Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) Test for Teens: A Parent’s Role in Supporting Their Child

10 Nov Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) Test for Teens: A Parent’s Role in Supporting Their Child

Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in teenagers can significantly impact their academic performance, social interactions, and emotional well-being. As a parent in Calgary, understanding how to navigate the ADHD assessment process and provide essential support for your teen is crucial. This guide will explore the ADHD assessment for teens, our approach to diagnosis and support, and your role as a parent in helping your child reach their full potential.

What Is Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and How Does It Affect Teens?

ADHD is a neurological disorder characterized by symptoms of inattention, impulsiveness,and difficulty focusing.  Adolescence can bring on it’s own set of developmental challenges, so here are some examples of typical teen behaviour compared to possible ADHD symptoms.

Patterns of Inattention

• Typical Teen Behavior: Teens often get distracted, especially by friends, social media, or new interests, and they may sometimes forget things due to a busy schedule.
• Possible ADHD: If your teen consistently struggles to focus on tasks, forgets assignments, or frequently loses things, this could point to ADHD. ADHD-related inattention often impacts school performance and requires regular reminders to complete tasks.

Impulsivity and Risky Behaviors

• Typical Teen Behavior: Teens may take occasional risks or make impulsive decisions as they explore independence.
• Possible ADHD: Impulsivity in ADHD tends to be more frequent and pronounced. They may interrupt others, act without thinking, or make quick decisions that lead to ongoing problems with friends, teachers, or family. Risk-taking could go beyond the norm, like frequent rule-breaking or disregarding consequences.

Hyperactivity and Restlessness

• Typical Teen Behavior: Teens can be restless or fidgety, especially when bored or during longer tasks.
• Possible ADHD: Hyperactivity in teens with ADHD may appear as excessive talking, fidgeting, or difficulty staying seated even when they need to. They might struggle to relax or always seem on the go, even in settings where calm behavior is expected.

Academic and Organizational Struggles

• Typical Teen Behavior: Teens might procrastinate or occasionally forget assignments due to a heavy workload or a busy social life.
• Possible ADHD: Teens with ADHD often face significant challenges with organization, time management, and planning. They might consistently turn in incomplete assignments, struggle with projects that require sustained attention, or find it hard to prioritize tasks.

Emotional Regulation Issues

• Typical Teen Behavior: Adolescents can be moody or irritable as they experience hormonal changes, changes in their brain development and learn to manage emotions.
• Possible ADHD: Emotional dysregulation in ADHD can lead to more frequent or intense outbursts, frustration, or sensitivity to criticism. They may seem quick to anger or experience mood swings that disrupt daily activities.

It is important to consider the duration and consistency of symptoms as well.  ADHD symptoms are present early in life, although they may be more noticeable as social and academic demands increase.  Symptoms of ADHD will also be consistent in multiple settings such as school, home and social interactions.

Teens with ADHD often feel discouraged or frustrated as they repeatedly struggle or receive negative feedback.  They may fall behind in school, experience more conflict in their relationships and experience low self-esteem.  With the right supports including proper diagnosis, tools and strategies, and neurodivergent-affirming therapy, teens with ADHD can be very successful.  Early diagnosis is essential for increasing confidence and managing their symptoms so they can reach their fullest potential.

Understanding the ADHD Assessment Process for Teens in Calgary

• The assessment process begins with a consultation between parents and the Psychologist.  In this session, the Psychologist will explore their concerns, develop a plan for the assessment, and discuss with the parents how the assessment will be completed, including any costs associated.  
• Our Psychologists at Still Waters Psychology have personal experience with ADHD diagnosis and can offer support in the form of neruodivergent-affirming therapy, parent coaching, and skill development for teens diagnosed with ADHD.  
• A Psychoeducational assessment includes a combination of a clinical interview, gathering history, self-report and parent/teacher questionnaires and academic testing.  

The Role of Ashley Shaw in ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment

• Ashley Shaw understands the struggles many of her clients face who are living with ADHD on a personal level.  As a woman diagnosed with ADHD herself and with a son who also has ADHD, much of her training and experience has been dedicated to helping other families navigate not only the diagnosis of ADHD but the ongoing treatment and supports that allow them to be successful and confident.
• Ashley Shaw has carefully selected Psychologists on her team who are understanding, empathetic, knowledgeable and passionate about supporting their clients.  Although ADHD is not a disorder that can be cured, they believe with the right supports individuals with ADHD can be brilliant, creative, entertaining, and successful individuals.  
• ADHD assessment is just the first step in supporting your teen.  Navigating the education system and advocating for your child can feel overwhelming, but the Still Waters Psychology team can provide ongoing support as you and your teen navigate these challenges together.

How Parents Can Support Their Teen During the ADD Testing Process

• Recognizing the Signs: A common hesitation parents have is that they do not want to label their child with a diagnosis.  While we are still working on helping others understand the ADHD brain, parents may not want their child to stand out from others.  The truth is, if your teen is struggling, they and others may already label them as lazy, messy, stupid, or a bad kid.  These labels are so much more harmful and extremely inaccurate.  Recognize the signs and help your child find their path to success as soon as possible.  
• Open Communication: Be empathetic, let your teen know your concerns.  Tell them you want them to have all the resources available to them for them to succeed.  An assessment will identify their specific learning strengths and needs so they can reach their full potential.
• Being Present: Teens with ADHD may have already received much negative feedback and criticism in their lifetime.  Your involvement in the assessment and treatment process shows them you want to understand them better and that you are willing to make your own changes to support them.  
• Emotional Support: Dr. Hallowell and Ratey, leaders in the field of ADHD, emphasize the importance of connection and community as a lifeline for those stigmatized or marginalized by their ADHD.  Parents can be a source of emotional safety, a place where they are known and appreciated for who they are.  Find common interests with your teen, talk with them about emotions and be available.  As a teen, they are trying to establish their independence and may spend more time away from you, but they will also still need your support.  

Next Steps After an ADD Diagnosis: Treatment and Ongoing Support

• There is no cure for ADHD, but symptoms can be managed well with a variety of different approaches.  Medication is just one form of treatment that is effective in managing symptoms of ADHD, but it is not the only treatment and is most effective when it is combined with other methods of treatment.  
• At Still Waters Psychology, our clinicians can help build skills to manage symptoms more effectively, identify tools to support skill deficits, make recommendations for environmental accommodations, work with parents to develop more effective parenting strategies and build a strong relationship with their teen, and provide emotional and mental health support for teens who have ADHD.  
• Ashley and her team at Still Waters Psychology can help you coordinate these supports all in one place and develop a plan to monitor progress throughout the treatment experience.  

Conclusion

Supporting your teen through the ADD diagnosis process can be challenging, but it’s a critical step toward helping them thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. With Ashley Shaw’s expertise and your active involvement, your child can receive the care they need to succeed. If you suspect your teen may have ADHD, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with Still Waters Psychology to start their journey toward better mental health.