teen deal with peer pressure, and minimizing some of the possible risks involved for teen drivers with ADHD. Difficulties in the classroom are also addressed, with the authors offering advice for managing homework and study time, as well as working with teachers to form a written educational plan. Since half of students diagnosed with ADHD meet the criteria as young adults, the final portion of the book explores choosing the right college, finding classroom accommodations, and familiarity with the workforce.