A summary of the common behaviors, plus possible interventions, discussed in this chapter is provided, Most teenagers with ADD will have some but not all of these behaviors. More information on particular behaviors and interventions can be found on the pages noted below. As you become more familiar with using these strategies, you will find that you can often use them to handle more than one problem situation.

CHALLENGING BEHAVIORS POSSIBLE INTERVENTIONS

• Seek independence and freedom Encourage independence
• Trust until proven not trustworthy
• Be observant of activities & friends
• Consider compromise
• Set up win – win situations
• Offer an attractive alternative
• Disobey/Conflict with Adults State rules clearly
• Involve in developing rules
• Write down rules/post them
• Act younger Adjust expectations
• Ask his help in solving problems
• Teach desired behavior
• Impose consequence if necessary
• Act impulsive Anticipate problems
• Avoid tempting teenager
• Consider medication
• Difficulty paying attention/don’t see to listen Make eye contact/use touch
• Keep instructions brief and simple
• Avoid preaching
• Write instructions down
• Accept his listening style
• Forgetful/Don’t do chores make a written list
• Use post-it notes
• Help get started/show how to do
• Ask his help
• Disorganized/loses things/messy room Put name on possessions
• Purchase less expensive things
• Assist in being organized
• Serve as a coach
• List steps for clean room
• Help clean room/garage
• Close door to messy room
• Lack of awareness of time/they’re late Use wrist watch alarm
• Rent or buy a beeper
• Teach awareness of time
• Difficulty planning ahead Teach planning
• Teach time management
• Difficult to discipline Use positive reinforcement
• Use logical consequences
• Reward or punish immediately
• Be consistent
• Create new consequences/rewards
• Use behavioral charts
• Use rewards/may include money
• Try “Grandma’s Rule”
• Avoid power struggles
• Redirect interest
• Give second and third chances
• Low frustration tolerance/irritable/emotional Listen/be supportive
• Use active listening
• Teach problems solving skills
• Teach anger control
• Argue/talk back Ignore minor infractions
• Walk away for conflict
• Give space and time to cool off
• Impose a consequence
• Adjust medication
• Don’t accept responsibility for actions Deal with problem behavior
• Dishonest if you know answer, don’t ask
• Eliminate some punishment
• Develop plan to deal with problem
• Impose consequence
• Difficulty with family events Keep outings simple/reduce demands
• Keep outing brief
• Look for creative solutions
• Medication may help
• Difficulty participating in sports plays large muscles sports
• Play an active position
• Consider medication
• Restless/easily bored get involved in activities and sports
• Plan interesting family outings
• Encourage hobbies & interests
• Make special plans for Holiday
• Seek material possessions Allow to earn money
• Plan for Holidays or birthdays
• Purchase fewer, less expensive gifts
• Express gratitude
• Self-centered Remind of special occasions
• Invite to shop with you
• Encourage doing things for others
• Break things or have accidents Handle accidents philosophically
• Treat, as would an adult
• Discuss physical strength
• Put expensive possessions away
• Daring/have accidents/climb the unclimbable
• Do harrowing stunts/breaks bones Encourage safe stimulating activities
• Monitor level of danger
• Provide supervision
• Negotiate compromise
• Ask others for help
• Sleep disturbances/can’t fall asleep Establish reasonable bedtime
• Prompt to get ready for bed
• Establish bedtime routine
• Don’t start projects after set time
• Consider compromise during crisis
• Encourage exercise
• Consider medication/conference with Doctor
• Can’t wake up Buy alarm Clock
• Connect lights and TV to timer
• Try positive incentives
• Consider compromise during crisis
• Encourage exercise
• Consider medication as last resort
• Look for other causes
• Difficult morning routine Allow enough time
• Get things ready the night before
• Give meds immediately
• Use logical consequences;
• Walk to school
• Leave on time or dress in car
• Give a 10-minute warning
• Take away driving privilege
• Birds of a feather, flock together Refer friends for treatment
• Approach other parents with tact
• Tell of treatment benefits
• Encourage other friendships
• Attention Deficit Disorder/Impulsive/Without Hyperactivity
• Lethargy/apathy Encourage physical activity
• Consult physical
• Get physical exam
• Check for depression/meds if needed
• Absent-minded / spacey See suggestions re: organization
• Anticipate problems/make adjustments
• Medication may help
• Slow Processing Make adaptations
• Have suggestions for schools
• Attention Deficit Disorder/Hyperactivity
• Attention seeker Give opportunities to be center stage
• Participate in activities allowing recognition
• Discuss inappropriate attention
• Ignore some behaviors
• Intrusive Set boundaries
• Identify parent’s & siblings space
• Impose consequences
• Teach to wait
• Difficulty relating to others invites his friends on outings
• Provide tips on relating to friends
• Wait for teachable moment
• Coach his team
• Medication may help
• Encourage having friends in addition to girlfriends