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.

ContentsChapter One: Introduction: Same Old ADHD, Brand-New Teenage ChallengesFive Key Skills for ParentsThe Faces Behind the PagesHow to Use This BookChapter 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 FutureChapter 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 MedicationChapter 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 TogetherChapter 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 PartnerChapter 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 RoadChapter 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 HabitsChapter 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 AdulthoodGlossaryResources for Parents and TeensBooks for ADHD Professionals