The inability for your adolescent to execute simple, everyday tasks that you or teachers ask of them may be signs that your child needs help.  They may be displaying symptoms of ADHD (Attention Deficit with Hyperactivity Disorder).  It is estimated that greater than 12% of school age children have ADHD.

The three main symptoms of ADHD are inability to remain focused (inattention), difficulty sitting still through simple tasks, class, church service (hyperactivity) and (impulsivity)  acting without thinking it through or thinking about consequences.  They may have one, two, or all three of these symptoms.

Some adolescents have difficulty paying attention to details, completing assignments, keeping up with belongings, homework, etc.  They may turn in work that is only partially completed without even realizing it.  It is not that they are deliberately omitting their work or not paying attention—-they simply can’t remember to do those things that they are not interested in.

Signs they may exhibit include any of the following:

• Disorganization
• Easily Distracted
• Inability to sit still or fidgeting, constant movement of feet or tapping on tables with hands, etc.
• Forgetfulness—failure to remember assignments—where they put notebooks, etc.
• Starting projects with inability to complete most or loss of interest once they have begun a project
• Excessive talking or interrupting other’s conversations
• Difficulty waiting for others to complete and take their turn. They may cut in line, cut people off
• Difficulty managing their anger—-frequent outbursts of anger

Any of these symptoms will be reoccurring on a consistent basis, not just on occasion.

Between 40 to 60% of those with ADHD will also show signs of ODD (Oppositional Defiance Disorder).  We must realize that those with ADHD are not deliberately choosing to do these things on purpose.  They try to do the right thing, only to find it very difficult.  They will easily become frustrated and easily give up.

For this reason, many will also be more likely to have learning disabilities, depression, and anxiety disorders that may need treatment as well.  Addressing the ADHD appropriately can help to resolve the other problems that are a bi-product of the ADHD.

Although complex and sometimes difficult to accurately diagnose, options are available to keep ADHD under control.

At Wolf Creek Academy, we address all of the issues related to ADHD.  Adolescents and families are surprised at how quickly they can all learn to effectively manage their symptoms and find a level of control over their problems resulting from their ADHD. Relationships may be easily restored between parent and child as they will learn more about ways to address the ADHD.