Advice Needed for Getting ADHD Teenager Ready for College

Have you gotten any kind of professional counselling for her by a specialist dealing w/ADHD? If not, you need to do that ASAP. If you already have, they haven't done their job and you need to find somebody else. It's so important that they specialize in ADD. She needs some professional help/tools in helping her to become and remain somewhat organized. This is probably something she will never master, but should be able to limp along, doing just fine for the most part. (You do know disorganization is so extremely common for ADD/ADHD people??) In the meantime, you need to STOP holding her hand. How will she master this if you are her crutch? Until you get further help, my advice is to set up a system where SHE is responsible for her assignments, etc. Put her on a weekly progress report if necessary. She gets rewards for a job well done and consequences for not getting it done. It's amazing how they can and will adapt when it's important enough to them. Allow her 1-2 "slip-ups" per month where you'll help bale her out---bring an assignment to school, etc. After that, she's on her own. Stick to your guns. She will probably struggle quite a bit in the beginning, especially if you've been holding her hand. Hopefully, she'll improve somewhat quickly. Even with this, I'd still recommend appts. with a therapist. Oh---one more thing. Have her get the phone numbers of 1-2 kids in each of her classes to call when she's not sure what's what. Also, most teachers have their assignments posted on a web page. I'm wondering why she'd be puzzled??? Good luck!

Check with her college to see what special services are offered. Maybe online courses would be a way to start since everything required is located on the class webpage. As bad as it may be at first, if she messes up a class or too she'll learn a valuable life lesson.

Hi J.. You wrote me about my kindergarden son that has the speech delay. I appreciate your reply and willingness to help. My son has not been diagnosed with any disorder. He is doing good with his academics but is still behind with his speech. I'm not exactly sure what to do , however I really feel he would do good in a reg Ed kindergarden class. Let me know if you have any specific questions that can help.
C.

I have always had trouble with organization. I had to write things down or I would forget. I got overwhelmed after having two kids. The organizer and sticky notes were not enough. Now I keep everything on a large wall calendar. I started with a dry erase board but the upkeep on those is too much.(you can only display 4 weeks at a time and adding anything to the calendar brings the risk that you will smudge the writing that is already in place) I bought a simple desk top 12 month calendar and hung it up. (it comes with holes for nails)

What's good about the wall calendar is to put down her regular schedule of classes for the semester and any study groups and other regular things. In the morning, she can make a point of checking it while she has a bite to eat or while getting dressed.(put it close to the mirror or something.) At least that way the basics are covered and she frees her mind to hold on to events that are not fixed. (of course, it would be great if she were to write them down on the calendar, too but even if she didn't, her mind would be less cluttered)

Colleges usually have access to psychlogists training for therapy and accummulating client hours. I took advantage of this free therapy in college. Having a regular appointment ever week or 2 weeks will keep her from getting overwhelmed especially if she lets the therapist know right from the start that she has trouble with organization.

I hope this helps! -L.