Teaching ADHD Teens
Teaching teenagers comes with its difficulties and challenges. When teens have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, it can be especially difficult for parents and teachers to connect with these students. However, with dedication and a set plan, parents and educators can get through to ADHD teens and successfully help them and teach them.
What is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a behavior disorder that affects about ten percent of school age children and adolescents. It is usually diagnosed in early childhood; however, it may be diagnosed later down the road when the individual is in their teenage years. Individuals with ADHD struggle daily with hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity problems. These behaviors don’t just come and go; they actually have the ability to intrude on the teen’s life and have a considerable impact on their day-to-day activities. Some of the common behaviors that stem from ADHD include:
Insomnia
Irritability
Aggression
Little or no attention span
Defiant behavior towards adults and/or authority
How can parents help?
Education is power, so the more a parent is educated on ADHD and its effects, the more empowered they can be in helping and teaching their teen with ADHD. It is important that teens with ADHD get all of the extra help and support that they can when going through their academic endeavors. Unfortunately, teens with ADHD all too often fall behind in their class work and studies, so it is vital that parents work, study, and tutor their teens. Along with the teacher, parents have the responsibility to help their student to stay on grade level. Parents should set aside daily time to go over the teen’s homework and studies to make sure the teen is on track and to also show that they are invested in their teen’s education. Parents would be amazed what just one hour a day teaching and helping their ADHD teen could do.
How can teachers help?
Teachers have a large responsibility when it comes to teaching ADHD teens. Because these teens need extra help and support from the teacher, the teacher will have to have a plan and make certain accommodations for the ADHD teen. Fortunately, teachers usually have great support systems that are available to help, such as the special education teacher and math and/or reading specialists. Many teachers find that one-on-one teaching with these students can greatly help them learn and understand different concepts much more than whole-group learning can. This is where the extra help from the special education teacher and other specialists comes in.
Teachers must also have a behavior modification plan set in place for the ADHD teens. This is a plan that basically awards good behaviors and encourages and motivates teens to better themselves and improve their educational performance on a daily basis. Teachers must also have support and cooperation from parents. When parents and teachers collaborate and help one another, it can greatly benefit the ADHD teen. With a firm commitment, teachers can successfully teach ADHD students.
